ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
Working Together to Strengthen Adult Family Home Care in Washington
A Professional, Nonpartisan Voice for Providers
The Washington Association of Adult Family Home Providers (WAFHA) believes that thoughtful public policy, professional collaboration, and open communication are essential to building a stronger long-term care system.
We advocate for policies that support Adult Family Home providers while promoting safe, high-quality, person-centered care for the residents and families we proudly serve.
Our approach is professional, respectful, evidence-informed, and nonpartisan.
The most effective advocacy begins with listening.
We believe in understanding and working together to develop practical solutions.
Our Advocacy Philosophy
At WAFHA, advocacy is about more than legislation. It is about building relationships. We work collaboratively with:
- Adult Family Home providers
- State agencies
- Members of the Washington State Legislature
- Healthcare organizations
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Community organizations
- Consumer advocates
- Business partners
- Residents and families
Together, we can strengthen Washington’s long-term care system for everyone.
Our Priorities
WAFHA supports policies that help:
Strengthen the Adult Family Home Workforce
Encourage workforce recruitment, retention, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
Improve Quality of Care
Promote education, innovation, quality improvement, and evidence-informed practices that benefit residents.
Support Provider Success
Encourage policies that recognize the operational realities faced by Adult Family Home providers while maintaining high standards of care.
Advance Professional Education
Support access to meaningful continuing education, leadership development, and workforce training.
Promote Regulatory Excellence
Encourage clear communication, consistent regulatory processes, and collaborative problem-solving between providers and state agencies.
Foster Innovation
Support responsible innovation that improves resident care, enhances efficiency, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of Adult Family Homes.
How We Advocate
WAFHA represents its members through a consistent, professional approach to public policy engagement.
- Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments
- Providing educational updates on proposed policy changes
- Sharing evidence-informed information and analysis
- Participating in stakeholder meetings and public discussions
- Building constructive relationships with elected officials and public agencies
- Encouraging member engagement in the public policy process
- Promoting respectful dialogue among diverse stakeholders
A Collaborative Approach
We believe lasting progress is achieved through partnership rather than confrontation. WAFHA is committed to:
- Listening before advocating.
- Seeking common ground.
- Respecting different perspectives.
- Focusing on practical solutions.
- Maintaining professionalism in every interaction.
Our goal is to help create policies that strengthen providers while protecting the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of residents.
Keeping Members Informed
Advocacy begins with information. Members will receive timely updates regarding:
- Legislative developments
- Regulatory changes
- Educational opportunities
- Public policy discussions
- Important state agency announcements
- Opportunities for member engagement
Our goal is to help providers stay informed and prepared in an evolving healthcare environment.
Advocacy Resources
As WAFHA grows, this section will include:
Legislative Summaries
Regulatory Updates
Position Statements
Public Policy Reports
Educational Webinars
Advocacy Toolkits
Frequently Asked Questions
These resources are designed to help members understand important issues and participate thoughtfully in the public policy process.
Our Commitment
Every advocacy effort undertaken by WAFHA will be guided by four principles:
Integrity
We communicate honestly and responsibly.
Respect
We value collaboration and constructive dialogue.
Evidence
We support thoughtful decision-making informed by reliable information and practical experience.
Service
We advocate in ways that strengthen providers, improve resident care, and support the public interest.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Strong public policy begins with informed voices. When providers, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, residents, families, and community partners work together, we create stronger Adult Family Homes and healthier communities.
WAFHA is committed to being a trusted partner in that work.