Washington § 26.44.035 - Response to complaint by more than one agency — Procedure — Written records.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.035 — Response to complaint by more than one agency — Procedure — Written records., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.44.035. Response to complaint by more than one agency — Procedure — Written records.

(1) If the department or a law enforcement agency responds to a complaint of alleged child abuse or neglect and discovers that another agency has also responded to the complaint, the agency shall notify the other agency of their presence, and the agencies shall coordinate the investigation and keep each other apprised of progress.
(2) The department, each law enforcement agency, each county prosecuting attorney, each city attorney, and each court shall make as soon as practicable a written record and shall maintain records of all incidents of suspected child abuse reported to that person or agency.
(3) Every employee of the department who conducts an interview of any person involved in an allegation of abuse or neglect shall retain his or her original written records or notes setting forth the content of the interview unless the notes were entered into the electronic system operated by the department which is designed for storage, retrieval, and preservation of such records.
(4) Written records involving child sexual abuse shall, at a minimum, be a near verbatim record for the disclosure interview. The near verbatim record shall be produced within fifteen calendar days of the disclosure interview, unless waived by management on a case-by-case basis.
(5) Records kept under this section shall be identifiable by means of an agency code for child abuse.
[ 1999 c 389 s 7; 1997 c 386 s 26; 1985 c 259 s 3.]

Notes

Application—Effective date—1997 c 386: See notes following RCW 13.50.010.
Legislative findings—1985 c 259: See note following RCW 26.44.030.

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

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What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.035 cover?

Section 26.44.035 ("Response to complaint by more than one agency — Procedure — Written records.") 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.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.035" (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.

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Sources & Verification

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