Washington State Citizen Review Panel program was established in 1999 in response to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requiring states to develop and establish Citizen Review Panels. The Panels' purpose is to provide new opportunities for citizens to play an integral role in reviewing whether the state is meeting its goals of protecting children from abuse and neglect.
Citizen Review Panels' participants are members of the community who volunteer their time and energy to improve the lives of Washington's children. These volunteers bring a valuable array of perspectives, experiences, and expertise.
Washington has three Citizen Review Panels:
Child, Youth, and Families Statewide Citizen Review PanelThis panel is made up of volunteer representatives with expert knowledge and experience in child welfare. These individuals include those with professional experience and with lived experience. The panel meets on the second Tuesday of each month and assists DCYF in developing and delivering policies and services to increase the safety, permanency, and wellbeing of children and strengthening families.
Prevention, Investigation, and Voluntary Services Citizen Review Panel
This panel is made up of volunteer representatives with expert knowledge and experience in preventative services and investigative techniques related to child abuse and neglect. These individuals include those with professional experience and with lived experience. The panel meets a minimum of four times a year and assists DCYF by evaluating polices and procedures related to preventative services and investigations. This panel is committed to improving preventative services and investigation outcomes to increase the safety and wellbeing of children and families.
Race, Equity, and Inclusion Citizen Review Panel
This panel is made up of volunteer representatives with expert knowledge and experience of the child welfare system. This panel addresses how race, equity, and inclusion impact the child welfare system and those it serves. The panel members include professionals with experience of the child welfare system and those with lived experience. The panel meets a minimum of four times a year and assists DCYF by evaluating policies and procedures through a race equity lens. This panel is committed to addressing racial and inclusion inequities on a systemic level to improve the safety and wellbeing of children and families.