Washington
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Washington
Under Washington law (Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families — DCYF child-abuse statutes under RCW 26.44), abuse or neglect includes physical injury or threat of serious physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment (failure to provide adequate care, supervision, medical care, food, shelter), abandonment, or other acts or omissions that endanger a child under 18.
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
As of 2025, a new law (Senate Bill 5375) adds clergy — ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and similarly licensed religious/spiritual leaders — to the list of legally required (mandated) reporters when they have reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected. However, the law includes an important exception: if the information is obtained solely through a “privileged communication” (e.g., confidential confession or sacred communication), the clergy member is not required to report.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
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When a mandated reporter (including clergy under SB 5375, or other listed professionals) has reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, they must immediately report to DCYF or local law enforcement, via phone or other accepted means.
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Washington provides a statewide hotline: 1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276) to report suspected child abuse/neglect.
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Persons reporting in good faith are protected by statutory immunity from civil or criminal liability.
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Failure to report when required may result in criminal penalties (a gross misdemeanor) under Washington law.
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Statutory definitions encompass: non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment/failure to provide care, abandonment, risk to child welfare, and other situations endangering a child’s safety or health.
While Washington law emphasizes reporting duties, many child-welfare and religious-institution guidance documents recommend that faith-based organizations adopt safe-environment policies: background screening for staff/volunteers, training on recognizing abuse/neglect, clear internal protocols that align with state law, supervision practices for children, and prominently posting/reporting hotline/contact info. (Though such prevention recommendations are generally outside statutory mandate.)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
Professionals working in schools — teachers, school personnel, child-care providers, school therapists — are among the mandated reporters under Washington law when they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. The law also allows any person (not just mandated reporters) to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Washington.
(Source: DCYF list of mandated reporters, including school personnel. ([dcyf.wa.gov])
Mandatory Reporting Laws
When a school staff member suspects abuse or neglect, they must report immediately to DCYF or law enforcement — internal school-only reporting (e.g. to a supervisor) does not substitute legal duty. Following receipt of a report, DCYF will conduct either an Investigation or a Family Assessment to determine child safety and necessary interventions.
(Source: FindLaw summary of reporting duties.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools should apply the statutory definitions of abuse/neglect: physical or mental injury, sexual abuse/exploitation, neglect or negligent treatment, abandonment, and endangerment. Best practices encouraged by child-welfare authorities include mandated-reporter training for school staff, background checks for volunteers/employees working with minors, written institutional policies prioritizing external reporting, supervision policies to reduce unsupervised one-on-one interactions with minors, and making reporting hotline/contact information widely accessible.
(Source: RCW definitions; DCYF and Child Welfare Gateway guidance.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Washington
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Suspected abuse or neglect in Washington is reported via the statewide hotline 1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276) or local intake numbers (varies by region) for the DCYF. DCYF+1
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Upon receiving a report, DCYF assigns the case for investigation or assessment to ensure child safety and welfare.
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Washington law offers immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons reporting in good faith.
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Failure by a mandated reporter to report when required is a criminal offense (gross misdemeanor under RCW 26.44) and may carry serious legal consequences.
(Source: Public Health Context Washington)
How to make a report in the state of Washington
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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Statewide Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276) — 24/7 statewide toll-free hotline.
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For evenings, weekends, and holidays (or if you don’t know your local office), you may call 1-866-363-4276 and they will connect you to the correct local office.
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Emergency / immediate danger? Call 911 or your local law enforcement first.
Alternative (During Business Hours):
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You can also contact your local CPS / Children’s Administration office during normal business hours if you know the correct regional contact.
After Making the Call –
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The report will be screened by CPS. If the allegation meets legal criteria, CPS will investigate.
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If requested or required, you may need to provide a written follow-up report after the initial oral/phone report.
What Information to Provide (as known):
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Child’s full name, age (or date of birth), and address/location
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Names and addresses of parents/caregivers or persons responsible for the child, if known
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Nature of suspected abuse or neglect — what was seen, heard, disclosed; injuries; neglect; dangerous conditions; previous history if known.
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns — risk of harm, need for urgent intervention, dangerous environment, etc.
Who Must Report / Legal Duty:
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Under state law (RCW 26.44), certain professionals (“mandatory reporters”) are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This includes: medical staff, teachers, childcare providers, law enforcement, social workers, and others.
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Any person (not just professionals) who believes a child is being abused or neglected may — and should — report.
Protections & Confidentiality:
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Reports made in good faith are protected: reporters are immune from civil or criminal liability if they report honestly and without malicious intent.
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If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, you can use a relay service or TTY to call the hotline (for example, dialing 711 or the TTY number) — DCYF accepts relay/VRS calls.
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
Join Us in the Fight to Protect the Next Generation.
Transforming child safety measures, ECAP is empowering Christian churches, schools, and camps nationwide to embrace an elevated standard of care.
Together, let’s shield our children from harm and create a brighter, safer tomorrow!
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
