Domestic violence survivors’ rights with CPS
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If Child Protective Services is investigating you and you’re a domestic violence survivor, know your rights and how you can get help.
Know your rights:
- CPS should ask about domestic violence and what you’re doing to keep your kids safe
- CPS must try to keep you and your kids together – that includes helping you all stay safe from the abuser
- CPS should not hold you responsible for things the abuser does
The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence has more information to know your rights with CPS
If you need help with CPS, you can:
- Talk to your attorney (if you have one assigned to your case)
- Ask the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombudsman for help at (800) 571-7321
- Call the Children’s Administration’s Office of Constituent Relations at (800) 723-4831
- Talk to a domestic violence advocate
Community organizations can help! If you’ve experienced domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault, or the threat of any of these, get help from your local domestic violence shelter or sexual assault center. Shelters provide safety planning, temporary shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and other services.
Visit Washington State Domestic Violence Information & Referral to search for local programs by county, or for culturally/community specific or Tribal programs.
You can call, text, or chat online with advocates 24/7 at any of these:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673
- StrongHearts Native Helpline (a peer support service of the National DV Hotline), 1-844-762-8483