Child Abuse and Neglect Information Requests to Other StatesQuestions regarding Child Abuse and Neglect information from Washington State pertaining to potential foster or adoptive parents, please contact: CA/N History Checks Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Children's Administration Social Workers: Check the Child Abuse and Neglect History Nationwide Contacts list for information on other state's CA/N History Request requirements and forms. If the state you are requesting the CA/N history from does not have their own form, use DSHS form 23-033. Send the completed and signed form via fax, secure email or by mail.
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. Washington State Child Abuse and Neglect Findings Request Form and InstructionsThe 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. If a Public Child Welfare agency is requesting CA/N history as part of a CPS investigation, the social worker needs to make the request on their state agency's letterhead and fax or email the CA/N history request.
(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.) |
 TTY Accessible: 1-800-624-6186 Mandated Reporter Toolkit Protecting the Abused and Neglected ChildAn explanation of the Washington State mandatory reporting law on child abuse.Read the Guide: Child Protective Services: Guidance for Mandated ReportersWhat Mandated Reporters Need to Know about Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System8 minute YouTube video brochure |
