Parents who learn that they’re at the center of an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) may almost instantly feel stressed. These situations are confusing, and many parents don’t know how the process works. In Washington, CPS becomes involved in a situation after the Department of Children, Youth, and Families receive a report that a child might have been neglected or abused.
CPS investigations aren’t all the same. The way these incidents are handled depend on various factors related to the situation and the applicable policies and laws. One of the first things that’s done is the agency determines if the information meets the legal standard for a referral to be investigated. If that referral is accepted, parents, children, relatives, caregivers, teachers and medical providers may be contacted. This is done to understand the household situation, assess the children’s safety and determine if further involvement is necessary.
What happens during the investigation?
As part of the investigation, a CPS worker will visit the home to determine what the child’s home life is like. CPS workers may also try to find out about discipline, supervision, substance abuse, domestic violence, medical care, school attendance and similar matters, if those pertain to the issue at the center of the case.
They will ask to interview the children and then the parents. It’s critical to understand that parents and children in these situations have rights, so it’s usually a good idea to work with someone familiar with this process who can help to ensure those rights are protected.
CPS cases can end in several ways. If there aren’t any concerns, the case will be closed either with or without a formal findings notice. In some cases, the agency may provide services to the family to help correct safety issues. If there are immediate and severe dangers to the children, CPS may initiate a court process and seek a court order to remove the children from the home. Regardless of whether a court process is initiated, parents should be aware that a written findings notice may be mailed to the address that CPs has for them and if the findings is “founded” finding, there is a short 30-day window to appeal. Consulting with a lawyer early to address founded findings is important.