DCYF-Reviewable Critical Incidents
DCYF is limited by statute (RCW 74.13.640) to reviewing only those child fatalities and near fatalities that are maltreatment-related and where there was prior DCYF involvement within the 12 months preceding the incident.
For example, DCYF would not review a case if the family had no child welfare history in the past year, even if a critical incident occurred.
Formal reports are required for fatalities that fit the above requirements and are posted to this page.
Critical Incident Data and Briefings
Executive Child Fatality Reviews
Fatality reviews are typically conducted two to three months following a critical incident. This timeframe allows for the receipt of autopsy or medical examiner records, coordination of participant schedules, and consideration of the current volume of reviews being managed by a limited number of facilitators.
Each report undergoes a thorough review process, which includes review and input from the assigned supervisor, Assistant Attorney General (AAG), committee members, Administrator, and Director. Once finalized, the report is submitted to the DCYF Office of Public Affairs for redaction and publication.
Quarterly Child Fatality Reports to the Legislature
Archived Reports
Region 3 Snohomish County (2010) (1 Mb) - identifying information of the children involved has been redacted as the fatalities were not the result of abuse or neglect
Robinson, Justice & Raiden (2005)