# WAC 110-30-0040: WAC 110-30-0040. What is child abandonment?

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0040

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 110-30-0040
- **Heading:** WAC 110-30-0040. What is child abandonment?
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 110 / Chapter 110-30 / Section 110-30-0040

## Text

(1) A Parent or guardian abandons a child when the parent or guardian is responsible for the care, education, or support of a child and:
(a) Deserts the child in any manner whatever with the intent to abandon the child;
(b) Leaves a child without the means or ability to obtain one or more of the basic necessities of life such as food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and medically necessary health care; or
(c) Forgoes for an extended period of time parental rights, functions, duties and obligations despite an ability to exercise such rights, duties, and obligations.
(2) Abandonment of a child by a parent may be established by conduct on the part of a parent or guardian that demonstrates a substantial lack of regard for the rights, duties, and obligations of the parent or guardian or for the health, welfare, and safety of the child. Criminal activity or incarceration of a parent or guardian does not constitute abandonment in and of themselves, but a pattern of criminal activity or repeated or long-term incarceration may constitute abandonment of a child.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 110-30-0010 WAC 110-30-0010. What is the child protective services program?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0010.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0020 WAC 110-30-0020. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0020.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0030 WAC 110-30-0030. Abuse or neglect of children and youth](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0030.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0040 WAC 110-30-0040. What is child abandonment?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0040.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0050 WAC 110-30-0050. Who may receive child protective services?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0050.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0060 WAC 110-30-0060. What is the responsibility of CPS regarding reports of abuse or neglect?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0060.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0070 WAC 110-30-0070. How does CPS respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0070.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0080 WAC 110-30-0080. What special requirements must CPS follow for Indian children?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0080.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0090 WAC 110-30-0090. What information may CPS share with mandated reporters?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0090.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0100 WAC 110-30-0100. When will CPS involve local community resources?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0100.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0110 WAC 110-30-0110. Under what circumstances may CPS place a child in out-of-home care?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0110.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0120 WAC 110-30-0120. When will CPS involve the juvenile court?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0120.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0130 WAC 110-30-0130. What are the department's responsibilities regarding notification of the parent or legal custodian in child protective services cases?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0130.md)
- [WAC 110-30-0140 WAC 110-30-0140. When must the department notify the parent, guardian or legal custodian of allegations of child abuse or neglect made against them?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0140.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_110_30_0040. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.