For Professionals

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

Washington State Law mandates that professions report suspected child abuse or neglect. In an effort to protect children (and vulnerable adults) from abuse, Washington State Law (RCW 26.44.030) requires that the following professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Child Protective Services:

Medical Practitioners: licensed health service providers including: podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, registered or licensed nurses, dentists, osteopaths, surgeons, physicians and religious healing practitioners; Coroners, medical examiners and licensed pathologists

Professional School Personnel: including, but not limited to, teachers, counselors, administrators, child care facility personnel and school nurses

Registered Pharmacists

Licensed Child Care Providers and Employees

Department of Social and Health Services Employees

Juvenile Probation Officers

Department of Corrections Employees: if they become aware of possible child abuse or neglect during the course of their employment

Any Adult Who Resides with a Child Suspected to Have Been Abused

The Washington State Law states that those required by law to report must do so; those who knowingly fail to make a report, or cause a report to be made, shall be guilty of gross misdemeanor (RCW 26.44.080). The law also gives Child Protective Services access to all relevant records about a child in the possession of mandated reporters and their employees (RCW 26.44.030). Any person who in good faith makes report or gives testimony in regard to possible child abuse or neglect is immune from civil or criminal liability (RCW 26.44.056). A person who, intentionally and in bad faith or maliciously, knowingly makes a false report of abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (RCW 26.44.060).

A report of suspected child abuse and neglect should be made by telephone, by letter or in person to the local office of the Department of Social & Health Services, Division of Child and Family Services, Child Protective Services and/or the local law enforcement agency where the child resides. Local law enforcement may be defined as the local police department, the office of the prosecuting attorney, the State Patrol, the Director of Public Safety, or the Office of the Sheriff.

Within King County there are two numbers to call, depending on the time of day you are calling: Daytime (between 8 am to 4:30 pm) you can call 1-800-609-8764 and Evening (between 4:30 pm-8:00 am) you can call 1-800-562-5624

Visit the Washington State Legislature Website to learn more.

How Do I Refer Someone to KCSARC for Services

You can call KCSARC's 24-Hour Sexual Assault Resource Line anytime at 1-888-99-VOICE to talk a KCSARC Advocate. You can also refer this number to others who may need information.

Handling Reports of Sexual Assault

Show understanding and support:

• Listen
• Believe: "I believe what you are telling me."
• Assure: "What happened was not okay. I am glad you told me."
• Support by expression and understanding: "It is not your fault."
• Empower by recognizing a person's strengths: "It takes courage to talk about this."
• Refer: Know your resources and access them.
• Respect the person's needs: For safety, confidentiality, etc.

Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting:

All abuse of young people under age 18 must be reported to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services.

Maintaining confidentiality does not mean keeping knowledge of abuse or assault a secret. Even while filing a report, mandated by law, you can maintain a respectful, confidential relationship with a young person by assuring her/him that the knowledge you have will not become an item of gossip or be routinely shared with other colleagues.

Child Neglect

This document addresses the definition, types, causes and impacts of Child Neglect.

What Adults Can Do For Kids

This document provides suggestions for communicating with kids and outlines What Adults Can Do.

KCSARC's Professional Development Series

PCIT Coach Training

KCSARC provides Patent-Child Interactive Training (PCIT) Coach training. Visit the PCIT Training Webpage for more information.

General Information:

• Facts About Bullying and Intimidation
• Alternative Aggression

Resources for Teachers:

• Talking to Your Students about Bullying
• How Will You Use Your Power? A Handout for Students
• Take a Stand, Lend a Hand: Bystanders and Their Impact on Bullying

Resources for Schools: Strengthening Friendships and Decreasing Bullying

KCSARC's Prevention & Education Department and the Seattle Children's Theatre are partnering for the 5th season to present violence prevention workshops for youth to address issues brought up in the play "Nothing is the Same." KCSARC's team created an interactive "Exploring Friendships Resource Handbook" to help adults who work with youth facilitate an on-going dialogue about issues such as friendship, bullying, diversity, and stereotypes. The handbook can be used as a stand-alone resource inside and outside a classroom setting. Both the Handbook and the agenda for the post-play interactive workshop are downloadable below. KCSARC's Prevention and Education Department is OSPI certified to provide OSPI clock hours for in-service training to school staff. We can provide technical assistance to staff who want to integrate the activities into an existing curriculum.

The King County Sexual Assault Resource Center is always in the process of adding names of therapists to our resource guide. If you are interested in more information on how you can be added to our list of referrals, please see the attached application. You may contact the Resource Line Coordinator for more information on this process - 425.282.0362 or email Laura Lurry

Download the application:

• PDF Document
• Word Document

• KCSARCs Internet Safety Strategies
• Interesting Reserach Findings
• Cyberbullying

Visit our Publications Page for more information.