Strengthening Child Protection: 2025 public initiative for Mandatory Reporting in Washington State for Judges.

Strengthening Child Protection: The Push for Mandatory Reporting in Washington State for Judges in 2025 public initiative.

At ReportChildAbuses.com, we are unwavering in our commitment to advocating for stronger child protection laws to ensure the safety and well-being of every child. For the sixth consecutive year, we are championing a public initiative to update Washington State law, aiming to make judges mandatory reporters of child abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS). This year, we are hopeful that our collective efforts will finally gather the necessary signatures to bring about this crucial change.

Why This Change is Necessary

Superior Court Judge Janet Helson's ruling in Superior Court Case No. 16-3-06380-6 on 05/26/2023 stated that child abuse does not have to be reported or investigated by CPS. This decision, made without CPS or any advocate for the allegedly abused child present, highlights a significant gap in our current child protection system. Judges in King County and possibly other areas of Washington State do not see any value in involving CPS and refuse to allow them to be involved when child abuse allegations are made in court at the request of the accuser.

The director of the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds (OFCO) verified in a letter dated 09/07/2023 that the King County Court, under Judge Helson, did not allow CPS to investigate the allegations. OFCO indicated that CPS does not have the authority to take action against Judge Helson or the court, and though they planned to bring the authority question to the governor and legislature, nothing was done. This inaction largely stems from the Attorney General of Washington State, who refused to represent the child in the case. It is heartbreaking to see the need for such an obvious change because former Attorney General, now Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, refused to take action to represent the child in Judge Helson's court and argue that child abuse should be reported to CPS. Instead, Bob Ferguson supports Washington State courts deciding what is or isn't child abuse without any CPS investigation, knowledge, or involvement in protecting the child.

The Impact of Mandatory Reporting

Mandatory reporting laws have been shown to increase the detection of child abuse and neglect, leading to earlier interventions and support for affected children. By including King County and Washington State judges in this system, we can leverage their unique position to identify and report cases that would otherwise go uninvestigated. This change will also send a strong message about the importance of child protection and the collective responsibility of all professionals to safeguard children.

Our Advocacy Efforts

To achieve this goal, we are also raising awareness about the importance of this change through our website, social media, and public events. Our aim is to build a broad coalition of supporters who will help gather enough signatures and get this initiative on the ballot in Nov 2025.

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in making this change a reality. You can help by spreading the word about our initiative, signing our petition, and contacting your local representatives to express your support for making judges mandatory reporters, thereby making a public initiative unnecessary. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child in Washington State is protected from abuse and neglect.

Join us in our mission to strengthen child protection laws and create a safer environment for our children. Visit ReportChildAbuses.com to learn more and get involved.