Applies To: This policy applies to child welfare (CW) and Licensing Division (LD) Child Protective Services (CPS) employees.
Policy Number & Title: 2310. Child Protective Services (CPS) Contact with Children and Youth
Effective Date: June 5, 2026
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the requirements when making initial face-to-face (IFF) contacts and interviewing victims or identified children and youth.
Authority
42 USC § 67 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform
Chapter 26.44 Abuse of children
WAC 110-30-0070 CPS responses to reports of alleged abuse or neglect of children and youth.
Policy
DCYF is required to:
- Meet with the alleged victims or identified children or youth in-person for an IFF and assess for present danger within the following timeframes once intakes are received:
- Twenty-four hours for emergent responses.
- Seventy-two hours for non-emergent responses.
- Comply with county protocols on coordinating interviews of children or youth who have allegedly been physically or sexually abused, including audio recording interviews.
Resources
Child Protective Services Contact with Children and Youth 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
