Present Danger

What is the formal definition of Present Danger under Policy 1110?

An immediate, significant, and clearly observable threat to a child or youth that is occurring in the present moment and requires immediate protective action.

How does Present Danger differ conceptually from Impending Danger?

• Present Danger: Is active, visible, and happening right now (e.g., a child left completely unattended in a hazardous room).

• Impending Danger: Is a lurking, pervasive state of danger that is likely to explode into severe harm in the near future, but might not be visible at the exact moment the worker walks through the door.

Which state and federal laws grant DCYF the authority to intervene immediately when Present Danger is identified?

• State Statutes: RCW 26.44.030 and RCW 26.44.050.

• Federal Statute: PL 105-89 (Adoption and Safe Families Act).

At what specific point in a case must a caseworker actively assess for Present Danger?

Immediately upon initial face-to-face contact with the child, youth, and family.

What are the three defining characteristics a family situation must have to meet the threshold for Present Danger?

• Immediate: The threat is active right now.

• Significant: The potential harm to the child is severe (injury, illness, death).

• Clearly Observable: The threat is based on factual, visible evidence, not speculation.

What critical operational action must a worker take before leaving the home if Present Danger is identified?

The worker must implement an immediate protective action to ensure the child or youth is safe before departing.

If a worker cannot immediately create a safe environment using a temporary protective action or safety plan during Present Danger, what step must they take?

They must initiate emergency removal procedures to place the child or youth into out-of-home placement (via Law Enforcement protective custody or a court order).

Where inside FamLink must a caseworker document the specific Present Danger observations and the subsequent actions taken?

Within the Safety Assessment/Safety Plan (DCYF 15-258) form and detailed in the case notes.

What is the standard timeline for documenting a Present Danger incident and protective action in case notes after it occurs?

It must be documented as soon as possible, typically within the mandatory documentation windows required under the broader DCYF Case Notes/Documentation Policy (Policy 6600).

Once Present Danger is controlled with an immediate action, what broader assessment tool must the worker still complete within 30 days of the intake?

The comprehensive Safety Assessment (Policy 1120) to evaluate any lurking or systemic Impending Danger threats.