4518. Substance Use Disorder Testing, Assessment, and Treatment

Applies To:  This policy applies to Division of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) caseworkers.

Policy Number & Title:  4518. Substance Use Disorder Testing, Assessment, and Treatment 

Effective Date:  January 30, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for substance use disorder (SUD) testing, assessment, and treatment for parents or guardians and children or youth.

Authority 

45 CFR §1355-20 Definitions
PL 115-123  Family First Prevention Services Act
Chapter 13.32A RCW  Family Reconciliation Act   
Chapter 13.34 RCW  Juvenile Court Act-Dependency And Termination Of Parent-Child Relationship
RCW 26.44.100  Information about right-Legislative purpose-Notification of investigation, report, and findings
RCW 26.44.170  Alleged child abuse or neglect-Use of alcohol or controlled substances as contributing factor-Evaluation
RCW 26.44.195  Negligent treatment or maltreatment-Offer of services-Evidence of substance abuse-In-home services-Initiation of dependency proceedings
RCW 71.12.670 Licensing, operation, inspection-Adoption of rules

Policy

CW employees must:

  1. Determine if substance use is a contributing factor to abuse or neglect of children or youth or impacts their safety throughout the life of a case including giving great weight to:
    1. Evidence of the parent’s or guardian’s substance use as a contributing factor to their failure to provide for their children's and youth’s health, safety, and well-being.
    2. The presence or use of high potency synthetic opioids around children or youth.
  2. Prioritize children’s and youth’s safety while making efforts to prevent unnecessary family separation when substance use is or may be a concern.
  3. Assess whether children or youth have been exposed to potentially harmful substances.
  4. Test children or youth for substances when a health care provider recommends testing.
  5. Refer children or youth to their health plan for care coordination when substance use is identified as a concern for them.
  6. Provide parents or guardians:
    1. Urinalysis testing for substances, per the DCYF Drug & Alcohol Testing CDT and Cordant Drug & Alcohol Testing Guides, when testing is needed
    2. Hair follicle testing when approval has been obtained by the statewide SUD program manager or designee.
  7. Refer parents or guardians to the following services, if substance use is identified as a concern and services may be needed:
    1. SUD evaluation and treatment services.
    2. One or more of the following evidence-based practices:
    3. Parenting skills training.
    4. Parent’s or guardian’s substance use education.
    5. Individual and family counseling with a focus on principles of a trauma-informed approach and trauma-specific interventions.
  8. Use DCYF-funding for SUD services when all other payment resources have been exhausted.  
  9. Complete the following if using naloxone to reverse an overdose during a client-related activity:
    1. Report the use to the regional SUD lead or the statewide SUD program manager or designee.
    2. Complete an incident report, per the Administrative Incident Reporting policy. 

Resources 

Administrative Incident Reporting policy
CDT Drug & Alcohol Testing Guide (located on the Client Services DCYF intranet page) 
Cordant Drug & Alcohol Testing Guide (located on the Client Services DCYF intranet page) 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Substance Use Procedures (located on the Child Welfare intranet page)
Washington State Health Care Authority-Substance Use Treatment

Original Date:  July 1, 1997

Revised Date:  January 30, 2026

Review Date:  January 31, 2030

Approved by:  Vickie Ybarra, Assistant Secretary of Partnership, Prevention, and Services