Licensed Child Care
Child fatality reviews of child care-related fatalities are conducted, as required by RCW 43.216.650, when a child death occurs in an early learning program such as a licensed child care center or a licensed family home child care. The purpose of the fatality review is to develop recommendations to the department and legislature regarding changes in licensing requirements, practice, or policy to prevent fatalities and strengthen safety and health protections for children in child care settings.
Go to the Licensed Child Care Reviews & Reports Information
Child Welfare
Child fatality reviews of child welfare cases are conducted, as required by RCW 74.13.640, in cases where the fatality of a child is suspected to be caused by abuse or neglect of any minor in care of the department or received services from the department within one year preceding the child’s death. A child fatality review’s purpose is to evaluate the Department’s delivery of services to the family, as well as the system response to the identified needs of the family. This review of the Department’s services and community response to concerns about child abuse and neglect issues helps to identify areas for increased education and training, as well as potential policy or legislative changes.