The department:

1. (1) Must:

   1. (a) Complete the following when responding to reports of allegations of abuse or neglect:

      1. (i) Assess all reports of alleged abuse or neglect as defined in WAC 110-30-0030 using a risk assessment process to determine program type, risk level, and response time;

      2. (ii) Provide an in-person response to:

         1. (A) Alleged victims or identified children or youth within the following time frames from the date and time the report was received:

            1. (I) Twenty-four hours for emergent reports; and
            2. (II) Seventy-two hours for nonemergent reports; and
         2. (B) Alleged subjects of abuse or neglect, if possible;
      3. (iii) Make reasonable efforts to have an adult third party present at the child's or youth's interview if the presence of a third party does not interfere with the investigation, unless the child or youth objects;
      4. (iv) Audio record interviews with alleged victims of abuse or neglect when there are serious allegations of sexual and physical abuse; and
      5. (v) Photograph the alleged children or youth victims to document their physical condition, per RCW 26.44.050, if applicable; and

   2. (b) Attempt to complete investigations within 60 calendar days, but not exceed beyond 90 calendar days unless:

      1. (i) The investigation is being conducted under local county protocol, per chapter 26.44 RCW; or
      2. (ii) A law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney has determined a longer investigation period is necessary; and
2. (2) May interview children or youth outside the presence of their parents or guardians without prior notification or consent.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 26.44 RCW, RCW 74.08.090, 74.13.031, and 74.04.050. WSR 26-09-079, s 110-30-0070, filed 4/14/26, effective 6/5/26. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-30-0070, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: Chapter 26.44 RCW, RCW 74.08.090, 74.13.031, 74.04.050, and 2007 c 220. WSR 09-07-001, § 388-15-021, filed 3/4/09, effective 4/4/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.13.031, 74.04.050 and chapter 26.44 RCW. WSR 02-15-098 and 02-17-045, § 388-15-021, filed 7/16/02 and 8/14/02, effective 2/10/03.]