3.50.10 Licensing Division Child Protective Services Investigations

Applies To: This policy applies to Licensing Division (LD) Child Protective Services (CPS) employees.

Policy Number & Title: 3.50.10 Licensing Division Child Protective Services Investigations

Effective Date: June 5, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for conducting LD CPS investigations on allegations of abuse or neglect of children, youth, or young people. 

Authority

RCW 26.44 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 allegations of abuse and neglect with an LD CPS 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 the children's or youth's safety may be at imminent risk.
    2. Complete the investigation within 45 calendar days, unless an exception applies. 
  2. Notify law enforcement:
    1. Within 24 hours for emergent cases 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

Licensing Division Child Protective Services procedures (located on the Policy and Rules Office SharePoint in DCYF Procedures) 

Original Date: September 27, 1995

Revised Date: June 5, 2026

Review Date: June 30, 2030

Approved by: Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division