News & Announcements

In 2026, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation ending the state law that governs Washington’s Community Protection program. The law will end Dec. 31, 2026, but services for people currently in the program will not end at that time.

People in the Community Protection program are also enrolled in the Community Protection waiver. The waiver will remain in place while people transition to other Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) waivers or services. These transitions will happen over time, and the earliest the Community Protection waiver could end is September 2027, after federal approval.

After the state law ends, people will continue receiving their current services, working with the same case manager and participating in quarterly meetings about their services and supports. People who meet their goals may also continue to graduate from the program.

DDA is preparing for the transition through work groups focused on policy and rule changes, waiver updates, training, technology, contracts and changes to behavior support plans. The goal is to make sure needed systems and supports are in place before people transition from the Community Protection waiver.

More information will be shared as this work moves forward. Check back for monthly updates from DDA about the transition, upcoming changes and what they mean for people receiving Community Protection services.

August 2026 Update: Read the full Community Protection Waiver transition update from DDA.