Applies to: This policy applies to Child Welfare Division employees.
Policy Number & Title: 6500. Photographing
Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on photographing a child’s or youth’s physical condition or environment either when:
- Responding to allegations of abuse or neglect of children and youth.
- They are in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ (DCYF) placement care and authority.
Authority
RCW 13.50.010 Definitions-Conditions when filing petition or information-Duties to maintain accurate records and access-Confidential child welfare records
RCW 26.44.050 Abuse or neglect of child - Duty of law enforcement agency or department of social and health services-Taking child into custody without court order, when
RCW 26.44.185 Investigation of child sexual abuse-Revision and expansion of protocols-Child fatality, child physical abuse, and criminal child neglect cases
WAC 110-30-0070 CPS responses to reports of alleged abuse or neglect of children and youth
Policy
DCYF is required to take photographs when responding to abuse or neglect to document children’s or youth’s physical condition, if necessary.
Resources
Photographing Procedures (located on child welfare intranet)
Original Date: September 16, 1995
Revised Date: September 1, 2026
Review Date: September 30, 2030
Approved by: Renata Rhodes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Division
