sECTION 12:

Assessments

Quick Links to information below

What are assessments and why do we have them?

The foundation of CPS/DCYF Decisions: Comprehensive Information, logical reasoning, ad analysis ?

Present Danger Assessment and protective action plan?

Safety Assessment?

Safety Plan?

Structured Decision-Making Risk Assessment (SDMRA)?

Family assessment / Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE)?

How Assessments Shape your case plan ?

Investigative Assessment?

Assessments

What are assessments and why do we have them

Assessments have been referenced throughout many of the sections above, but this section is dedicated exclusively to explaining their purpose, definitions, and what follows after they are conducted. Assessments are designed to help CPS/DCYF social workers make impartial and unbiased decisions regarding a child’s safety and well-being. By following a structured, step-by-step process, these assessments evaluate both safety and risk factors objectively.

The goal, as outlined by DCYF and the Washington State Legislature, is to ensure that CPS social workers do not rely on instinct, assumptions, or personal biases when making decisions. Instead, these assessments create a consistent framework to avoid discrimination and promote fairness and uniformity in decision-making.

It is crucial for parents to understand what DCYF bases these assessments on to ensure that the process remains objective and free from bias. For example, if a CPS worker threatens to file a pick-up order because you ask questions, choose not to answer certain inquiries, or display an emotional reaction, this behavior would contradict the principles of the established assessment process. Such actions are not in line with the procedures designed to prevent retaliatory or subjective responses during investigations.

By understanding the purpose and structure of assessments, parents can better advocate for their rights and hold the system accountable to its intended standards of fairness and objectivity.

The Foundation of CPS/DCYF Decisions: Comprehensive Information, Logical Reasoning, and Analysis

DCYF’s policies are rooted in a core principle: decisions about child safety must be informed by comprehensive information, logical reasoning, and thorough analysis, not reactionary or incident-based responses. This foundational concept is outlined in DCYF Policy 1100, which emphasizes that all safety decisions—whether during intake, removal, or reunification—must follow an objective and consistent process.

Key Principles from DCYF Policy 1100:

  • Child safety is the central focus of every decision from the moment of intake through case closure.
  • Decisions regarding safety must include a continuous assessment of present and impending danger throughout the life of the case.
  • Safety assessments use required tools to evaluate, control, and manage potential safety threats.
  • Social workers assess both present and impending danger for every child. Immediate protective action is taken if present danger exists.
  • Determining a child to be unsafe does not automatically justify removal.
  • Removal is only warranted when child safety cannot be controlled and managed in the home, even with an in-home safety plan.
  • Conditions for return home (if your child is not in your care via a protective action plan, VPA or a Dependency) must ensure:
    • No existing safety threats, or
    • A sustainable in-home safety plan, with parents demonstrating progress toward change to manage safety threats effectively.

DCYF Policy 1100 states that providing for child safety is at the core of DCYF’s mission. Safety informs and guides every decision, including intake, removal, placement, and reunification, ensuring a clear and consistent focus on child well-being in all settings—whether in-home or out-of-home.

Relevant Laws and Regulations
The policy framework is supported by federal and state laws and regulations, including:

 

Present Danger Assessment and Protective Action Plan

What Is a Present Danger Assessment?

A Present Danger Assessment focuses on identifying immediate dangers to a child’s safety. If such dangers are identified, the social worker will create a Protective Action Plan  (in multiple languages) that you must sign.

This written plan outlines: The immediate harm or danger concern as perceived by the social worker and the immediate steps you must take to address the danger.

Important:

  • Carefully review the Protective Action Plan before signing so you understand what is being asked of you.
  • Always request a copy for your records.
  • If DCYF believes you are not following the plan, they may initiate the process to remove your child from your care.

What Is The Process and Procedure for Present Danger?

DCYF Policy 1110 requires social workers to:

  1. Conduct a Present Danger Assessment following the Present Danger Guide.
  2. Develop a Protective Action Plan, following the Protective Action Guide.  The Protective Action Plan is a written agreement between the family and DCYF that identifies how present danger will be controlled and managed through immediate and short-term actions.

What Resources and Supports Should DCYF Provide?

To prevent removal or eliminate the present danger, DCYF must offer resources and supports tailored to your family’s needs, which may include:

Family Resources and Supports

  • Childcare or temporary accommodations (e.g., away from a domestic violence perpetrator).
  • Mental health services for family members.
  • Parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and financial assistance for basic needs.
  • Home visitation programs, youth mentoring, and educational resources.
  • Crisis services like hotlines, mediation, or emergency plans.
    (Full list available in Family Supports)

Leverage Family and Community Networks

  • Relatives, friends, or neighbors who can assist with childcare or provide temporary care.
  • Parenting networks, faith-based organizations, and local childcare centers.
  • Mentors, youth programs, and school counselors.

Address Immediate Needs

  • Housing, food, clothing, and supervision.
    (For more, see the section on Services and Goods)

Implement Protective Custody Measures

  • Parenting plans or guardianships (including with out-of-state relatives).
  • Legal advocacy for obtaining protection orders.

Placement Options (if necessary):

  • With an unlicensed caregiver, such as a relative or friend.
  • With a licensed caregiver if no other options are available.

Safety Assessment

When Are Safety Assessments Conducted?

Safety assessments per DCYF Policy 1120 occur at key points, including:

  • Initial Contact: To identify safety threats and create a safety plan if necessary.
  • Visitation and Supervision Decisions: To determine the level of supervision required (unsupervised, monitored, or supervised).
  • Child Placement: When deciding whether a child can return home or if a placement change is needed.
  • Significant Changes: Such as new household members, visitors staying over 5 days, or case transfers.
  • Court Milestones: Before 30-day shelter care hearings, review hearings, and permanency planning hearings. (this does not apply for this section of pre-court but would for the court tab on the website).

The Five Safety Threshold Criteria

To determine if a safety threat exists, DCYF evaluates safety threats using these criteria:

  1. Severity: Does the threat pose severe consequences to the child?
  2. Immediacy: Is the danger immediate or likely to occur soon?
  3. Vulnerability: Is the child unable to protect themselves from the threat?
  4. Out of Control: Are there no responsible adults in the home to prevent the threat?
  5. Observable: Are the behaviors or conditions specific, observable, and clearly understood?

Important: All five criteria must be met for a safety threat to exist. If a threat is identified, a safety plan is created to mitigate risks.

Information Gathered in Safety Assessments

Social workers gather and verify information about:

  • The nature and extent of maltreatment and events surrounding it.
  • The child’s daily functioning.
  • Parental discipline and general parenting practices.
  • How the adults in the household are managing their responsibilities and daily life.

For more details, see the Safety Threshold Handout and the Information Gathering Questions.

Safety Plans and Supervision Levels

Based on the safety assessment, DCYF determines the appropriate supervision level for visitation (This is primarily relevant if your child is not in your care. If the court is involved, there is a specific statute addressing visitation and parental rights that is dicussed in the “dependency tab” sections. When the court is not involved, DCYF policy governs visitation matters. Specifically, DCYF Policy 4254 can be referenced to advocate for visitation as both your parental right and your child’s right.):

  1. Unsupervised: No safety threats present; parents can safely care for the child during visits.
  2. Monitored: Safety threats exist but can be managed with occasional observation by an approved adult.
  3. Supervised: Direct line-of-sight and sound supervision is required due to ongoing safety threats.

Please Note-Visitation Timeline:

  • Parents must have an initial visit within 72 hours of removal (DCYF Policy 4254).
  • Safety assessments must be reviewed regularly, particularly before court hearings or permanency planning meetings.

Safety Plan

Safety Plans: Controlling and Managing Safety Threats

A safety plan (DCYF Policy 1130) is a written agreement between the family and DCYF that outlines how safety threats to a child will be immediately controlled and managed within the home. Safety plans remain in effect as long as safety threats exist and the caregivers’ (parents) protective capacities are insufficient to protect the child. (For more on protective capacities, see Section 6.)

Key Components of a Safety Plan

The safety plan should include:

  • Activities and Tasks: Specific actions to control safety threats or substitute for diminished caregiver protective capacities.
  • Family Supports: Utilizing suitable formal and informal supports (e.g., relatives, friends, or community resources) to help manage safety threats.
  • Monitoring Details: Clear procedures for monitoring the safety plan’s implementation.
  • Critical Support: Services and actions provided at key times when safety threats are most concerning.

For more information on safety analysis, see the Safety Analysis Guide.

Background Checks for Safety Plans

As part of creating a safety plan, the social worker will assess all participants involved. This includes conducting background checks on individuals who will have unsupervised contact with the child.

Relevant DCYF Forms

Safety plans and assessments are also integral parts of the Comprehensive Family Evaluation (DCYF 10-480) and utilize the following forms:

By following these structured plans, DCYF aims to address safety threats proactively while supporting families in managing risks within the home.

Structured Decision-Making Risk Assessment (SDMRA)

Risk Assessment vs. Safety Assessment

The key distinction between a risk assessment and a safety assessment lies in their focus:

  • Safety Assessment: Addresses immediate, present threats to a child.
  • Risk Assessment (DCYF Policy 2541): Evaluates the likelihood of potential future harm to the child.

While safety assessments focus on immediate interventions, risk assessments consider household dynamics, caregiver characteristics, and family history to assess potential risks. These assessments are crucial for identifying necessary supports and determining whether future CPS involvement is required.

Objectivity in Risk Assessments

Risk assessments aim to provide an objective, evidence-based process for decision-making. However, personal biases can sometimes influence social workers—particularly when responding to parents’ reactions to CPS involvement. This underscores the importance of structured assessments to ensure fairness and consistency, especially in emotionally charged situations.

When Are Risk Assessments Conducted?

DCYF is required to conduct risk assessments under the following circumstances and timelines:

  • 60 Days: For CPS investigations (see Section 7).
  • 60 Days: For “Risk Only” intakes (see Section 2 for definition).
  • 45 Days: For Family Assessment Response (FAR) cases (see Section 8).

How Risk Scores Impact Case Decisions

The risk score determines CPS’s next steps:

  1. Low Risk:
    • CPS may offer Family Assessment Response (FAR) for allegations of abuse or neglect (see Section 8).
  2. Moderate to High Risk:
    • CPS may ask parents to sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) (see Section 14).
    • Alternatively, parents can request a Protective Action Plan under DCYF Policy 1110 (see Section 6).
  3. High Risk with Safety Threats:
    • If CPS determines that neither a safety plan nor services can mitigate risks, they may file a petition to remove the child (see Section 7).

Important: CPS must stop requesting the family to engage in services if it is clear that the family has made observable changes that have reduced the risks, unless a safety threat is still present.

Key Takeaways

  • Safety Threats are immediate to the child.
  • Risk refers to the potential for harm in the future.
  • CPS decisions, such as offering services, creating a safety plan, or pursuing a court petition, are directly influenced by the risk score.

By understanding these distinctions and timelines, parents can better navigate the process and advocate for fair, objective decision-making.

Family Assessment/Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE)

What Is a Family Assessment?

A Family Assessment (DCYF Policy 1140) is a process where DCYF gathers information to understand how a family’s strengths, needs, and resources impact the safety, welfare, and stability of a child. This involves:

  • Talking with family members to identify their strengths (what they’re doing well) and needs (what they need help with).
  • Exploring available resources and supports.
  • Determining how these factors affect the child’s safety and overall well-being.

The goal is to assess what families need to provide a safe and stable home for their children while also identifying areas where support is needed.

How Is a Family Assessment Conducted?

The Family Assessment includes input from:

  • Family Members (parents, guardians, caregivers).
  • Professionals and Collateral Contacts (individuals with knowledge of the child and family).

DCYF uses forms like:

  • Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE): The primary form used for Family Assessments (DCYF 10-480).
  • FAR Family Assessment (FARFA)(multiple languages): Used in FAR cases (Family Assessment Response).

When Are Family Assessments Conducted?

Family Assessments occur at various stages of a case, including:

  • When developing or updating a case plan.
  • During case updates.
  • Before case closure.

If the child has been removed, a Family Assessment (CFE) evaluates:

  • Conditions for return home.
  • Whether the parent is effectively managing safety threats.
  • How the parent is incorporating services into their daily life.

Timeframes for Completing and Updating Family Assessments

The required timeframes depend on the type of case:

  1. Family Voluntary Services (FVS):
    • CFE must be initiated within 45 days of intake.
    • Must be updated every 90 days and/or before case closure.
  2. Family Assessment Response (FAR):
    • FARFA must be initiated within 45 days (or 120 days if services were agreed upon).
    • Must be updated when developing or changing a case plan and/or before case closure.
  3. Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA):
    • VPAs typically last 90 days. Before expiration:
      • A Family Assessment may be conducted based on the original case type (FVS, FAR, CPS investigation).
      • If the child is returned, the Family Assessment is updated for closure.
      • If a petition is filed to prevent the child’s return, CWFS will update the case plan.

How Family Assessments Fit with Safety Assessments

Family Assessments often include safety assessments as part of their overall evaluation. While safety assessments focus on present threats, Family Assessments provide a broader view, including:

  • Protective capacities (see Section 6).
  • Overall family functioning.

Both assessments work together to determine the best steps to ensure a child’s safety and stability.

How Assessments Shape Your Case Plan

What Is a Case Plan?

A Case Plan (DCYF Policy 1150) acts as a roadmap for the entire case, whether it involves Family Voluntary Services (FVS) or Family Assessment Response (FAR). It outlines the specific actions and steps parents or guardians must take to ensure their children’s safety and well-being.

Case Plans are developed based on:

  • The Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE) (DCYF 10-480 form).
  • The Investigative Assessment (IA) (DCYF 09-967 form)(Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this form because DCYF has not made it publicly available on their website. As a state agency, it is disappointing that such transparency is lacking for a standard form that contains no sensitive information.  If you would like to obtain this form go to this page to do a public records request of form 09-967).
  • The FAR Family Assessment (FARFA) (DCYF 10-474 form).

DCYF monitors and updates these plans regularly, adjusting services or actions if the plan isn’t effectively addressing the family’s needs. A Case Plan acts as an umbrella, encompassing all other assessments, and must be initiated, developed, and updated for any case open for more than 45 days. The primary goal is to help parents reduce or eliminate safety threats and increase their ability to protect and care for their children.

What Must a Case Plan Include?

Case Plans are required to address the following:

  1. Family-Driven Goals
    • A plan that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (SMART).
    • Designed to preserve the family, prevent future risks of abuse or neglect, and support the health, safety, and well-being of the child.
  2. Interventions and Services
    • Tasks and services tailored to build on family strengths and address individual, cultural, and family needs.
    • Goals should directly link to identified safety threats and risks, aiming to reduce them while addressing barriers to services.
  3. Least Intrusive Approach
    • A plan that engages families with the least intrusive measures necessary to protect the children and address safety threats.
    • Includes a permanency plan from the onset if the child is placed out of the home, ensuring long-term stability for the child.
  4. Collaboration in Development
    • The Case Plan must involve input from:
      • Parents/guardians.
      • Children (if developmentally appropriate).
      • Tribes (if the child is Native American).
      • Caregivers and family supports identified by the parents.
      • Professionals, such as the child’s school counselor or teachers.

Timelines for Case Plan Completion

  • FVS Cases:
    • Case Plan must be initiated within 15 days of case assignment and completed within 45 days.
    • Parents must receive a copy of the Case Plan. If a copy is not provided, take photos of each page for your records (Case Plan Form DCYF 15-259A)(multiple languages).
  • FAR Cases:
    • A Case Plan is required only if the FAR case exceeds 45 days. Once the case exceeds this timeframe, the plan must be completed within 15 days.
  • Voluntary Placement Agreements (VPA):
    • If your child is placed out of your care under a VPA for 60 days or more, the Case Plan may be referred to as a Court Report (DCYF 09-095 form). (Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this form because DCYF has not made it publicly available on their website. As a state agency, it is disappointing that such transparency is lacking for a standard form that contains no sensitive information.  If you would like to obtain this form go to this page to do a public records request of form 09-095).
    • If you are asked to sign a document, ensure you request a copy or take pictures of all pages.

Investigative Assessment

What Is an Investigative Assessment?

An Investigative Assessment (DCYF Policy 2540) is a critical step conducted at the conclusion of any case originating from an intake. This includes cases that led to a CPS investigation, Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Family Assessment Response (FAR), or a hospital hold.

The purpose of the Investigative Assessment is to determine whether the intake will be classified as founded or unfounded. These findings can significantly impact your case and future involvement with DCYF.

Key Points to Keep in Mind:

  • A founded finding has various consequences, which are explained further below.
  • Beware of tactics suggesting that participation in DCYF services guarantees the prevention of a founded finding. Completion of services does not necessarily influence the outcome.

Timelines for Completion

  • DCYF must complete the Investigative Assessment within 60 calendar days of receiving the intake.

What Does the Investigative Assessment Include?

The assessment provides a detailed review of:

  1. Parent History: Prior allegations involving any child.
  2. Recent Allegations: A description of the most recent abuse or neglect concerns.
  3. Protective Factors and Family Strengths: Elements that support the child’s safety and well-being.
  4. Risk Assessment: Evaluation of potential future risks to the child.
  5. Substance Use: Documentation of whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the concerns.
  6. Case Status: Current details of the intake.
  7. Findings: Determination regarding the alleged abuse or neglect.

Findings Explained

  1. Founded Finding:
    • Based on the investigation, there is evidence indicating it is more likely than not that child abuse or neglect occurred.
    • Refer to WAC 110-30 and RCW 26.44.020 for definitions.
  2. Unfounded Finding:
    • Based on the investigation, there is evidence indicating it is more likely than not that child abuse or neglect did not occur, or there is insufficient evidence to make a determination.
    • Refer to WAC 110-30 and RCW 26.44.020.
  3. Adopted Founded Finding:
    • DCYF may adopt a founded finding if a civil or criminal court, under a preponderance of the evidence or higher standard, determines abuse or neglect occurred.
    • If a previously unfounded case is later contradicted by a court finding, DCYF can reopen and modify the decision to founded.

Links, Forms & Publications

How race and socioeconomics impact risk and safety assessments article from the Child Welfare Gateway. 

Risk and Safety Assessment 101 from the Child Welfare Gateway (with youtube video)

The importance of trauma informed Child Welfare system -This highlights the importance of being aware of this issue and addressing it if your social worker is not approaching the situation with a trauma-informed perspective. Using the term ‘trauma-informed’ signals to DCYF that you recognize their lack of sensitivity to your experiences and expect them to adjust their approach accordingly.

Separating poverty from neglect. This article equips you with the language and insights to effectively communicate with social workers, ensuring they properly consider the distinction between poverty and neglect during their assessments. It helps you advocate for a fair and unbiased evaluation of your situation.

Culture as a protective factor.