Low-to moderate-risk intakes that meet the legal definition for abuse and neglect will be screened in by Intake for the Family Assessment Response pathway or for The Investigative pathway, as appropriate.
If the intake does not meet the legal definition of child abuse or neglect, we do not have the authority to intervene. RCW 26.44.020 defines child abuse and neglect: (1) "Abuse or neglect" means sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or injury of a child by any person under circumstances which cause harm to the child's health, welfare, or safety, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A.16.100; or the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined in this section.