2332. Child Protective Services Family Assessment Response

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare (CW) employees.

Policy Number & Title:  2332. Child Protective Services Family Assessment Response

Effective Date:  June 9, 2022


Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on completing a Child Protective Services (CPS) Family Assessment Response (FAR). FAR is a CPS alternative response to a screened-in allegation of abuse or neglect. FAR focuses on children and youth safety along with the integrity and preservation of families when lower risk allegations of maltreatment have been screened-in for intervention.

Authority 

Chapter 26.33 RCW  Adoption.
RCW 26.44.010  Declaration or Purpose
RCW 26.44.020  Definitions
RCW 26.44.030  Reports, Duty and Authority, Duty of Receiving Agency, Duty to Notify, Case Planning and Consultation, Penalty for Unauthorized Exchange of Information, Filing Dependency Petitions, Investigations, Interviews of Children, Records, and Risk Assessment Process
RCW 26.44.031  Records, Maintenance and Disclosure, Destruction of Screened-Out, Unfounded, or Inconclusive Reports, Rules and Proceedings for Enforcement
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 26.44.260  Family Assessment Response
RCW 26.44.270  Family Assessment and Recommendation of Services
RCW 26.44.272  Family Assessment, Assessment for Child Safety and Well-being, Referral to Preschool, Child Care, or Early Learning Programs and Communicating with and Assisting Families
RCW 74.13.020  Definitions
RCW 74.13.031  Duties of Department, Child Welfare Services and Children's Services Advisory Committee

Policy 

  1. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) must:
    1. Assess families in response to screened-in allegations of abuse or neglect and evaluate the safety of children and youth to determine if services are needed for the family to improve or restore family well-being.
    2. Contact law enforcement if there is information about a crime that has been committed against a child, youth, or vulnerable adult, or the children or youths’ welfare is endangered, per the DCYF Administrative 2.01 Mandatory Reporting Requirements policy.
  2. Caseworkers must include tribes in case planning if children or youth are determined by the tribe to be a member or the biological child of a member and eligible for membership, per the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Tribal Inquiry policy.
  3. Area administrators (AAs) must resolve any disagreements regarding the pathway of a CPS FAR intake.

Resources 

Child Protective Services Family Assessment Response procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)

DCYF Administrative 2.01 Mandatory Reporting Requirements policy

Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Tribal Inquiry policy


Original Date:  December 1, 2011

Revised Date:  June 9, 2022

Review Date:   June 9, 2026

Approved by:  Frank Ordway, Chief of Staff