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 panel's 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 State has three CRPs. The following provides more information on each CRP.
The Children, Youth, and Families Statewide Citizen Review 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 well-being of children and strengthening families.
Panel Membership
The Children, Youth, and Families Statewide CRP accepts applications year-round. The panel reviews applications for membership in July and January of each year.
Panel members are recruited from the community and are individuals with either a professional or personal understanding of DCYF or another child welfare agency. Panel members shall have some understanding or expertise in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
Panel membership is voluntary and expected to represent the diversity of the state and the communities served by DCYF. Panel members who are identified as Lived Experts may meet the criteria to receive a stipend for their participation. Panel members agree to an initial 2-year term with an option to renew membership at the end of the term.
If you are interested in serving on the Children, Youth, and Families Statewide CRP or have questions about service on the panel, email Amy Bustamante for more information.
Meetings
Meetings are held via Zoom and in-person. If you are interested in joining an upcoming meeting, email the CAPTA Grant Program Manager, Amy Bustamante, at Amy.Bustmante@dcyf.wa.gov or 360-791-5894 with the meeting date you would like to attend.
2024
Jan. 16, 2024 – 9 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 13, 2024 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
March 12, 2024 - 9 to 11 a.m.
Apr. 9, 2024 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
May 14, 2024 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Jun. 11, 2024 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
2023
Sept. 26, 2023 – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Oct. 2-3, 2023 – Fall In-Person Meeting
Nov. 14, 2023 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 12, 2023 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Reports and Recommendations
Children, Youth, and Families Statewide CRP Operating Documents
The Racial Equity and Impact Citizen Review 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 in the child welfare system and those with lived experience. The panel meets on the first Monday of each month 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 well-being of children and families.
Panel Membership
The Racial Equity and Impact Citizen Review Panel accepts applications year-round. The panel will review new applicants, and membership is confirmed with a simple majority vote by current active panel members.
Panel members are community members who have a professional or personal understanding of DCYF and/or another child welfare agency. Panel members shall have some understanding or expertise in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
Panel membership is voluntary and expected to represent the diversity of the state and the communities served by DCYF. Panel members who are identified as Lived Experts may meet the criteria to receive a stipend for their participation. Panel members agree to an initial 2-year term with an option to renew membership at the end of the term. No panel member is eligible to serve more than four consecutive years on the Racial Equity and Impact CRP.
If you are interested in serving on the Racial Equity and Impact CRP or have questions about service on the panel, email Amy Bustamante for more information.
Meetings
Meetings are held via Zoom and in-person. If you are interested in joining an upcoming meeting, contact the CAPTA Grant Program Manager, Amy Bustamante, at Amy.Bustmante@dcyf.wa.gov or 360-791-5894 with the meeting date you would like to attend.
2024
Jan. 3, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Feb. 5, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
March 11, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Apr. 1, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
May 6, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Jun. 3, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
2023
Oct. 2-3, 2023– Fall In-Person Meeting
Nov. 6, 2023 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Dec. 4, 2023 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Racial Equity and Impact CRP Operating Documents
The Prevention, Investigation, and Family Services Citizen Review 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 policies and procedures related to preventative services and investigations. This panel is committed to improving preventative services and investigation outcomes to increase the safety and well-being of children and families.
Panel Membership
The Prevention, Investigation, and Family Services CRP accepts applications year-round. The panel will review new applicants, and membership is confirmed with a simple majority vote by current active panel members.
Panel members are recruited from the community and are individuals with either a professional or personal understanding of DCYF or another child welfare agency. Panel members shall have some understanding or expertise in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
Panel membership is voluntary and expected to represent the diversity of the state and the communities served by DCYF. Panel members identified as Lived Experts may meet the criteria to receive a stipend for their participation. Panel members agree to an initial 2-year term with an option to renew membership at the end of the term.
If you are interested in serving on the Prevention, Investigation, and Family Services CRP or have questions about service on the panel, email Amy Bustamante for more information.
Meetings
Meetings are held via Zoom and in-person. If you are interested in joining an upcoming meeting, contact the CAPTA Grant Program Manager, Amy Bustamante, at Amy.Bustmante@dcyf.wa.gov or 360-791-5894 with the meeting date you want to attend.
2024
Jan. 18, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Feb. 15, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Mar. 21, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Apr. 18, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
May 16, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Jun. 20, 2024 – 3 to 5 p.m.
2023
Oct. 2-3, 2023 – Fall In-Person Meeting
Nov. 9, 2023 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Dec. 14, 2023 – 3 to 5 p.m.
Prevention, Investigation, and Family Services CRP Operating Documents
2022 CAPTA Report (on 2021 activities)
Resources
2.2 CAPTA, Citizen Review Panels