Child Protective Services offered by Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Bellingham
Provides child protective services, including intake, screening and investigative services in response to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. CPS social workers investigate appropriate referrals to assess the safety and protection needs of children and, when necessary, intervenes by providing services designed to increase safety and protect children from further harm. In order to remain involved with families for more than 90 days, CPS must obtain either a court order or a voluntary service agreement with families at risk. CPS may include in-home protective services to keep a child safely in the family home or temporary out-of-home care during assessment or reunification efforts. Callers reporting suspected child abuse will be asked during the call: - The name, address and age of the child. - The name and address of the child's parent, guardian or other persons having custody of the child. - The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect. - Any evidence of previous incidences. - Any other information which may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child's abuse or neglect and the identity of the perpetrator. (1-866-END-HARM is a toll-free telephone-based clearinghouse provided by Washington state to connect callers to appropriate abuse reporting lines; interpreters available in common non-English languages, including Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. ) Targeted services for Indian children are available at the Office of Indian Child Welfare.
Location
1720 Ellis St., Suite 100, Bellingham, WA 98225
Voice
Hours
M-F, 8am-4:30pm. Intake: 24 hours daily.
Application process
Call. Intake line will accept collect calls.
Eligibility
Families with children, ages 17 and younger.
Fee
None.
Languages
Interpreter services
Agency info
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families' Child Welfare System
Operates a child abuse hotline. Provides Child Protective Services. Also provides Family Reconciliation Services to families with adolescents who have run away or are experiencing family conflict. Connects families interested in adopting with children in DSHS custody. Maintains a separate office for Indian Child Welfare.