A case transfers to Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) from Child Protective Services (CPS) or Family Voluntary Services (FVS) when a dependency petition is filed in court. CFWS caseworkers help the children or youth named in the petition, and their families, while the case is open. 

At court hearings the judge or commissioner decides if the child or youth needs to be placed in out-of-home care. They also decide if the parents must participate in services to fix the situation that led to the dependency petition. 

If there is a request for the child or youth to be removed, the court must hold a shelter care hearing within 72 hours (not counting weekends and holidays).  

The main goal is for the court to decide if the child or youth can safely stay at home while the case is being decided. The court will hold future hearings to decide if the child is dependent. At each hearing, the court can make changes to court-ordered services, placement, or visitation.   

During court hearings, all legal parties can be represented by attorneys. Parents have a right to an attorney. If they can’t afford one, the court can appoint one to represent them. DCYF is represented by an assistant attorney general. Children or youth are represented by a child advocate and/or an attorney.   

What is a Dependent Child?  

A dependent child is defined in RCW 13.34.030. 

CFWS Services May Include:  

• Case management for children, youth, and families to address the concerns identified in the dependency petition. Case management includes:   
  • Visiting the child or youth where they live to check their safety 
  • Talking to parents, caregivers, and children or youth about their needs   
  • Creating a case plan with the family 
  • Writing court reports   
• Referring to services to prevent placement or support reunification such as:   
  • Substance use disorder treatment   
  • Mental health treatment   
  • Domestic violence supports or treatment 
  • Evidence Based Practices for parenting and family support
  • Housing Assistance 
  • Concrete goods needed to support the case plan 
  • Help paying for child care   
• If children or youth are placed in out-of-home care, CFWS will:   
  • Locate and support placements such as relative care, friends, neighbors, licensed foster care, etc.
  • Refer for relative search and notification   
  • Arrange visitation and family time between parents, children or youth, and siblings   
  • Create a plan to support the child or youth’s return to their family or another permanent plan like adoption or guardianship