sECTION 2:
Definitions You Should Know
Quick Links to information below
What is child abuse or neglect (CA/N)?
What does DCYF stand for and what does it do?
What does CPS stand for and what does it do?
What is a CWFS social worker and what do they do?
What does Screened in or Screened out mean?
What is a risk only intake and how is it different than a screened in intake?
Why do I care about whether intakes are screened in, out or risk only?
What is a founded or unfounded finding by DCYF?
What is an administrative hearing?
Why should I care about (un)founded findings and an administrative hearing?
Most Common acronyms and words used
What is child abuse or neglect (CA/N)?
There are a number of publications put out by DCYF as you will see in the publications section that address what to look for with regards to child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is very straight forward in its definition. It is physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, maltreatment, bruising, any injuries on a child, abandonment, etc. Neglect is something that is a little bit harder to define and identify signs, but overall the definition of neglect is an act or a failure to act, or the cumulative effects of a pattern of conduct, behavior or inaction, evidence of a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as constitute a clear an present danger to a child’s health, welfare, or safety. The publications below (in the links and forms section), give examples of what mandatory reporters are supposed to look for to identify child abuse or neglect. For example, a child showing sudden changes in behavior or school performance, the child is acting as though preparing for something bad to happen, is withdrawn, has unexplained burns, bites, or bruises and offers conflicting explanations as to how the injury occurred, is frighted of the parents, shrinks at approach of adults, absent from school, lacks sufficient clothing for the weather, begs or steals food or money, lacks dental care, medical attention, has difficulty walking, etc. While not one thing may be the deciding factor it may be the totality of the situation or other contributing factors that would cause a mandated reporter to report to CPS. See DCYF Publication #1 pages 1-9, #2 and #3.
What is a mandatory reporter?
First of all, a person does not have to be a mandatory reporter to call into CPS if they believe a child has been abused or neglected. This means a friend, a neighbor, an acquaintance, even a stranger can call in an intake if they think a child has been abused but it is discretionary whether these people call in an intake (unless they have careers that make them mandatory reporters). Keep in mind that if a person reports to CPS and it is done to harass a parent of a child, the consequences carry a criminal charge with steep fines and possible jail time. Mandatory reporters are those people who work in career fields that require them to report suspected child abuse or neglect, such as teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, child care providers, etc. These folks are required under RCW 26.44.030 to report. See DCYF Publication #4 for the list of people who are required to report. See DCYF Publication #5 that is a card handed to mandatory reporters on how to identify or spot an abused or neglected child.
What does DCYF stand for and what does it do?
DCYF is the Department of Children, Youth and Families. This Department is fairly new since it was only created as July 6, 2017. Governor Inslee signed this bill creating DCYF so that Washington had a department just focused on children, youth and families with the goal of producing better outcomes for the community. Prior to 2017 these programs were found in DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) under Children’s Administration . DSHS still exists but is focused other programs such as DDA (Developmental disabilities Administrations), Behavioral Health Administration, etc. DCYF has programs like CPS (Child Protective Services’ investigations), FAR (Family Assessment Response), licensed foster care, adoption support, DEL (Department of Early Learning), Early childhood education and assistance program for preschoolers, Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), home visiting, juvenile rehabilitation institutions, community facilities, parole services, and more.
What does CPS stand for and what does it do?
CPS is Child protective Services. These are social workers who do investigations when a referral is called in about a child, as you will see in Section 7. It is CPS’ job to investigate, offer services, resources, and help the family to the extent it can prevent court intervention. If CPS does not feel it can protect your child from abuse or neglect, it will contact the Attorney General’s office to file a petition to remove your child.
What is a CWFS social worker and what do they do ?
If you become court involved and the CPS social worker files a pick up order (to remove your child), your case will be transferred from a CPS social worker to a CWFS social worker. CWFS stands for Child Family Welfare Services. This social worker will work on you case throughout the entirety of your court involvement.
The reason for this change in social workers is because the CPS social worker is focused on investigations and identifying if a child needs to be removed. The CWFS social worker’s goal is reunification of your child with you if possible. AT ALL TIMES BOTH social workers should be offering services and resources.
What is an AAG?
The AAG is an Assistant Attorney General. Social workers are represented by State attorneys and these State attorneys are called assistant attorney generals. The reason they are called an “assistant” attorney general is because the WA state Attorney Generals office is made up of 27 legal divisions located in 12 different cities across the state. The office has nearly 800 attorneys providing legal services to more than 230 state agencies, boards and commissions. There is only one Attorney General for the whole Attorney generals office and all other attorneys working in that office are called assistant attorney generals. All you need to know is that they are the attorney that is representing the social worker and who will be working opposite of the attorney representing you.
What is ICWA?
The Indian Child Welfare Act, is a law that helps protect Native American children. It aims to keep them with their families or in Native American homes when possible, preserving their cultural heritage. There are extra things DCYF has to do to ensure that this law is being followed. This is why it is important to tell DCYF in every contact you have with them. Even if you are unsure if there is Native American heritage but suspect there is, you need to speak up! This can mean that DCYF has to work harder to not remove your child from your care and must assist you more.
What are concrete goods?
DCYF Policy 4519 “concrete goods” refer to actual physical things or items that are given to children and families when they need help. These things can include stuff like clothing, furniture, transportation, and even services. Concrete goods are provided to families or children for a specific reason, like making sure a child is safe or helping a family stay together.
These concrete goods can be offered to families even if they don’t have a dependency case yet. This means they are offered before a formal case is started, usually when there are concerns about the family’s situation. The concrete goods are given to support and help the family during a difficult time.
For example, if a family is struggling and about to lose their home, concrete goods might include help with paying for their housing or providing them with furniture. Or, if a child is in a temporary living situation, they might receive items like games and clothing to make their stay more comfortable. These goods are meant to make things better for families and children during challenging times.
What does screened in or screened out mean?
A “screened in intake” is when the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) decides that a report about child abuse or neglect, or a request for help, is important enough to be investigated by the DCYF. This means they will look into the situation further because they think a child might be in danger or that there’s a serious problem. On the other hand, a “screened out intake” is when the DCYF decides that a report doesn’t need further investigation. They believe there isn’t enough evidence to show that a child is in immediate danger or that there’s a serious problem. This doesn’t mean they ignore the report completely, but they won’t take more action right away. A screened out intake can change to a screened in intake if new information comes up that makes the DCYF believe there might be a real problem or a risk to the child’s safety. So, even if a report was initially screened out, it can still be looked into if new and important information is discovered. DCYF Policy 2200.
What is a risk only intake and how is it different than a screened in intake?
As stated above “screening in” means the DCYF has decided that the report needs further investigation. That DCYF thinks that something might be wrong and that they need to look into it more to make sure the child is safe. CPS “Risk Only” means that the DCYF doesn’t think there’s enough reason to start a full investigation, but they still want to keep an eye on the situation. It’s like saying, “We don’t see an immediate problem, but we want to make sure everything stays okay, just in case.” Generally, if you are a risk only category you may be offered FVS services (Family Voluntary Services DCYF Policy 3000).
Why do I care whether intakes are screened in, out or risk only?
In simple terms, understanding these terms helps individuals know what level of attention and action CPS is taking in response to their concerns about a child’s safety. If DCYF believes there is a genuine concern, they will stay involved and continue to communicate with the family to ensure the child’s safety.
What is a founded or unfounded finding by DCYF?
A founded or unfounded finding is a determination by DCYF about whether child abuse or neglect really happened. Founded means: that after looking into the situation, DCYF believes that child abuse or neglect most likely did occur based on the information they have. Unfounded means that after checking things out, DCYF doesn’t have enough evidence to say for sure that child abuse or neglect happened. In other words, they can’t be sure it did. DCYF Policy 2540. (See Section 12 for further discussion on founded findings, notification and service, administrative hearings and removal of a previous finding).
What is an administrative hearing?
Following a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation, a determination is made regarding whether the allegations related to your involvement with the child are either “founded” or “unfounded.” A founded or unfounded means determining whether child abuse or neglect really happened. A “founded” determination can significantly impact your future employment prospects. If you receive a “founded” letter, it will include information about the appeals process. It’s important to note that legal representation, such as an attorney, will not be provided for this hearing. Additionally, if you have an attorney representing you in a dependency matter and receive a “founded” letter, that attorney cannot represent you in this specific appeal process. This is an administrative hearing and does not inherently grant you the right to legal counsel, although you have the option to hire an attorney at your own expense. If hiring an attorney is not feasible, you should carefully follow the instructions provided for appealing a “founded” finding, which are included with the letter. During the appeal process, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments to contest the “founded” determination and explain why it should not stand. (See Section 12 for further discussion on founded findings, notification and service, administrative hearings and removal of a previous finding).
Why should I care about (un)founded findings and an administrative hearing?
Administrative hearings and the distinction between “founded” and “unfounded” findings within the realm of Child Protective Services (CPS) should hold your attention for several significant reasons: Firstly, these hearings and findings play a critical role in ensuring a child’s safety. A “founded” determination indicates that there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect, prompting necessary intervention to protect the child’s welfare. Conversely, an “unfounded” finding suggests that, based on the information available, there isn’t sufficient evidence to substantiate claims of abuse or neglect. Furthermore, understanding these determinations is of paramount importance for all involved parties, as they may entail legal rights and responsibilities that are directly influenced by these outcomes. A “founded” finding can lead to legal repercussions for the alleged perpetrator and may restrict one’s eligibility for certain types of employment. Additionally, such findings can affect participation in routine school activities with one’s child, leading to various consequences. In essence, administrative hearings and the “founded” or “unfounded” categorization carry significant implications, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the broader context of child safety, legal obligations, and future opportunities. For a way to remove these from your record but not permanently delete them. (See Section 12 for further discussion on founded findings, notification and service, administrative hearings and removal of a previous finding).
Links, & Publications
Links
DCYF and the court systems often use many words that can be confusing. If you hear a term from a case worker, social worker, attorney or the court, please be sure to look them up so you understand what is being said. The following are resources where you can find MORE definitions for the terms you’re inquiring about.
• DCYF’s own definitions through their Appendix A.
• Washington State statute, Revised Code of Washington definitions 13.34.030.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway.
As a side note, you may be wondering why the Child Welfare Information Gateway is a trusted website source for information. The purpose of this website is to provide information to ALL professionals and parents like yourselves. This means you are better able to understand the guidelines and parameters that social workers are supposed to follow. The Child Welfare Information Gateway states:
“It promotes safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families… by bringing information and resources to help them address the needs of children and families in their communities.”
The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to print and electronic publications, websites, and online databases covering a wide range of topics from prevention to permanency, including child welfare, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion, and much more. A national service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway consolidates and expands upon the services formerly provided by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC) and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (NCCANI). Again the more you understand what the responsibilities of DCYF are, the more you will understand your rights.