Wash. Rev. Code » Title 26 · Chapter 26.44
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.040 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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An immediate oral report must be made by telephone or otherwise to the proper law enforcement agency or the department and, upon request, must be followed by a report in writing. Such reports must contain the following information, if known:
(1) The name, address, and age of the child;
(2) The name and address of the child's parents, stepparents, guardians, or other persons having custody of the child;
(3) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;
(4) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;
(5) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;
(6) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and
(7) Any other information that may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child's death, injury, or injuries and the identity of the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 323; 1999 c 176 s 32; 1997 c 386 s 27; 1993 c 412 s 14; 1987 c 206 s 4; 1984 c 97 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 27; 1975 1st ex.s. c 217 s 4; 1971 ex.s. c 167 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 35 s 4; 1965 c 13 s 4.]

Notes:

Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 ss 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.
Conflict with federal requirements—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6: See RCW 43.216.908.
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Application—Effective date—1997 c 386: See notes following RCW 13.50.010.
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 20 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 1975–2024 · leading case: Wrigley v. State, 455 P.3d 1138 (Wash. 2020).
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Wrigley v. State, 455 P.3d 1138 (Wash. 2020). · cites it 4× “030 and RCW 26.44.040 contain the word "reports" in their title and evidence that reports are Wrigley v.”
State v. Motherwell, 788 P.2d 1066 (Wash. 1990). · cites it 2× “personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, or employee of the department [of Social and Health Services] has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent person has suffered abuse or neglect, he shall report such incident, or…”
Spurrell v. Block, 701 P.2d 529 (Wash. Ct. App. 1985). · cites it 2× “fessional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult developmentally disabled person has suffered abuse or neglect, he shall report such incident, or…”
Hamilton v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 109 Wash. App. 718 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001). “iaison specialist, responsible living skills program staff, HOPE center staff, or state family and children’s ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman’s office has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or…”
In Re Jf, 37 P.3d 1227 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001). “iaison specialist, responsible living skills program staff, HOPE center staff, or state family and children's ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman's office has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or…”
State v. James-Buhl, 415 P.3d 234 (Wash. 2018). “" RCW 26.44.040, .080. The reporting requirement also applies "to any adult who has reasonable cause to believe that a child who resides with them, has suffered severe abuse, and is able or capable of making a report.”
Doe v. Corp. of President of Lds Church, 167 P.3d 1193 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). “iaison specialist, responsible living skills program staff, HOPE center staff, or state family and children's ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman's office has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or…”
Doe v. Corp. of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 141 Wash. App. 407 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). “iaison specialist, responsible living skills program staff, HOPE center staff, or state family and children’s ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman’s office has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or…”
Lesley v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 921 P.2d 1066 (Wash. Ct. App. 1996). “The Lesleys claim that Maurer fails to meet Babcock’s qualified immunity requirements because she did not follow established procedures. The statute emphasizes the importance of family unity.”
Dunning v. Paccerelli, 818 P.2d 34 (Wash. Ct. App. 1991). “actitioner, professional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent person has suffered abuse or neglect, he shall report such incident, or…”
State v. Fagalde, 539 P.2d 86 (Wash. 1975). “RCW 26.44.040(7). The provision in this act granting immunity from civil liability indicates that reports concerning statements made by the perpetrator are contemplated, even though they would otherwise be privileged.”
City of Seattle v. Eun Yong Shin, 748 P.2d 643 (Wash. Ct. App. 1988). · cites it 2× “actitioner, professional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent person has suffered abuse or neglect, he shall report such incident, or…”
Show all 20 citing cases →
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.040(2010) — 1 case
Wrigley v. State, 455 P.3d 1138 (Wash. 2020). “030 and RCW 26.44.040 contain the word "reports" in their title and evidence that reports are Wrigley v.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.040(7) — 1 case
State v. Fagalde, 539 P.2d 86 (Wash. 1975). “RCW 26.44.040(7). The provision in this act granting immunity from civil liability indicates that reports concerning statements made by the perpetrator are contemplated, even though they would otherwise be privileged.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.040(l)(a) — 1 case
Lesley v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 921 P.2d 1066 (Wash. Ct. App. 1996). “The Lesleys claim that Maurer fails to meet Babcock’s qualified immunity requirements because she did not follow established procedures. The statute emphasizes the importance of family unity.”
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