Navigating the Complex World of Child Care: Definitions You Need to Know
In the intricate field of child welfare and protection, clarity and precision in language are paramount. Just as a detailed coding workbook is essential for newborn care (like perhaps a 9.68 Newborn Care Coding Workbook used for medical professionals), a comprehensive understanding of terminology is crucial for professionals and individuals navigating this space. This guide provides clear, concise definitions of key terms frequently encountered in child welfare practices and procedures, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to protecting and supporting children and families.
ABANDON: Abandonment occurs when a parent, guardian, or custodian demonstrates, through words or actions, a clear intention to relinquish parental rights and responsibilities for an extended period, despite having the capacity to fulfill them. In legal terms, if diligent efforts to locate a parent are unsuccessful, a three-month period without contact can create a presumption of abandonment, as outlined in RCW 74.14A.020 and RCW 13.34.030. This legal framework ensures timely intervention in cases of parental absence.
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS): AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, a condition where the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) severely weakens the immune system. HIV specifically targets and destroys CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells), critical components of the immune system. Diagnosis of AIDS requires either the presence of an AIDS-defining condition or a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3. Understanding AIDS is vital in providing appropriate care and support to affected children and families.
ADMINISTRATIVE INCIDENTS: These are defined as serious and urgent events involving clients, staff, and service providers within child welfare agencies. These incidents necessitate immediate attention and response to ensure safety and well-being.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW: This is a formal review process, accessible to parents, conducted by an impartial panel. At least one member of the panel must be independent of the case management and service delivery for the child or parents under review. This process, mandated by 42 USC 675, Sec. 475, ensures objectivity and fairness in case evaluations.
ADOPTION SUPPORT AGREEMENT: A legally binding contract between adoptive parents and the relevant department (like DCYF), outlining specific supports and conditions for the adoption. This agreement ensures that adoptive families receive necessary resources to care for their adopted child.
AFTERCARE SERVICES: These are ongoing, less intensive services provided to youth and families after discharge from more intensive interventions such as residential care or in-home services. Aftercare services are designed to support long-term stability and well-being.
AGE OR DEVELOPMENTALLY-APPROPRIATE: This term refers to activities or items considered suitable for children based on their chronological age or maturity level. It acknowledges typical developmental milestones in cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral capacities. For individual children, appropriateness is determined by their specific developmental stage, ensuring tailored and effective care.
AGGRAVATED CIRCUMSTANCES: These are specific conditions defined in RCW 13.34.132 under which DCYF is no longer mandated to make reasonable efforts for family reunification. These circumstances typically involve severe situations that jeopardize child safety.
ALLEGED GENETIC PARENT: This term refers to an individual who is claimed to be, or claims to be, a biological parent of a child. It excludes presumed parents under chapter 26.26A RCW, individuals whose parental rights have been terminated, or gamete/embryo donors. See RCW 74.14A.020; RCW 26.33.020; RCW 26.26A.010 for further details.
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE (ALE): ALE is a form of public education delivered online, remotely, or in site-based settings. The curriculum is district-developed, approved, and monitored, offering flexible educational options.
AT-RISK YOUTH: This term defines a juvenile who meets specific criteria indicating vulnerability:
- Absence from home without parental consent for at least 72 hours.
- Behavior beyond parental control that endangers the child’s or others’ health, safety, or welfare.
- Substance abuse issues without pending criminal charges related to substance abuse.
Refer to RCW 13.32A.030 for complete legal definitions.
BEHAVIORAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (BRS): BRS are intensive, temporary support and treatment programs for youth with significant service needs. These services aim to stabilize youth safely and facilitate a permanent plan or transition to less intensive care. BRS can be delivered in various settings, promoting family-based care and reducing service duration.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP): BBPs are infectious agents in human blood that can cause disease, including hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV. Understanding BBPs is critical for safety protocols in child care and related services.
BORROWED FOSTER HOME: This refers to a foster home used through a CPA contract where reimbursement is solely for the home use, while DCYF retains case management responsibilities. Authorization for borrowed foster home services is limited to six-month increments.
Caregiver: A caregiver is an adult residing in a home permanently or semi-permanently who has routine childcare responsibilities. This can include legally responsible adults, relatives, live-in partners, or any adult regularly involved in childcare within the home.
CASE PLAN: A case plan is a formal, written document prepared by a social worker outlining anticipated activities and service agreements for a specific case. It serves as a roadmap for case management and intervention.
CERTIFICATION FOR ADOPTION: This signifies that an individual or household has applied for adoption, completed a satisfactory home study, and has been deemed suitable to become adoptive parents by the department or a child placing agency.
CHILD, JUVENILE, and YOUTH: These terms are legally interchangeable and refer to any unemancipated individual under the age of 18 years, as defined in RCW 13.32A.030.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: Child abuse or neglect encompasses injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child that harms their health, welfare, and safety. An abused child is one who has experienced such abuse or neglect.
- Physical abuse is the non-accidental infliction of physical harm, including actions like hitting, burning, shaking (especially in children under three), or interfering with breathing. It also includes any act likely to cause and causing bodily harm beyond minor temporary marks.
- Physical discipline, including reasonable corporal punishment by a parent or guardian, is not considered abuse if it’s moderate and for correction, considering the child’s age, size, condition, and injury location. Excessive force is never justified.
- Sexual abuse involves any sexual offense against a child, including inappropriate touching of intimate parts for sexual gratification, or causing a child to touch another for such purposes. Exceptions exist for hygiene, childcare, and medical treatment by authorized individuals.
- Sexual exploitation includes sex trafficking and commercial exploitation, forcing a child to participate in sex acts for value, sexually explicit performances, or pornography.
- Negligent treatment or maltreatment is an act, failure to act, or pattern of behavior that demonstrates serious disregard for a child’s well-being, creating clear and present danger to their health, welfare, or safety. Parental substance abuse is a significant factor. Poverty or domestic violence exposure alone does not constitute maltreatment. Actual harm is not required; the danger itself is sufficient. Neglect can include failure to provide basic necessities, actions causing risk to development, or chronic parental failure to fulfill parental duties.
- Abandonment by a parent or guardian occurs when they desert a child with intent to abandon, leave a child without basic necessities, or forego parental responsibilities for an extended period despite the ability to fulfill them. Abandonment is demonstrated by a substantial lack of regard for parental duties and child welfare. Criminal activity or incarceration alone is not abandonment, but patterns or long-term incarceration can be.
CHILD ACTION PLAN: This plan outlines services and tasks for a child and placement provider to support placement and meet the child’s needs in out-of-home care. It addresses educational, medical, social, psychological, cultural, and independent living needs.
CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM (CFT): A CFT is a group established by the family and WISe agency, including family members, natural supports, community connections, and formal service providers. The CFT collaboratively develops and implements a family plan, addresses needs, works toward the family’s vision, and regularly monitors progress.
CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES (CHINS): A CHINS is a juvenile who meets specific criteria:
- Behavior beyond parental control endangering the child’s or others’ health, safety, or welfare.
- Reported as absent without consent for 24+ hours on two or more occasions and exhibiting substance abuse or behaviors posing serious harm.
- Lacking access to necessary services (food, shelter, healthcare, education, family support) or declining them, while parents are unable or unwilling to maintain family structure.
CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES (CHINS) PETITION: A formal petition filed in juvenile court by a parent, child, or department seeking court adjudication for child placement under CHINS criteria (RCW 13.32A.030).
CHILD PLACING AGENCIES (CPAs): CPAs are agencies licensed by DCYF to place children for temporary, continued care, or adoption, regulated under chapter 74.15 RCW and WAC 110-147.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS): CPS are services provided by DCYF to protect children from abuse and neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020. CPS includes investigations, referrals to services, coordination of prevention and treatment programs, and efforts to ensure permanent homes for children. Service provision is not contingent on a child’s willingness or ability to describe abuse.
CLIENT: In child welfare contexts, a “client” refers to a child or youth (up to age 21) under the care, custody, or supervision of Children’s Administration or DSHS, specifically concerning CA-provided services.
COMMERCIALLY SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILD: Also referred to as a SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM, this is a child under 18 induced to perform any sex act for which anything of value is exchanged.
COMMUNITY NETWORK: This refers to collaborative relationships between DCFS, cultural consultants, key informants, natural helpers, and other agencies to enhance cultural responsiveness in service delivery.
COMPELLING REASON: In the context of the Adoption and Safe Families Act and RCW, a compelling reason is an unusual circumstance that necessitates a decision deviating from standard practices for a child or family. Examples include:
- A child over 14 opposing adoption.
- Significant positive family ties that would be disrupted by termination of parental rights.
- Placement reasons other than abuse, neglect, abandonment, or parental inability (e.g., child’s behavioral issues).
- Lack of identified permanent placement and high risk of not finding adoptive resources.
- Other unique situations documented by the caseworker as compelling reasons against terminating parental rights.
- Temporary placement pending court decisions or to meet treatment needs.
- Birth parent considering relinquishment for adoption.
- Non-offending parent pursuing an alternate permanent plan.
- Professional assessment indicating a child cannot remain in a family setting.
- Parent incarceration when it’s the sole TPR reason, and the parent maintains a meaningful role.
- Tribal opposition to adoption with an alternative permanency plan (RCW 13.38.150).
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: A written plan approved by DSHS outlining contractor performance deficiencies, corrective actions, and timelines for achieving compliance with contract terms.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: Information protected by state or federal laws, including data about DCYF clients, employees, and contractors not publicly available without legal authorization. Categorized into four levels:
- Category 1: Public information, needs protection from unauthorized modification.
- Category 2: Sensitive, official use only, protected against unauthorized access, available through public disclosure.
- Category 3: Legally protected, not publicly disclosable.
- Category 4: Highly sensitive, requires special handling, including Protected Health Information (PHI), substance abuse/mental health client information, federal wage data, abused spouse location, and data compromising agency constituents.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: A systematic process of identifying strengths and weaknesses, analyzing issues, and testing, implementing, and refining solutions. It’s an ongoing cycle of agency decision-making and progress evaluation.
CONTINUUM OF CARE: A range of care services, from in-home support to highly structured residential care, ensuring appropriate service levels for each child and family’s needs.
CONTRACTS: Legally binding written agreements between DCYF and other entities (public or private) for goods, services, or data sharing. MOUs and SLAs are also considered contracts.
CONTRACT FORMAT: Electronic or hard copy templates for contracts, developed and approved by Central Contracts Legal Service, including data elements, general and special terms. Available in the Agency Contract Database.
CONTRACT RESOURCES: Regional and Statewide Contract Directories, and Regional Contract/Program Managers, providing support and information for contract management.
CONTRACTED AND/OR LICENSED PROVIDER: Individuals or entities providing services under contract with Children’s Administration.
CRITICAL INCIDENT: An event requiring immediate, thorough response, notification, information gathering, and communication, reported through AIRS. Includes:
- Fatality or near fatality of a child with an open case.
- Fatality or near fatality of a child who received services within 12 months prior, including information-only referrals.
- High-profile media event involving a service recipient or family.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Behaviors and attitudes enabling individuals to understand and integrate cultural context into actions when working with children and families.
CULTURAL CONSULTANTS: Culturally competent individuals recognized by the department or client to assist in assessing and resolving cultural issues.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY: Distinguishable differences in lifestyles, values, traditions, religions, etc. across groups.
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE: Proactively engaging with individuals in ways appropriate to their cultural values, behaviors, and norms, including shared knowledge, beliefs, customs, and expectations.
CULTURE: The integrated pattern of human behavior including thought, communication, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious, or social group.
CUMULATIVE CALCULATION method: Calculating foster care duration by summing up months spent in care over the last 22 months, across all placement episodes within that timeframe.
CUSTODIAN: The person or entity with legal custody rights of a child, as defined in RCW 13.32A.030.
DEPENDENT CHILD: A child or youth who:
- Has been abandoned.
- Is abused or neglected per RCW 26.44.020.
- Lacks a capable parent, guardian, or custodian, creating substantial danger to their psychological or physical development.
DESK REVIEW: A monitoring activity involving review of documentation like payment systems and reports to verify contract compliance.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: A disability originating before age 18, expected to continue indefinitely, substantially limiting the individual, attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or related neurological conditions (RCW 71A.10.020).
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES:
- Adolescent: 12-18 years.
- Child: Birth to under 18 years.
- Fetus: Unborn child.
- Infant: Birth to one year.
- Toddler: One to under six years.
DLR COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: A thorough review of a BRS contractor or licensed provider’s compliance with licensing, contracts, and program requirements, including onsite review, form completion, and a final report.
DOCUMENTED MEDICAL CONDITION: A physical or mental health condition, temporary or permanent, documented by a licensed healthcare provider, including physical injuries or behavioral health conditions. Can include orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments.
DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE (DNR) ORDER: A doctor’s medical order instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR if breathing or heartbeat stops. Established in advance of emergencies to allow patient choice regarding CPR.
DUAL LANGUAGE (DL) EMPLOYEES: DCYF-approved employees in DL positions who have verified language proficiency through DCYF-recognized professional examinations, including LTI, DSHS LTC, ATA, and others.
ELECTRONIC MONITORING: Video or audio monitoring or recording within a home or facility to observe children’s behavior, including common areas.
EMERGENT OR EMERGENCY PLACEMENT: Limited placements in private homes of neighbors, friends, or relatives due to sudden unavailability of a child’s primary caretaker (RCW 26.44.240).
ETHNIC: A group defined by customs, characteristics, language, common history, or racial affiliation.
ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEWING: Communication with a member of another culture to identify key cultural differences and the meaning of their practices and norms.
EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBER: An adult relative (grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin) with whom a child has a comfortable relationship and who is willing and able to provide care (RCW 13.32A.030).
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES: In adoption support, a finding by an administrative law judge or review judge that qualifying conditions prevented an otherwise eligible child from being enrolled in the adoption support program prior to adoption.
FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES: In-home or community-based services drawing on family strengths to address needs and keep families together, including respite care and services to improve parenting skills and family well-being (RCW 74.14C.010).
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) BACKGROUND CHECK: A fingerprint-based check including review of DCYF/DSHS founded abuse/neglect findings, self-disclosures, AOC/DOC/FBI/WSP conviction data, negative actions by DCYF/DOH/DSHS, sex offender registry, out-of-state CAN findings, and WIN conviction data.
FOSTER CARE: Placement of children by DCYF or licensed CPAs in licensed or unlicensed homes or facilities (chapter 74.15 RCW).
FOSTER HOMES OR FAMILY FOSTER HOMES: Licensed individuals providing 24-hour care in their home to children.
FOSTER PARENT LIABILITY PLAN: Reimbursement for foster/respite parent’s property damage, losses, or injuries allegedly caused by foster or respite children (WAC 110-50-1000 to 110-50-1090).
GROUP CARE: 24-hour licensed facilities providing a safe environment for more than six children, meeting basic needs and offering therapeutic services for family reunification.
GUARDIAN: A person or agency legally appointed as a child’s guardian in a proceeding outside of chapter 13.34 RCW, with legal custody rights. Excludes “dependency guardians” appointed under Chapter 13.34 RCW (RCW 13.32A.030; 13.34.030).
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: Medical Doctors (MD), Doctors of Osteopathy (DO), Doctors of Naturopathy (ND), Physician Assistants (PA), or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP).
HEALTH & EDUCATION RECORD: The comprehensive data entry system in electronic records, including provider, education, behavior, counseling, and daily routine information entered by CA staff.
HEARINGS ON THE MERITS OF THE PETITION: Court hearings after a threshold hearing where a petitioning youth must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of not achieving a sustained permanent plan, unlikely future plan achievement, and that reinstatement of parental rights is in their best interest.
HOME SCHOOLING: Home-based education provided by a caregiver, who develops the curriculum, ensures assessments, and maintains records.
HOSPICE CARE: Supportive care for terminally ill individuals, focusing on comfort, quality of life, and pain management rather than cure.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV): The virus causing AIDS, transmitted through infected body fluids or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
IMMINENT RISK: For Intensive Family Preservation Services, a determination that without such services, a child removal petition (chapters 13.13A or 13.34 RCW) or voluntary placement agreement will be immediately initiated (74.14C.010 RCW).
IMMINENT RISK OF SERIOUS HARM: (Used in Risk Only Intakes) A high likelihood of abuse or neglect causing death, life-endangering illness, injury needing medical attention, or substantial developmental harm.
IMPENDING DANGER: Parenting behavior in the near future that is harmful to a child’s development and could result in death, life-endangering illness, injury needing medical attention, or severe harm.
INDIAN CHILD: An unmarried person under 18 who is a member/citizen of an Indian tribe or eligible for membership and a biological child of a member/citizen (25 U.S.C. § 1903 (4); 25 C.F.R. § 23.2). Subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act.
INFORMED CONSENT: The process where a healthcare provider discloses information to a competent patient or caregiver for them to decide to accept or refuse treatment, based on patient rights to direct their healthcare.
IN-HOME SERVICES: Services provided in a child’s home as an alternative to out-of-home placement, equivalent in intensity to residential care.
IN-HOME PRE-FACT FINDING: When DCYF files a dependency petition and children remain or return home before dependency is established and DCYF does not retain PCA.
IN LOCO PARENTIS: A person acting as a parent, assuming ongoing parental rights, duties, and responsibilities, participating in daily parenting decisions (financial, supervision, discipline, medical, school).
INQUIRY ONLY CALLS: Calls to Children’s Administration solely for information, not alleging CA/N or requesting CA-specific services.
INTENSIVE FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES: Community-based, in-home services using intensive models proven to reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements (RCW 74.14C.010).
LEGALLY FREE: A child available for adoption because they have no legal parent due to death or parental rights termination.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: Individuals with limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English effectively.
LITIGATION: A civil claim or lawsuit alleging harm caused by the State of Washington, its agencies, or employees.
LITIGATION HOLD NOTICE: Communication instructing individuals likely to possess DCYF records relevant to litigation to preserve those records.
MEDICAL HISTORY: Health information in a child’s case record, as required by CA guidelines (chapter 4000, section 43092).
MEDICAL NECESSITY FOR INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Requested service reasonably calculated to diagnose, correct, cure, or alleviate a mental disorder, or prevent worsening conditions endangering life or causing suffering, with no less restrictive alternative (RCW 71.34.020).
MISSING CHILD: A child under CA care whose whereabouts are unknown or who left care without permission. Does not include children under dependency guardianship.
MONITORING: Activities reviewing and evaluating contractor performance and contract compliance.
MONITORING PLAN: A written proposal for monitoring contractor compliance based on risk assessment and contractor performance.
NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER (NCIC) BACKGROUND CHECK: A federal name-based check, including FBI check for emergent placements when fingerprints are taken. Reviews CAN findings, self-disclosures, AOC/DOC/WSP convictions, negative actions, sex offender registry, out-of-state CAN, and WIN data.
NEAR FATALITY: An act certified by a physician as placing a child in serious or critical condition (RCW 74.13.500).
NEAR VERBATIM: In almost exactly the same words as the original.
NEWBORN or NEONATE: A child up to 1 month (4 weeks) old. Understanding newborn care is critical, and resources like a 9.68 newborn care coding workbook can be invaluable for healthcare providers.
ON-SITE REVIEW: Contract monitoring activity reviewing contractor performance and compliance at their place of business.
ORIGINAL PLACEMENT DATE or ORIGINAL FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT: For Social Security Act purposes, the date of the child’s most recent removal from home and placement into foster care under state agency responsibility (45 CFR 1356.21(k)). Applies to voluntary agreements and court-ordered placements.
OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT or CARE: Placement in a foster family home, group care facility, or other unlicensed home outside of the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian’s home (RCW 74.14C.010).
PARENT: Biological or adoptive parent, or an individual with an established parent-child relationship (RCW 26.26.101), unless rights are terminated or paternity disestablished.
PARENTING STATUS:
- Custodian: Person appointed to care for a child.
- Guardian: Court-appointed person to care for or supervise a child.
- Parent: Prime caregiver, including:
- Adoptive parent: Court-granted parental status.
- Birth/natural parent: Biological parents.
- Custodial parent: Parent child resides with.
- Legal parent: Court-designated parental rights (joint, sole, shared custody, parenting plans).
- Physical parent: Parent child resides or is found with.
- Stepparent: Person married to a child’s parent.
- Caretaker: Person with physical supervision, including any parenting status or appointed physical custody provider.
PERIOD OF PURPLE CRYING: A phase in infancy characterized by increased crying:
- PURPLE acronym:
- Peak of Crying: Peaks around 2 months, then decreases.
- Unexpected: Crying starts and stops unpredictably.
- Resists Soothing: Crying continues despite soothing attempts.
- Pain-like Face: Baby looks like they are in pain.
- Long Lasting: Crying can last 30-40 minutes or longer.
- Evening Crying: More frequent in late afternoon/evening.
- “Period” indicates it is temporary.
PLACEMENT DECISION: Decision to place, delay, or deny placement in foster or adoptive home, including decisions to seek birth parent rights termination (42 USC 5115a).
PLACEMENT EPISODE: Period from the most recent removal from parent/guardian/custodian’s home for out-of-home care until return home, adoption/custody/guardianship order, or dependency dismissal (RCW 13.34.030).
PRESENT DANGER: Immediate, significant, and clearly observable severe harm or threat of harm currently occurring.
PRESERVATION SERVICES: Family and intensive family preservation services considering family cultural values and needs (RCW 74.14C.010).
PRESUMED PARENT: An individual presumed to be a parent under RCW 26.26A.115, unless presumption is legally overcome.
PREVENTIVE SERVICES: Preservation services and other reasonably available services to prevent out-of-home placement while protecting the child (RCW 13.34.030).
PRIMARY OR PREFERRED LANGUAGE: Language a client or caregiver prefers for verbal or written communication with DCYF.
PRN: Pro re nata, meaning “as needed.”
PROBATIONARY LICENSE: A disciplinary license issued to an agency previously fully licensed but non-compliant with standards (RCW 74.15.020).
PROPERTY OR PREMISES: Buildings and adjacent grounds owned or managed by an entity.
PROTECTIVE ACTION: Immediate short-term response to control present danger observed during initial family contact or any time present danger is identified.
PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION: Medication intended to alter thought processes, mood, sleep, or behavior, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Classification based on intended effect. (Examples provided).
PUBLIC RECORDS: Writings related to government performance, prepared, owned, used, or retained by state or local agencies (RCW 42.56.010 (3)).
PRIVATE SCHOOL: Non-public school meeting state health, safety, and education standards approved by the Washington State Board of Education. Credits may not directly transfer to public schools.
QUALITY ASSURANCE: Measures compliance against standards and informs continuous quality improvement.
RECORDS: Documents or recorded information created, sent, organized, or received by DCYF in public business, including paper, emails, recordings, data, texts, drafts, ESI, metadata (RCW 42.56.010(4)).
REASONABLE CAUSE: Witnessing or receiving a credible report alleging child abuse or neglect, including sexual contact (RCW 26.44.030).
REASONABLE AND PRUDENT PARENTING STANDARD: Careful, sensible parental decisions maintaining child health, safety, and best interests while encouraging emotional and developmental growth. Used by caregivers in allowing foster children to participate in activities. (See Prudent Parenting Guide DCYF CWP_0078).
RELATIVES: Defined in RCW 13.36.020(5), RCW 74.15.020(2), or tribal definitions for Indian children.
RELINQUISH OR RELINQUISHMENT: Voluntary surrender of child custody to the department, agency, or prospective adoptive parents (RCW 26.33.020).
RESIDENTIAL CARE: Generic term for group care, residential treatment, and treatment foster care.
RUNAWAY: A juvenile who leaves and stays away from home without parental permission. (Definition from “The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act”).
SAFE child: Child is safe when there is no present or impending danger, or caregiver protective capacities control safety threats.
SAFE HAVEN (Safety of Newborn Children Act): Allows anonymous, non-criminal transfer of a newborn by a parent at a hospital ER, fire station, or rural health clinic with personnel present.
SAFETY THRESHOLD: Criteria to determine a vulnerable child is unsafe, including observable, immediate/near future, out-of-control threats with severe potential impacts.
SCHOOL OF ORIGIN: School a child is enrolled in at placement time. If placement changes, it’s the school at the time of change.
SERIOUS INJURY of a child client: Injury needing professional medical treatment beyond first aid.
SERVICE AGREEMENT: Formal written description of services to be provided, developed by social worker with parent/court and children over 13 receiving services.
SEX TRAFFICKING: Recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting a person for commercial sex acts.
SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM: A child under state/tribal placement authority whom the agency believes is or is at risk of being a sex trafficking victim.
SEXUAL ASSAULT: Includes rape, child rape, assault with intent to rape, incest, indecent liberties, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, custodial sexual misconduct, sexually motivated crimes, sexual exploitation, promoting prostitution, and attempts of these offenses (RCW 70.125.030).
SEXUALLY EXPLOITED YOUTH: Person under 18 who is a victim of commercial sexual abuse, promoting commercial sexual abuse, or promoting travel for commercial sexual abuse of a minor (RCW 9.68A.100, 9.68A.101, 9.68A.102).
SPECIAL NEEDS: Specific factors preventing adoption without department support services.
SUBSTANCE-AFFECTED NEWBORN: Newborn with withdrawal symptoms from prenatal substance exposure or physical/behavioral signs attributable to exposure.
SUBSTANCE-EXPOSED NEWBORN: Newborn testing positive for substances at birth, or mother testing positive at delivery, or medical practitioner identifying prenatal substance exposure.
SUBSTITUTE CARE: Out-of-home placement for child welfare services under chapter 74.13 RCW, with department care/custody under chapter 13.34 RCW or parental consent.
SUITABLE PERSONS: Nonrelatives with pre-existing relationship with child/family, who pass background checks and are suitable to care for the child (RCW 13.34.130).
TEMPORARY OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT: Court-ordered out-of-home placement for up to 14 days at a CHINS petition fact-finding hearing (RCW 13.32A.030).
THRESHOLD HEARINGS: Court hearings after youth petition to reinstate parental rights, considering parent’s ability and interest in caring for the youth.
TRANSLATORS: Individuals working for translation businesses or passing DSHS LTC written translation exam or DCYF/DSHS recognized exams.
TREATMENT FOSTER CARE: Program for children/youth with special needs, delivered through trained, supervised treatment foster parents as part of a treatment team.
UNEXPECTED DEATH OF A MINOR: Death not from diagnosed terminal illness or anticipated deteriorating condition.
UNFOUNDED: Information indicates child abuse or neglect more likely than not did not occur (Chapter 26.44.020).
UNSAFE child: Child is unsafe when vulnerable to present or impending danger and caregiver is unable/unwilling to protect.
WASHINGTON STATE BACKGROUND CHECK: In-state name-based check including DCYF/DSHS CAN findings, self-disclosures, AOC/DOC/WSP convictions, negative actions, sex offender registry, out-of-state CAN findings.
WRAPAROUND WITH INTENSIVE SERVICES (WISe): Intensive mental health services and supports in home/community settings for Medicaid-eligible individuals up to 21 with complex behavioral health needs and their families. Provided by community mental health agencies.
WRITING: Any recorded communication, including paper, recordings, data, texts, drafts, ESI, metadata (RCW 42.56.010(4)).
