CPS Guidelines for Child Removal in Washington State: 9 Reasons CPS Can Take Your Child

No parent wants to think about Child Protective Services taking their children from their homes, but it is possible, especially once CPS initiates an investigation. If you’re under investigation through CPS, a family law attorney with Skyview Law can help you keep your children at home. We’ll take a look at CPS guidelines for child removal in Washington and look at your options.

• Neglect
• Abuse
• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health Issues
• Domestic Violence
• Incarceration
• Unsafe Living Conditions
• Lack of Resources
• Parental Consent

CPS Guidelines for Child Removal in Washington

CPS guidelines for child removal in Washington State follow a specific policy for investigating concerns and removing children from their homes. 

What Is Child Protective Services (CPS)?

CPS is a state-run agency tasked with promoting the welfare of all children in the state. It investigates child safety concerns and can petition the court to remove a child from a home it deems unfit.

How Is CPS Notified of Child Abuse or Neglect?

The law requires mandated reporters like teachers and doctors to notify CPS if they suspect abuse or neglect. A concerned family member, friend, or neighbor may also report parents.

Overview of How CPS Cases Are Processed

CPS is required to investigate any report. They will investigate cases where the child is in immediate danger within 24 hours of reporting. In other cases, CPS has 90 days to investigate.

What Happens After the CPS Investigation Process?

CPS may close the case with no other actions taken, petition the court for the removal of the children, or enter an agreement with the parents.

How Does CPS Determine Child Removal?

If CPS deems the parents or living situation as unfit, they will take steps to remove the children from the home.

When Does CPS Remove a Child?

Depending on the situation, CPS can file a dependency case and remove the children once the court approves. CPS can remove children even if the parents aren’t present, but do give notice. Parents can request the children go with an approved relative.

Courts Must Review Child Removal

CPS cannot remove a child without court approval. The court will review the case and determine if the claim is warranted.

Only the police can remove children immediately if there is imminent danger. Police can hold children for up to 72 hours.

Unlawful Removal of a Child

CPS must notify parents immediately of the intent to remove a child. It must also detail what circumstances led to the removal. Parents have the right to say where they want their children placed. CPS must consider the recommendation.

If CPS takes a child without notice or court permission, it’s considered unlawful removal.

9 Reasons CPS Can Take Your Child

You have the answer to the question, “can CPS take your child?” Below are the top reasons CPS could take away a child from their home.

Neglect

Neglect occurs in many households. It’s often not intentional abuse but can still warrant a CPS investigation.

Definition of Neglect

Neglect is when a parent doesn’t meet their child’s needs physically (providing food, clothing, safe housing) and emotionally. Parents may also neglect their child’s education or health.

Examples of Neglect

Examples include:

• Not feeding a child regularly
• Not keeping a child clean
• Failure to give a child the necessary medication

Consequences of Neglect

Neglected children have difficulty trusting others. They may settle for less than they deserve and enter unhealthy relationships as adults. In extreme cases, children may be hospitalized or even die.

Abuse

At least one of every seven children experiences some form of abuse/neglect each year.

Definition of Abuse

Abuse is intentionally harming or endangering a child.

Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves using force, like kicking, hitting, shoving, etc.

Mental & Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse refers to verbal or emotional mistreatment. It can include shaming, threatening, and manipulating a child.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves both touching and non-touching actions. 

Medical Abuse

Medical abuse, sometimes manifesting as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, involves an adult actively keeping a child unhealthy.

Consequences of Abuse

Consequences include immediate or prolonged physical injuries. Emotional consequences involve a lack of trust, depression, and an inability to form healthy relationships.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a serious problem affecting many families.

Definition of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the use of alcohol and illegal or legal drugs in an addictive and detrimental manner.

Impact of Substance Abuse on Children

Children growing up in a home where parents have substance abuse issues are more likely to have depression and anxiety. They’re also more at increased risk of abuse and neglect.

Consequences of Parental Substance Abuse

Substance abuse limits a parent’s ability to care for their child properly. They may abuse or neglect their children, which can lead to CPS involvement.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues don’t just affect the parent – they also affect their children.

Definition of Mental Health Issues

Mental health disorders can affect behavior, mood, and treatment of others.

Impact of Mental Health Issues on Parenting

Parents with untreated mental health issues may not be able to parent to the best of their abilities. They may abuse or neglect their children.

Consequences of Parental Mental Health Issues

CPS will get involved if parents with mental health issues aren’t meeting their children’s needs. The goal is to get treatment for the parents.

Domestic Violence

Over ten million people experience physical domestic violence each year.

Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence includes physical, mental, and sexual abuse between family members or romantic partners. 

Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Children in homes with domestic violence often have anxiety, depression, and trust issues. Kids who witness abuse often continue the cycle as adults.

Consequences of Domestic Violence for Children

CPS may question the child about violence in the home. It will remove children even if the violence isn’t directed toward them, as it’s mentally damaging and potentially a safety risk.

Incarceration

Around 2.7 million children have a parent in prison.

Impact of Parental Incarceration on Children

When a child’s parent or parents are incarcerated, kids miss out on essential family bonding time. They may struggle socially and withdraw because they don’t want others to know they have a parent in prison.

Consequences of Parental Incarceration

If necessary, CPS will help children find a home while their parent is incarcerated. CPS will also organize visitation between the children and parents. 

Unsafe Living Conditions

Unsafe living conditions can be harmful to children.

Definition of Unsafe Living Conditions

Unsafe living conditions may include an excessively dirty home that’s a health hazard or physically dangerous for kids. 

Examples of Unsafe Living Conditions

Unsafe living conditions may be caused by homes with too many pets or excessive mess that could be unsanitary. Houses without running water and electricity might be unsafe. Other unsafe conditions may be a roof that’s caving in or broken windows.

Consequences of Unsafe Living Conditions

Kids living in unsafe conditions are more likely to get sick or injured, and they are also at risk of not getting the proper nutrition needed.

Lack of Resources

Some parents don’t have the necessary resources to raise their children.

Definition of Lack of Resources

A lack of resources may mean that parents can’t meet their children’s needs or cannot provide them with a place to live. 

Examples of Lack of Resources (Financial, Housing, Medical)

Some parents lack the funds to provide their children with food, clothes, toiletries, and other basic needs. Parents may not have a suitable home or afford medical services for their children.

Consequences of Lack of Resources

When kids’ basic needs aren’t met, they struggle physically and emotionally. Kids may have trouble focusing in school and may suffer from malnutrition. They may not get the medical care they need.

Parental Consent

While not common, some parents consent to CPS taking their children.

Definition of Parental Consent

Parental consent is when the parent permits their children to be removed from their home. CPS typically grants parents the right to express whom they’d like the children to live with.

Examples of Parental Consent

If parents know they are in an unsafe situation or their home isn’t fit for their children, they are often willing to let CPS take them to keep them safe.

Consequences of Parental Consent

Parents may be able to work with CPS to create an action plan for getting their children back. They may also petition to have their children returned.

Family Law Experts

If CPS has started an investigation or taken your children, you still have rights. If you believe that CPS has acted outside of its legal rights or if you’d like to discuss your rights as a parent, an attorney with Skyview Law can help. Our extensive knowledge of CPS guidelines for child removal can ensure you get the support you deserve. Get in touch today for a free case review.