2331. Child Protective Services

Applies To:  This policy applies to Child Welfare Division employees.

Policy Number & Title:  2331. Child Protective Services 

Effective Date:  June 5, 2026

Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on conducting investigations and family assessment responses (FAR) on screened-in allegations of abuse or neglect or when children or youth are believed to be at imminent risk of harm.

Authority 

RCW 26.44 Chapter Abuse of Children
RCW 74.13.031 Duties of department, Child welfare services-Children's services advisory committee.
Chapter 110-30 WAC Child Protective Services
 

Policy 

DCYF is required to: 

  1. Respond to screened-in allegations of abuse and neglect with either:
    1. An investigation and: 
      1. Inform the subjects of the allegations of abuse and neglect against them and their rights at the earliest possible contact, except when children's or youth's safety may be at imminent risk.
      2. Complete the investigation within 60 calendar days, unless an exception applies. 
    2. A FAR and: 
      1. Inform the FAR participants of the allegations of the abuse and neglect against them and information about the FAR pathway at the initial contact, except when children's or youth's safety may be at imminent risk.
      2. Complete the assessment within 45 calendar days, unless an exception applies. 
  2. Notify law enforcement after a report is received:
    1. Within 24 hours for emergent reports when there is information:
      1. A crime has been committed against children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
      2. The children's or youth's welfare is at imminent risk.
    2. Within 72 hours for non-emergent reports.

Resources

Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation procedures (located on the Child Welfare intranet page in Policies & Procedures)

Original Date:  September 27, 1995

Revised Date:  June 5, 2026

Review Date:  June 30, 2030

Approved by:  Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Division