Mandatory Reporting Reminders
Dear Residential Service Provider,
DSHS' Developmental Disabilities Administration has zero tolerance for physical, sexual, and mental abuse, or neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As direct service providers, it is important to train all employees on mandatory reporting requirements and ensure they understand and fulfill their mandatory reporter obligations.
Reminders
- Reports regarding vulnerable adults must be made immediately, per RCW 74.34.
- Reports regarding abuse of children must be made immediately, and no longer than 48 hours per RCW 26.44.
- For Certified Community Residential Services and Support (CCRSS) providers (Supported Living, Group Homes, and Group Training Homes) and their staff, reports of alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment must be reported immediately to the department’s Complaint Resolution Unit as mandated by WAC 388-101-4150. Further, 'immediately' is defined (per WAC 388-101-3000) as within 24 hours of knowledge of the allegation involving a vulnerable adult. (The vulnerable adult does not have to be a client of the provider to have a report made on their behalf.)
- Failure to report and maliciously reporting false allegations to the department is a misdemeanor per RCW 74.34.053.
Resources
Reporting
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Child Protective Services
- Children under 18
- Children in foster care or licensed staffed residential programs (and alleged perpetrator is caregiver)
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Adult Protective Services
- Vulnerable adults
- Children 18-21 (if perpetrator not affiliated with foster care placement or licensed staff residential settings)
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Residential Care Services
- Agency/provider practice noncompliance allegations (adult licensed or certified residential settings)
Thank you for helping prevent abuse and neglect with the individuals you support!
DDA Residential Quality Assurance Unit
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