Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, patients, students, and families with loved ones at behavioral health facilities, residential private schools, and host homes can now report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Under State Bill 5515, DCYF will have the legal authority to investigate alleged child abuse or neglect at these locations, which also includes substance use disorder treatment facilities, mental health facilities, or those integrated into another setting.
The public may report suspected child abuse or neglect to child protective services (CPS) by calling 1-866-END-HARM (866-363-4276).
"The safety of children and youth is our agency’s number one priority and this change gives us another avenue to reach families who need support," explained Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing.
Allegations of abuse or neglect that are screened in will be assigned to investigators who will make a finding as to whether the alleged abuse occurred. In the past, allegations of abuse or neglect at these locations were referred to law enforcement.
Starting July 1, 2025, residential schools must be licensed by DCYF so the findings from these CPS investigations could potentially impact their licensing standing. DCYF will also be working closely with the Department of Health which provides oversight for the behavioral and substance treatment centers to provide them with information about CPS investigations at these locations.
To learn more about reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse.