Does CPS background check when they investigate?

Asked about 5 years ago - Everett, WA

CPS was called and the CPS worker stated that they are going to be closing the case as unfounded or no findings. But then called a collateral contact (family member) and asked for birthdate information.

Do they run background checks on persons accused of abusing a child when they close the case (or right before closing the case?)

Or would they have run a background check earlier in the investigation?

Attorney answers (1)

  1. Jeffrey Patrick Bassett

    Contributor Level 14

    Answered . That's a good question. Not being a CPI, but having worked in this area for over 7 years, I would hazard a guess and state that they run a cursory background check on the alleged abuser initially, while pulling all prior abuse reports. However, regardless, in this case, even if that person has a prior criminal history, the question centers on this particular instance of alleged abuse. Cases are categorized as founded/verified, some indicators, or unfounded. If unfounded, the Department really has no power to be involved solely because of someone's prior record (unless there is something in that record, such as child molestation, that would cause that child to be independently in danger in light of the same).

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