WAC 110-30-0070. How does CPS respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect?

(1) CPS must assess all reports that meet the definition of child abuse or neglect using a risk assessment process to determine level of risk and response time.

(2) CPS must provide an in-person response to alleged victims and must attempt an in-person response to the alleged perpetrator of child abuse and neglect in referrals assessed at moderate to high risk.

(3) CPS may refer reports assessed at low to moderately low risk to an alternative response system.

(4) CPS may interview a child, outside the presence of the parent, without prior parental notification or consent (RCW 26.44.030 (10)).

(5) Unless the child objects, CPS must make reasonable efforts to have a third party present at the interview so long as the third party does not jeopardize the investigation (RCW 26.44.030 ).

(6) CPS may photograph the alleged child victim to document the physical condition of the child (RCW 26.44.050 ).

(7) CPS attempts to complete investigations within forty-five days. In no case shall the investigation extend beyond ninety days unless the investigation is being conducted under local protocol, established pursuant to chapter 26.44 RCW, and a law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney has determined that a longer investigation period is necessary.