Washington § 26.38.120 - Authority and responsibility of the department.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.38.120 — Authority and responsibility of the department., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.38.120. Authority and responsibility of the department.

(1) If the department has a reasonable basis to believe that a person has transferred or will transfer custody of a child in violation of RCW 26.38.110(1), the department must respond in accordance with chapter 74.13 RCW.
(2) If the department provides a child protective services response in accordance with chapter 26.44 RCW for a child adopted or placed through an intercountry adoption, the department shall:
(a) Prepare a report on the welfare and plan for permanent placement of the child; and
(b) Provide a copy of the report to the United States department of state. For the purpose of preventing child abuse or neglect, the department of children, youth, and families may disclose to the United States department of state only those confidential child welfare records that may assist the United States department of state in informing the child's country of origin that the custody of the child has been transferred in an unregulated custody transfer and describing the child's welfare and plan for permanent placement of the child. The records retain their confidentiality subject to RCW 13.50.100 and federal law.
(3) Chapter 88, Laws of 2022 does not prevent the department from taking any appropriate action to protect the welfare of the child.
[ 2022 c 88 s 203.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.38.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.38.120 cover?

Section 26.38.120 ("Authority and responsibility of the department.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.38.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.38.120" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.38.120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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