DSHS - Children's Administration

Child Abuse and Neglect Information from Washington State

Inquiries from Other States and Private Agencies

To request Child Abuse and Neglect information from Washington State pertaining to potential foster or adoptive parents, please contact:

CA/N History Checks
Phone: 1-800-562-5624
Fax: 206-341-7930
E-mail: CANhistorychecks@dshs.wa.gov
Mail: PO Box 4369
Seattle, WA 98194

A completed and signed Child Abuse and Neglect Information Request Form is required to be sent via fax, secure email, or by mail on your agency's letterhead.

Child Abuse and Neglect Information Request Form (DSHS form number pending) Word | PDF

Division of Licensed Resources (DLR) staff will continue to handle requests from Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) for the purpose of foster home licensing.

These requests will be completed for state child welfare agencies, private adoption agencies, and persons who are qualified under RCW 26.33 to complete adoption pre-placement or post-placement reports only. If you are seeking to become an adoptive or foster parent, the agency or individual who is completing your home study must make the request for this information.

Others seeking information about child abuse and neglect history must request the records from the local Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Office.

Child Abuse and Neglect Information from Other States

The document below contains contact information, as available, for states providing child abuse and neglect information required by the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.

Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) needing to request this information as part of a licensing or adoption background check process, in anticipation of placing a child who is in the custody of DSHS, should review the information, complete the required forms as indicated, and return the completed and signed forms to the Division of Licensed Resources (DLR) staff processing the background check.

Private adoption agencies should work directly with the other state to request this information.

Child Abuse and Neglect Contact Information for Other States Word | PDF

Out-of-State Child Abuse and Neglect Information Request (DSHS form number pending) Word | PDF

(This form is to be used only for foster home licensing and adoption background check requests processed by the Children's Administration. Private adoption agencies must use their own authorization form when requesting child abuse and neglect information from other states.)