The Washington Declaration of Shelter Care Placement Notification (also known as the ESPN) is a legal document issued by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSS) that requires any group or agency providing care to a minor child to notify DSS of the child's placement in a shelter. The ESPN applies to any placement of a child in a licensed shelter, emergency shelter, or transitional housing arrangement, and is used to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The ESPN includes information about the child's placement, including the name and age of the child, the name of the shelter or housing arrangement, the name of the responsible party, the contact information for the responsible party, the child's anticipated length of stay, and the services and supports that are being provided. It also contains information about the child's guardianship or legal status, as well as any health concerns or special needs. The ESPN is divided into three different types: the Emergency Shelter Placement Notification, the Transitional Housing Placement Notification, and the Transfer of Care Placement Notification. The Emergency Shelter Placement Notification is used when a child is placed in an emergency shelter, while the Transitional Housing Placement Notification is used when a child is placed in a transitional housing arrangement. The Transfer of Care Placement Notification is used when a child is transferred from one shelter or housing arrangement to another.