4536. Sexually Aggressive Youth

Applies To:  This policy applies to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) employees.

Policy Number & Title:  4536. Sexually Aggressive Youth 

Effective Date:  October 19, 2017

Purpose

To guide DCYF caseworkers in identification of Sexually Aggressive Youth (SAY), removing the SAY identification, and providing the needed supervision and services to meet the child’s or youth’s needs.

Authority 

RCW 13.34   Juvenile Court Act - Dependency and Termination of Parent-Child Relationship

RCW 26.44.160  Allegations that child under twelve committed sex offense-Investigation-Referral to prosecuting attorney-Referral to department-Referral for treatment

RCW 74.13.075  Sexually Aggressive Youth-Defined

Policy

  1. Regions must have at least one SAY committee. The SAY committee determines SAY identification/removal, child’s or youth's eligibility for SAY funded resources as outlined in RCW 74.13.075, and provides quality assurance oversight.
  2. Each region must have regional SAY leads responsible for oversight of the SAY committees and communicating committee decisions to the caseworker.
  3. Caseworkers must refer children or youth who are the subject of a proceeding under RCW 13.34 or a child welfare proceeding held before a tribal court, who are suspected to have demonstrated sexually aggressive or inappropriate sexual behaviors to the regional SAY committee to determine if a SAY identification is appropriate.
  4. For identification as SAY, children or youth must be eight years or older and meet one of the following criteria:
    1. The regional SAY committee has or has previously approved the youth for SAY funded treatment.
    2. The regional SAY committee has determined the youth meets the definition of SAY as defined in RCW 74.13.075.
    3. A valid record exists documenting the youth has been found guilty in a court of law for a sexual offense.
  5. All requests for SAY funding must be approved by the regional SAY committee. The caseworker must submit a new request to the SAY committee every six months for continued funding.
  6. Prior to children or youth being identified as SAY, the regional SAY committee may approve funding for an evaluation to help determine SAY identification and appropriate treatment needs.
  7. Placement of children or youth identified as SAY:
    1. SAY identified prior to being placed:
      1. Licensed caregivers must complete the DCYF approved SAY training prior to placement.
      2. Unlicensed caregivers must complete the DCYF approved SAY training within 30 days of placement.
    2. SAY identified while in a placement:
      1. Licensed and unlicensed caregivers must complete the DCYF approved SAY training as soon as possible, but no later than 30 calendar days, after the child or youth is identified as SAY.
    3. Caseworkers must verify that caregivers have completed the DCYF approved SAY training.
    4. If caregivers have not completed the DCYF approved SAY training, caseworkers must:
      1. Provide caregivers with information on where and how to access the training.
      2. Discuss the training requirement with the caregiver and document in FamLink the date the caregiver agrees to complete the training.
      3. Verify completion of the DCYF SAY training.
  8. Priority for SAY funds must go to dependent children or youth. However, non-dependent children or youth (i.e. Children in Need of Services, Voluntary Placement Agreement, Etc.) may receive SAY services.
  9. Referrals from prosecutors or law enforcement for SAY services will be investigated for abuse and neglect. See Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation policy.
  10. Polygraph testing can only be provided or funded for children or youth identified as SAY if a court orders the test. A plethysmograph will not be approved or funded.

Resources

Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation policy

Sexually Aggressive Youth procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)

Original Date:  September 31, 1995

Revised Date:  October 19, 2017

Review Date: 

Approved by:  Connie Lambert-Eckel, Acting Assistant Secretary