SERVICES

Foster parents around the state have expressed questions about the Children's Administration policy on investigating abuse and neglect in state regulated care, and how it will impact foster families and the children in care.

What are the timelines for Child Protective Service (CPS) investigations in licensed facilities?
When a referral alleges child abuse and neglect of a child in foster care, a CPS investigation must begin within 10 days from the referral date and time, including weekends and holidays. The investigation of emergent referrals must begin on the first full working day after the referral is received. In most cases, we encourage licensors to participate during the investigation since the licensor has a relationship with the provider, and can address licensing issues at that time. The LR/CPS (Licensed Resources/Child Protective Service) investigators will give written notice of any findings to the provider and the licensor within 45 days, unless an extension is necessary.

What is the difference between a CPS investigation and a licensing investigation?
The LR/CPS investigator only investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in foster homes and other facilities. Once the LR/CPS Investigator completes the investigation, the CPS findings are submitted to the licensor, who then determines if licensing action is necessary.

Often Children's Administration receives referrals about incidents in foster homes that do not rise to the level of abuse or neglect, however, there may be a violation of licensing standards which would be considered a "licensing complaint." Your licensor will contact you and explain the areas needing attention. Together, you and your licensor will develop a plan to ensure that all licensing requirements are met. The plan will be prepared for you in writing and you will have a reasonable period of time to work on correcting the violation. Your licensor will support and assist you through this process so that you can feel confident that your home is in 100% compliance with expectations.

Some referrals include both licensing violations and child abuse and/or neglect allegations. In those cases, the licensor will address the licensing violations and the LR/CPS Investigator will investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect.

Is there a support person to help foster parents through an investigation?
Going through any kind of investigation can place stress on a family. When foster parents are being investigated for allegations of abuse and/or neglect or a licensing violation, they can rely on support services from the Foster Parent Intervention/Retention Support Team (FIRST). The number to speak with a FIRST representative is: 1-253-219-6782.

What are the questions that referents will be asked when they call CPS intake to file a report?
When providers report suspected abuse and/or neglect, they will be asked pertinent questions by the DSHS Children's Administration CPS intake social worker. To prepare for the intake call, the person reporting should gather the following facts:

• The name and age of the child.
• The foster parents' or group home's name and address.
• The nature and extent of the injury or injuries, neglect, and/or sexual abuse.
• Any evidence or concerns of previous incidences of abuse or neglect including their nature and extent.
• Any other information that may be helpful in investigating the case, such as the description of the child's injury or injuries, neglect, or death and the identity of the perpetrator and any witnesses.
• If possible, state the time, date and location where the abuse/neglect occurred.

Can the licensor or LR/CPS Investigator speak to foster children placed in my home without my permission?
Foster children are State dependents. The LR/CPS Investigator and the licensor may speak with foster children without your consent. LR/CPS Investigators investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect may also interview your biological and adopted children without your consent. However, they must notify you that they have interviewed your children as soon as possible as long as informing you will not jeopardize the safety of children or the investigation.