Purpose:

This section lists the procedures on how to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or the rape of a child. For purposes of this section, “Abuse and neglect” of children means the injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health, welfare, and safety is harmed. The laws addressing child abuse and neglect are codified in RCW RCW 26.44.020 (12) and RCW 26.44.030 (1(d). The laws addressing child rape are codified in RCW 9A.44.073-079 .