sECTION 1:
What are DCYF polices for CPS and why should I care?
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Further detail to these questions can be found beneath the FAQ box.
We’ve included this FAQ section for swift access to answers.
Understanding policies helps you know your rights and what DCYF is obligated to offer you and your child.
You can politely point out the non-compliance, or quote the policy, or request to speak to a supervisor, or file a complaint in that order. Please be cautious about immediately going to a supervisor or a filing a complaint as sometimes these work against you and your family.
Politely quoting the policy points out the non-compliance and serves as a basis for your request. It also makes them aware that you know what they are obligated to do and not do.
Yes, since you do not have a right to an attorney prior to court involvement, you can hire an attorney if you have the financial means. If you cannot afford an attorney equip yourself with information to navigate these stages of your case effectively.
Recognizing what forms look like can help you identify sections that are marked by the social worker. It especially familiarizes you with those sections you may not agree with.
Unfortunately you do not have a right to forms the social worker fills out. However, you do have a right to a copy of anything you sign. In section 18 we will discuss public records request for those items a social worker fills out but this may not include all the documents you are seeking since the law and DCYF policies define what is to be turned over in a public records request and what cannot. Keep in mind public records requests take quite some time so do not depend on them to get copies of documents you signed. This stresses the importance of asking or getting a copy immediately of any document you sign before you sign it.
It is encouraged to request and obtain a copy of the entire document, including your signature page, before proceeding.
It is highly recommended to take pictures of the document before you sign if DCYF will not give you a copy. If they offer to give you a copy you can demand the copy be given to you before you sign. Getting a copy of things you sign helps you recognize marked sections and serves as evidence in case of any disagreement or alterations.
You can refuse to sign the document if they refuse to give you a copy OR if they refuse you from taking photos of every page of the document before signing.
You can request another copy before finalizing your signature to ensure you have an accurate record. OR you can take a picture of those pages that were altered.
Cps/dcyf policies
Introduction
DCYF (Department of Children, Youth, and Families) policies and procedures are a set of guidelines and rules that outline how the department operates and carries out its responsibilities. These policies and procedures are essential for ensuring that the department adheres to legal requirements, maintains consistency, and provides effective services to children and families in need.
Where policies come from and what do do if DCYF is not following them.
Many DCYF policies and procedures are rooted in state and federal laws that govern child welfare and family services. These laws set the framework for how child protective agencies like DCYF must operate. Keep in mind if you are court involved- court orders from legal actions may influence the implementation of specific policies and procedures in a more favorable way to the parent. If you are not court involved yet there is no judicial officer overseeing the implementation of these policies nor is there a way to alter the implementation of these policies through a court order. The best you can do, if they are not following policy, is to 1) politely point it out and quote the policy they are not following, 2) request to speak to their supervisor or 3) file a complaint (please see the video on complaints). As a caution, it would be recommended to do it in that order rather than jumping straight to 2 or 3. The goal is to create policies that reflect best practices and the needs of the children and families served.
What do the policies cover and do they change?
DCYF policies and procedures cover a wide range of topics related to child protection and welfare. This includes procedures for handling child abuse and neglect reports, conducting investigations, providing services, and making placement decisions. They also include guidelines for providing services to families involved with DCYF, including those aimed at family reunification, case planning, and support services. DCYF policies and procedures often address staff training, supervision, and professional development to ensure that employees are well-prepared to carry out their responsibilities. Finally, there are policies on protecting the privacy and confidentiality of children and families. Keep in mind that policies and procedures are not static; they may be updated and revised periodically to reflect changes in laws, regulations, best practices, or the needs of the communities served. So, while our videos address an overall understanding of the topic our written content may change to reflect those changes.
How the policies or organized?
Since the policies and procedures cover a broad range of topics and they are not in chronological order in correlation to a case, we have organized them into specific sections corresponding to where you are at in your case. This way, you can easily find and reference the relevant sections based on your particular situation. The importance of understanding these policies is about what DCYF is obligated to offer you and your child. Understanding the policies also helps you understand what your rights are and it can help you determine how to proceed in these matters.
Do I get an attorney?
In these initial stages of your case, typically you are not given a court-appointed attorney (because there is no “court case”). However, it is essential to note that this does not preclude you from hiring an attorney, provided you have the financial means available, whether from personal funds, familial support, or assistance from friends.
In the event that you cannot afford an attorney and since you will not be assigned a court-appointed attorney at this stage, it becomes crucial for you to equip yourself with information to help you navigate these initial stages of your case.
In some cases, things can get resolved without going to court, while in others, it might lead to court involvement. If it does end up in court, no need to worry because there are dependency attorneys in Spokane ready to be court-appointed and represent you.
I understand knowing the policies but why should I care about the forms?
These policies contain a large amount of forms that we will be addressing throughout the video series. The importance of these forms is that you understand what they look like and what criteria DCYF is following. Also, recognizing what a form looks like that they’ll ask you to sign helps you see all the parts of the form that might have been marked, and you might not agree with them.
Before signing any document, be sure to request and obtain a copy of the entire document, including your signature page. While you may not have the right to receive copies of all forms or assessments filled out by the social worker, you do have the right to a copy of anything you sign. This is crucial, as these documents can significantly impact your case in the future.
To safeguard yourself, either take pictures of the entire document, including your signature page, or ask the social worker to make a copy before signing. Do not proceed with signing until you have a copy of the entire document in your possession. If any changes are made during the discussion, request another copy before finalizing your signature. Do not rely on promises to send copies later, as they might not materialize.
Whether you’re meeting inside or outside the social worker’s office, if you suspect they won’t provide a copy, take photos of each page with your phone before signing. Essentially, withhold your signature until you have a chance to document the content. This ensures that you know what you signed and have evidence of it. In the event of any alterations made to the document after your signature, having this proof is crucial. Additionally, having these documents is imperative, especially if your case progresses to court, as the attorney assigned to your case may not receive this vital information from DCYF at the beginning of your case when it matters most.
In some cases, things can get resolved without going to court, while in others, it might lead to court involvement. If it does end up in court, no need to worry because there are plenty of skilled attorneys in Spokane ready to assist and represent you.
Links, Forms & Publications
This section is dedicated to links, forms and publications. There may be reference to these links from the above content or for you to simply look at at your leisure. Familiarizing yourself with as much information as possible will continue to build your knowledge throughout this website. Everything is aimed at assisting you in gaining a deeper understanding of your rights and the obligations of the department. While some sections may not have all three items (links, forms, and publications) it is important to check these sections.
Links
This is the main page to the Department of Children Youth and Family’s (DCYF) Practices and Procedures. The purpose for this link is so that you can see where everything comes from. However, if you simply go to this link it can be overwhelming since DCYF Policies out of context can be confusing and not they are not in any particular order pertaining to you specific situation. That is what this website is for, it is a “you are here” map to help you find the things you need whether that is DCYF Policy or all the RCWs and WACs that apply to interactions with or obligations of DCYF.
RCW 13 (not all chapters apply),
RCW 74 (not all chapters apply),
WAC 110, (not all chapters apply),
WAC 112, (not all chapters apply),
WAC 388 (not all chapters apply).
These are the main legal statutes and codes yet there may be more nuanced situations requiring the use of other statutes and administrative codes. Some of the above WACs only address what services or programs DCYF has available for people in need.