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Dependency Decoded

Stage 01 of 14

Before court

When DCYF first contacts you

A call or letter from Child Protective Services is frightening, and what you do in that first conversation can shape the rest of the case. A report is not a finding. It means someone raised a concern the agency is required to look into.

  1. Stage 1: When DCYF first contacts you
  2. Stage 2: The home visit
  3. Stage 3: Safety plans and voluntary placement
  4. Stage 4: If your child is an Indian child
  5. Stage 5: The Family Team Decision Meeting
  6. Stage 6: The shelter care hearing
  7. Stage 7: Fact-finding and disposition
  8. Stage 8: Your case plan and parenting programs
  9. Stage 9: Review hearings
  10. Stage 10: The permanency planning hearing
  11. Stage 11: Reunification
  12. Stage 12: Guardianship, adoption, and other outcomes
  13. Stage 13: Appeals and other remedies
  14. Stage 14: Moving forward

Why you are being contacted

Reports come from mandatory reporters such as teachers, doctors, and police officers, or from members of the public. Certain professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect.

A report does not mean anyone has proof of wrongdoing. It means a concern was raised that the agency must screen and, in many cases, investigate.

  • Allegations of physical abuse, such as unexplained injuries
  • Concerns about neglect, including unsafe conditions or missed school
  • Reports that substance use is affecting care of the child
  • Domestic violence in the home
  • Allegations of sexual abuse or exploitation

How to handle the first conversation

  • ✓ Stay calm and polite. Arguing rarely helps and is often noted.
  • ✓ Ask for specifics. What exactly is alleged? What does the agency want from you?
  • ✓ Take notes. Write down the worker's name, phone number, and what was said.
  • ✓ Ask whether this is an investigation or whether a dependency petition has already been filed.
  • ✓ Answer truthfully, but do not volunteer extra detail that can be misread.
  • ✗ Do not panic. A call does not mean your child will be removed.
  • ✗ Do not admit to wrongdoing. Statements you make can be used later.
  • ✗ Do not refuse all contact. You can decline specific things without being openly uncooperative.
  • ✗ Do not consent to a home entry you do not understand. See the next stage.

Do you have to talk to them?

You are not required to answer questions, and you may consult a lawyer before you do. Parents have the right to counsel in dependency proceedings.

If a worker asks to speak with your child, you can ask to be present, ask that the interview happen somewhere neutral, or ask to consult a lawyer first. Be aware that an interview at school may happen without your agreement.

What happens next

  1. The report is screened out, if what was alleged does not meet the legal definition of abuse or neglect.
  2. A Family Assessment Response is opened — a non-court track that may offer voluntary services.
  3. An investigation is opened, which may include home visits, interviews, and a safety plan.

Cases involving immediate danger move much faster than the ordinary timeline.

The law that applies here

Read the official text yourself.

Each entry begins with our plain-language explanation, followed by the official section caption. Use the link to read the complete, current text on the official Washington government website. The official text controls.

RCW 26.44.030

Reports — Duty and authority to make — Duty of receiving agency — Duty to notify — Case planning and consultation — Penalty for unauthorized exchange of information — Filing dependency petitions — Investigations — Interviews of children — Records.

Plain-language explanation

Sets out who must report suspected abuse or neglect, what the receiving agency must do with a report, and the authority to investigate and to file a dependency petition.

Read the official text

RCW 13.34.090

Rights under chapter proceedings.

Plain-language explanation

Gives parties the right to a lawyer, to present evidence, to be heard, to examine witnesses, and to a decision from an unbiased fact finder based on the hearing evidence. It also addresses appointed counsel.

Read the official text

Chapter 13.34 RCW

Juvenile court act — Dependency and termination of parent-child relationship

Plain-language explanation

The main Washington chapter governing dependency cases from the petition through review, permanency, guardianship, and termination. Different sections apply at different stages.

Read the official text