Anyone who feels that a certified program has acted in a way that places victims at risk or has failed to follow standards in WAC 388-60B may submit a written complaint to DSHS.
DSHS may investigate a domestic violence intervention treatment program without a written complaint if DSHS believes the program has placed victims at risk or failed to follow the standards outlined in WAC 388-60B.
Once it receives a complaint about a certified program, DSHS will:
- Determine whether the complaint is valid.
- Notify the program that DSHS has received a complaint about the program, and that an investigation has been initiated.
Investigation
The investigation of a complaint may include contact with:
- The person making the complaint
- Other persons involved in the complaint
- The treatment program
DSHS may request written documentation of evidence, or conduct an on-site visit to interview program staff.
Investigation Results
If DSHS determines that a complaint against a domestic violence intervention program is founded, DSHS may do one of the following:
- Revoke the treatment program's certification
- Suspend the treatment program's certification
- Send a written warning to the treatment program
DSHS will mail a copy of the written results of the investigation to the person who made the complaint against the domestic violence intervention treatment program.