RCW 13.34.145 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 145
RCW 13.34.145: Permanency planning hearing—Purpose—Time limits—Goals—Review hearing—Petition for termination of parental rights—Guardianship petition—Agency responsibility to provide services to parents—Due process rights.
Status: in_force

(1) The purpose of a permanency planning hearing is to review the permanency plan for the child, inquire into the welfare of the child and progress of the case, and reach decisions regarding the permanent placement of the child. (a) A permanency planning hearing shall be held in all cases where the child has remained in out-of-home care for at least nine months and an adoption decree, guardianship order, or permanent custody order has not previously been entered. The hearing shall take place no later than 12 months following commencement of the current placement episode. (b) Whenever a child is removed from the home of a dependency guardian or long-term relative or foster care provider, and the child is not returned to the home of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian but is placed in out-of-home care, a permanency planning hearing shall take place no later than 12 months, as provided in this section, following the date of removal unless, prior to the hearing, the child returns to the home of the dependency guardian or long-term care provider, the child is placed in the home of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian, an adoption decree, guardianship order, or a permanent custody order is entered, or the dependency is dismissed. Every effort shall be made to provide stability in long-term placement, and to avoid disruption of placement, unless the child is being returned home or it is in the best interest of the child. (c) Permanency planning goals should be achieved at the earliest possible date, preferably before the child has been in out-of-home care for 15 months. In cases where parental rights have been terminated, the child is legally free for adoption, and adoption has been identified as the primary permanency planning goal, it shall be a goal to complete the adoption within six months following entry of the termination order. (2) No later than 10 working days prior to the permanency planning hearing, the agency having custody of the child shall submit a written permanency plan to the court and shall mail a copy of the plan to all parties and their legal counsel, if any. (3) When the youth is at least age 17 years but not older than 17 years and six months, the department shall provide the youth with written documentation which explains the availability of extended foster care services and detailed instructions regarding how the youth may access such services after he or she reaches age 18 years. (4) At the permanency planning hearing, the court shall conduct the following inquiry: (a) If a goal of long-term foster or relative care has been achieved prior to the permanency planning hearing, the court shall review the child's status to determine whether the placement and the plan for the child's care remain appropriate. The court shall find, as of the date of the hearing, that the child's placement and plan of care is the best permanency plan for the child and provide compelling reasons why it continues to not be in the child's best interest to (i) return home; (ii) be placed for adoption; (iii) be placed with a legal guardian; or (iv) be placed with a fit and willing relative. If the child is present at the hearing, the court should ask the child about his or her desired permanency outcome. (b) In cases where the primary permanency planning goal has not been achieved, the court shall inquire regarding the reasons why the primary goal has not been achieved and determine what needs to be done to make it possible to achieve the primary goal. The court shall review the permanency plan prepared by the agency and make explicit findings regarding each of the following: (i) The continuing necessity for, and the safety and appropriateness of, the placement; (ii) The extent of compliance with the permanency plan by the department and any other service providers, the child's parents, the child, and the child's guardian, if any; (iii) The extent of any efforts to involve appropriate service providers in addition to department staff in planning to meet the special needs of the child and the child's parents; (iv) The progress toward eliminating the causes for the child's placement outside of his or her home and toward returning the child safely to his or her home or obtaining a permanent placement for the child; (v) The date by which it is likely that the child will be returned to his or her home or placed for adoption, with a guardian or in some other alternative permanent placement; and (vi) If the child has been placed outside of his or her home for 15 of the most recent 22 months, not including any period during which the child was a runaway from the out-of-home placement or the first six months of any period during which the child was returned to his or her home for a trial home visit, the appropriateness of the permanency plan, whether reasonable efforts were made by the department to achieve the goal of the permanency plan, and the circumstances which prevent the child from any of the following: (A) Being returned safely to his or her home; (B) Having a petition for the involuntary termination of parental rights filed on behalf of the child; (C) Being placed for adoption; (D) Being placed with a guardian; (E) Being placed in the home of a fit and willing relative of the child; or (F) Being placed in some other alternative permanent placement, including independent living or long-term foster care. (c) Regardless of whether the primary permanency planning goal has been achieved, for a child who remains placed in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in this chapter for at least 60 days, and remains placed there at subsequent permanency planning hearings, the court shall establish in writing: (i) Whether ongoing assessment of the child's strengths and needs continues to support the determination that the child's needs cannot be met through placement in a foster family home; (ii) Whether the child's placement provides the most effective and appropriate level of care in the least restrictive environment; (iii) Whether the placement is consistent with the child's short and long-term goals as stated in the child's permanency plan; (iv) What specific treatment or service needs will be met in the placement, and how long the child is expected to need the treatment or services; and (v) What efforts the department has made to prepare the child to return home or be placed with a fit and willing relative as defined in RCW 13.34.030 , a Title 13 RCW guardian, a guardian pursuant to RCW 11.130.215 , an adoptive parent, or in a foster family home. (5) Following this inquiry, at the permanency planning hearing, the court shall order the department to file a petition seeking termination of parental rights if the child has been in out-of-home care for 15 of the last 22 months since the date the dependency petition was filed unless the court makes a good cause exception as to why the filing of a termination of parental rights petition is not appropriate. Any good cause finding shall be reviewed at all subsequent hearings pertaining to the child. (a) For purposes of this subsection, "good cause exception" includes but is not limited to the following: (i) The child is being cared for by a relative; (ii) The department has not provided to the child's family such services as the court and the department have deemed necessary for the child's safe return home; (iii) The department has documented in the case plan a compelling reason for determining that filing a petition to terminate parental rights would not be in the child's best interests; (iv) The parent is incarcerated, or the parent's prior incarceration is a significant factor in why the child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, the parent maintains a meaningful role in the child's life, and the department has not documented another reason why it would be otherwise appropriate to file a petition pursuant to this section; (v) Where a parent has been accepted into a dependency treatment court program or long-term substance abuse or dual diagnoses treatment program and is demonstrating compliance with treatment goals; (vi) Where a parent who has been court ordered to complete services necessary for the child's safe return home files a declaration under penalty of perjury stating the parent's financial inability to pay for the same court-ordered services, and also declares the department was unwilling or unable to pay for the same services necessary for the child's safe return home; or (vii) The department has not yet met with the caregiver for the child to discuss guardianship as an alternative to adoption or the court has determined that guardianship is an appropriate permanent plan. (b) The court's assessment of whether a parent who is incarcerated maintains a meaningful role in the child's life may include consideration of the following: (i) The parent's expressions or acts of manifesting concern for the child, such as letters, telephone calls, visits, and other forms of communication with the child; (ii) The parent's efforts to communicate and work with the department or other individuals for the purpose of complying with the service plan and repairing, maintaining, or building the parent-child relationship; (iii) A positive response by the parent to the reasonable efforts of the department; (iv) Information provided by individuals or agencies in a reasonable position to assist the court in making this assessment, including but not limited to the parent's attorney, correctional and mental health personnel, or other individuals providing services to the parent; (v) Limitations in the parent's access to family support programs, therapeutic services, and visiting opportunities, restrictions to telephone and mail services, inability to participate in foster care planning meetings, and difficulty accessing lawyers and participating meaningfully in court proceedings; and (vi) Whether the continued involvement of the parent in the child's life is in the child's best interest. (c) The constraints of a parent's current or prior incarceration and associated delays or barriers to accessing court-mandated services may be considered in rebuttal to a claim of aggravated circumstances under RCW 13.34.132 (4)(h) for a parent's failure to complete available treatment. (6)(a) If the permanency plan identifies independent living as a goal, the court at the permanency planning hearing shall make a finding that the provision of services to assist the child in making a transition from foster care to independent living will allow the child to manage his or her financial, personal, social, educational, and nonfinancial affairs prior to approving independent living as a permanency plan of care. The court will inquire whether the child has been provided information about extended foster care services. (b) The permanency plan shall also specifically identify the services, including extended foster care services, where appropriate, that will be provided to assist the child to make a successful transition from foster care to independent living. (c) The department shall not discharge a child to an independent living situation before the child is eighteen years of age unless the child becomes emancipated pursuant to chapter 13.64 RCW. (7) If the child has resided in the home of a foster parent or relative for more than six months prior to the permanency planning hearing, the court shall: (a) Enter a finding regarding whether the foster parent or relative was informed of the hearing as required in RCW 74.13.280 , 13.34.215 (6), and 13.34.096 ; and (b) Instruct the department to discuss guardianship as a permanent option for the child with the child's parents and caregiver as an alternative to termination of parental rights and adoption. No child who is placed with a relative or other suitable person may be moved, unless, pursuant to the criteria established in RCW 13.34.130 , the court finds that a change in circumstances necessitates a change in placement. (8) In all cases, at the permanency planning hearing, the court shall: (a)(i) Order the permanency plan prepared by the department to be implemented; or (ii) Modify the permanency plan, and order implementation of the modified plan; and (b)(i) Order the child returned home only if the court finds that a reason for removal as set forth in RCW 13.34.130 no longer exists; or (ii) Order the child to remain in out-of-home care for a limited specified time period while efforts are made to implement the permanency plan. (9) Following the first permanency planning hearing, the court shall hold a further permanency planning hearing in accordance with this section at least once every 12 months until a permanency planning goal is achieved or the dependency is dismissed, whichever occurs first. (10) Prior to the second permanency planning hearing, the agency that has custody of the child shall consider whether to file a petition for termination of parental rights. (11) If the court orders the child returned home, casework supervision by the department shall continue for at least six months, at which time a review hearing shall be held pursuant to RCW 13.34.138 , and the court shall determine the need for continued intervention. (12) The juvenile court may hear a petition for permanent legal custody when: (a) The court has ordered implementation of a permanency plan that includes permanent legal custody; and (b) the party pursuing the permanent legal custody is the party identified in the permanency plan as the prospective legal custodian. During the pendency of such proceeding, the court shall conduct review hearings and further permanency planning hearings as provided in this chapter. At the conclusion of the legal guardianship or permanent legal custody proceeding, a juvenile court hearing shall be held for the purpose of determining whether dependency should be dismissed. If a guardianship or permanent custody order has been entered, the dependency shall be dismissed. (13) Continued juvenile court jurisdiction under this chapter shall not be a barrier to the entry of an order establishing a legal guardianship or permanent legal custody when the requirements of subsection (12) of this section are met. (14) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the ability of the agency that has custody of the child to file a petition for termination of parental rights or a guardianship petition at any time following the establishment of dependency. Upon the filing of such a petition, a fact-finding hearing shall be scheduled and held in accordance with this chapter unless the department requests dismissal of the petition prior to the hearing or unless the parties enter an agreed order terminating parental rights, establishing guardianship, or otherwise resolving the matter. (15) The approval of a permanency plan that does not contemplate return of the child to the parent does not relieve the department of its obligation to provide reasonable services, under this chapter, intended to effectuate the return of the child to the parent, including but not limited to, visitation rights. The court shall consider the child's relationships with siblings in accordance with RCW 13.34.130 . (16) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the procedural due process rights of any party in a termination or guardianship proceeding filed under this chapter.
RCW 13.32A.194 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 194
RCW 13.32A.194: At-risk youth petition—Court procedures.
Status: in_force

(1) The court shall hold a fact-finding hearing to consider a proper at-risk youth petition. The court shall grant the petition and enter an order finding the child to be an at-risk youth if the allegations in the petition are established by a preponderance of the evidence, unless the child is the subject of a proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW. If the petition is granted, the court shall enter an order requiring the child to reside in the home of his or her parent or in an out-of-home placement as provided in RCW 13.32A.192 (2). (2) The court may order the department to submit a dispositional plan if such a plan would assist the court in ordering a suitable disposition in the case. If the court orders the department to prepare a plan, the department shall provide copies of the plan to the parent, the child, and the court. If the parties or the court desire the department to be involved in any future proceedings or case plan development, the department shall be provided timely notification of all court hearings. (3) If the court grants or denies an at-risk youth petition, a statement of the written reasons shall be entered into the records. If the court denies an at-risk youth petition, the court shall verbally advise the parties that the child is required to remain within the care, custody, and control of his or her parent.
RCW 13.40.230 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 230
RCW 13.40.230: Appeal from order of disposition—Jurisdiction—Procedure—Scope—Release pending appeal.
Status: in_force

(1) Dispositions reviewed pursuant to RCW 13.40.160 shall be reviewed in the appropriate division of the court of appeals. An appeal under this section shall be heard solely upon the record that was before the disposition court. No written briefs may be required, and the appeal shall be heard within thirty days following the date of sentencing and a decision rendered within fifteen days following the argument. The supreme court shall promulgate any necessary rules to effectuate the purposes of this section. (2) To uphold a disposition outside the standard range, the court of appeals must find (a) that the reasons supplied by the disposition judge are supported by the record which was before the judge and that those reasons clearly and convincingly support the conclusion that a disposition within the range would constitute a manifest injustice, and (b) that the sentence imposed was neither clearly excessive nor clearly too lenient. (3) If the court does not find subsection (2)(a) of this section it shall remand the case for disposition within the standard range. (4) If the court finds subsection (2)(a) but not subsection (2)(b) of this section it shall remand the case with instructions for further proceedings consistent with the provisions of this chapter. (5) The disposition court may impose conditions on release pending appeal as provided in RCW * 13.40.040 (4) and 13.40.050 (6). (6) Appeal of a disposition under this section does not affect the finality or appeal of the underlying adjudication of guilt.
RCW 13.40.550 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 550
RCW 13.40.550: Community juvenile accountability programs—Short title.
Status: in_force

RCW 13.40.500 through 13.40.540 may be known as the community juvenile accountability act.
RCW 13.40.630 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 630
RCW 13.40.630: Youth court dispositions.
Status: in_force

(1) Youth court dispositional options include those delineated in RCW 13.40.080 , and may also include: (a) Participating in law-related education classes, appropriate counseling, treatment, or other education [educational] programs; (b) Providing periodic reports to the youth court; (c) Participating in mentoring programs; (d) Serving as a participant in future youth court proceedings; (e) Writing apology letters; or (f) Writing essays. (2) Youth courts shall not impose a term of confinement or detention. Youth courts may require that the youth pay reasonable fees to participate in youth court and in classes, counseling, treatment, or other educational programs that are the disposition of the youth court. (3) A youth court disposition shall be completed within one hundred eighty days from the date of referral. (4) Pursuant to RCW 13.40.080 (1), a youth court disposition shall be reduced to writing and signed by the youth and his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian accepting the disposition terms. (5) [A] youth court shall notify the juvenile court upon successful or unsuccessful completion of the disposition. (6) [A] youth court shall notify the prosecutor or probation counselor of a failure to successfully complete the youth court disposition.
RCW 13.34.100 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 100
RCW 13.34.100: Appointment of guardian ad litem—Background information—Rights—Notification and inquiry—Review and removal.
Status: in_force

(1) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is the subject of an action under this chapter, unless a court for good cause finds the appointment unnecessary. The requirement of a guardian ad litem may be deemed satisfied if the child is represented by an independent attorney in the proceedings. The court shall attempt to match a child with special needs with a guardian ad litem who has specific training or education related to the child's individual needs. (2) If the court does not have available to it a guardian ad litem program with a sufficient number of volunteers, the court may appoint a suitable person to act as guardian ad litem for the child under this chapter. Another party to the proceeding or the party's employee or representative shall not be so appointed. (3) Each guardian ad litem program shall maintain a background information record for each guardian ad litem in the program. The background information record shall include, but is not limited to, the following information: (a) Level of formal education; (b) General training related to the guardian ad litem's duties; (c) Specific training related to issues potentially faced by children in the dependency system; (d) Specific training or education related to child disability or developmental issues; (e) Number of years' experience as a guardian ad litem; (f) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and the county or counties of appointment; (g) The names of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action, and the name of the court and the cause number of any case in which the court has removed the person for cause; (h) Founded allegations of abuse or neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020 ; (i) The results of an examination of state and national criminal identification data. The examination shall consist of a background check as allowed through the Washington state criminal records privacy act under RCW 10.97.050 , the Washington state patrol criminal identification system under RCW 43.43.832 through 43.43.834 , and the federal bureau of investigation. The background check shall be done through the Washington state patrol criminal identification section and must include a national check from the federal bureau of investigation based on the submission of fingerprints; and (j) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 , for the period covering 10 years prior to the appointment. The background information record shall be updated annually and fingerprint-based background checks shall be updated every three years. As a condition of appointment, the guardian ad litem's background information record shall be made available to the court. If the appointed guardian ad litem is not a member of a guardian ad litem program a suitable person appointed by the court to act as guardian ad litem shall provide the background information record to the court. Upon appointment, the guardian ad litem, or guardian ad litem program, shall provide the parties or their attorneys with a copy of the background information record. The portion of the background information record containing the results of the criminal background check and the criminal history shall not be disclosed to the parties or their attorneys. The background information record shall not include identifying information that may be used to harm a guardian ad litem, such as home addresses and home telephone numbers, and for volunteer guardians ad litem the court may allow the use of maiden names or pseudonyms as necessary for their safety. (4) The appointment of the guardian ad litem shall remain in effect until the court discharges the appointment or no longer has jurisdiction, whichever comes first. The guardian ad litem may also be discharged upon entry of an order of guardianship. (5) A guardian ad litem through an attorney, or as otherwise authorized by the court, shall have the right to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and to be present at all hearings. A guardian ad litem shall receive copies of all pleadings and other documents filed or submitted to the court, and notice of all hearings according to court rules. The guardian ad litem shall receive all notice contemplated for a parent or other party in all proceedings under this chapter. (6) For the purposes of child abuse prevention and treatment act (42 U.S.C. Secs. 5101 et seq.) grants to this state under P.L. 93-247, or any related state or federal legislation, a person appointed pursuant to this section shall be deemed a guardian ad litem. (7) When a court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem is requested on a case, the program shall give the court the name of the person it recommends. The program shall attempt to match a child with special needs with a guardian ad litem who has specific training or education related to the child's individual needs. The court shall immediately appoint the person recommended by the program. (8) If a party in a case reasonably believes the court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem is inappropriate or unqualified, the party may request a review of the appointment by the program. The program must complete the review within five judicial days and remove any appointee for good cause. If the party seeking the review is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, the party may file a motion with the court for the removal of the court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem on the grounds the advocate or volunteer is inappropriate or unqualified. (9) The court shall remove any person from serving as a court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem if the court is notified that the person has been removed from another county's registry pursuant to the disposition of a grievance or if the court is otherwise made aware that the individual was found by a court to have made a materially false statement that he or she knows to be false during an official proceeding under oath.
RCW 13.34.410 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 410
RCW 13.34.410: Psychosexual evaluation.
Status: in_force

In the event a judge orders a parent to undergo a psychosexual evaluation, and pending the outcome of the evaluation, the department, subject to the approval of the court, may reassess visitation duration, supervision, and location, if appropriate. If the assessment indicates the current visitation plan is contrary to the child's health, safety, or welfare, the department, subject to approval by the court, may alter the visitation plan pending the outcome of the investigation.
RCW 13.40.735 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 735
RCW 13.40.735: Planned release—Notice to health care insurance provider.
Status: in_force

(1) At least 30 days before release from a residential facility, the secretary shall send written notice of the planned release to the person's health care insurance provider. The notice shall include the person's current location and contact information as well as the person's expected location and contact information upon release. The notice shall not disclose the person's incarceration status unless their consent is given. (2) If the person is not enrolled in a health insurance program, the secretary and the health care authority shall assist the person in obtaining coverage for which they are eligible in accordance with the time frames specified in subsection (1) of this section. (3) The secretary may share with the health insurance provider additional health information related to the person to assist with care coordination and continuity of care consistent with RCW 70.02.230 (2)(u) and other provisions of chapter 70.02 RCW.
RCW 13.24.050 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 24 / Section 050
RCW 13.24.050: Fees.
Status: in_force

Any judge of this state who appoints counsel or guardian ad litem pursuant to the provision of the compact may, in his or her discretion, fix a fee to be paid out of funds available for disposition by the court but no such fee shall exceed twenty-five dollars.
RCW 13.40.660 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 660
RCW 13.40.660: Exchange of intimate images by minors—Findings—Work group.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature finds that exchange of intimate images by minors is increasingly common, and that such actions may lead to harm and long-term consequences. The legislature intends to develop age-appropriate prevention and interventions to prevent harm and to hold accountable youth who harm others through exchange of intimate images. (2) The Washington coalition of sexual assault programs, in consultation with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the Washington association for the treatment of sexual abusers, the department of children, youth, and families, the department of social and health services, the juvenile court administrators, the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys, representatives from public defense, youth representatives, and other relevant stakeholders, shall convene a work group to make recommendations to the legislature regarding age-appropriate prevention and intervention strategies to address potential harms caused by exchange of intimate images by minors. (3) By December 1, 2019, the work group shall make a report to the legislature identifying education, prevention, and other responses to the harms that may be associated with exchange of intimate images by minors.
RCW 13.80.010 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 80 / Section 010
RCW 13.80.010: Purpose.
Status: in_force

The learning and life skills grant program is created. The purpose of the program is to provide services, to the extent funds are appropriated, for court-involved youth under the age of twenty-one to help the youth attain the necessary life skills and educational skills to obtain a certificate of educational competency, obtain employment, return to a school program, or enter a postsecondary education or job-training program.
RCW 13.34.130 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 130
RCW 13.34.130: Order of disposition for a dependent child, alternatives—Petition seeking termination of parent-child relationship—Placement with relatives, foster family home, group care facility, qualified residential treatment program, or other suitable persons—Placement of an Indian child in out-of-home care—Contact with siblings.
Status: in_force

If, after a fact-finding hearing pursuant to RCW 13.34.110 , it has been proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the child is dependent within the meaning of RCW 13.34.030 after consideration of the social study prepared pursuant to RCW 13.34.110 and after a disposition hearing has been held pursuant to RCW 13.34.110 , the court shall enter an order of disposition pursuant to this section. (1) The court shall order one of the following dispositions of the case: (a) Order a disposition that maintains the child in his or her home, which shall provide a program designed to alleviate the immediate danger to the child, to mitigate or cure any damage the child has already suffered, and to aid the parents so that the child will not be endangered in the future. In determining the disposition, the court should choose services to assist the parents in maintaining the child in the home, including housing assistance, if appropriate, that least interfere with family autonomy and are adequate to protect the child. (b)(i) Order the child to be removed from his or her home and into the custody, control, and care of a relative or other suitable person, the department, or agency responsible for supervision of the child's placement. If the court orders that the child be placed with a caregiver over the objections of the parent or the department, the court shall articulate, on the record, his or her reasons for ordering the placement. The court may not order an Indian child, as defined in RCW 13.38.040 , to be removed from his or her home unless the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence including testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. (ii) The department has the authority to place the child, subject to review and approval by the court (A) with a relative as defined in RCW 74.15.020 (2)(a), (B) in the home of another suitable person if the child or family has a preexisting relationship with that person, and the person has completed all required criminal history background checks and otherwise appears to the department to be suitable and competent to provide care for the child, or (C) in a foster family home or group care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW. (iii) The department may also consider placing the child, subject to review and approval by the court, with a person with whom the child's sibling or half-sibling is residing or a person who has adopted the sibling or half-sibling of the child being placed as long as the person has completed all required criminal history background checks and otherwise appears to the department to be competent to provide care for the child. (2) Absent good cause, the department shall follow the wishes of the natural parent regarding the placement of the child in accordance with RCW 13.34.260 . (3) The department may only place a child with a person not related to the child as defined in RCW 74.15.020 (2)(a), including a placement provided for in subsection (1)(b)(iii) of this section, when the court finds that such placement is in the best interest of the child. Unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the health, safety, or welfare of the child would be jeopardized or that efforts to reunite the parent and child will be hindered, the child shall be placed with a person who is willing, appropriate, and available to care for the child, and who is: (I) Related to the child as defined in RCW 74.15.020 (2)(a) with whom the child has a relationship and is comfortable; or (II) a suitable person as described in subsection (1)(b) of this section. The court shall consider the child's existing relationships and attachments when determining placement. (4) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program as defined in this chapter, the court shall, within sixty days of placement, hold a hearing to: (a) Consider the assessment required under RCW 13.34.420 and submitted as part of the department's social study, and any related documentation; (b) Determine whether placement in foster care can meet the child's needs or if placement in another available placement setting best meets the child's needs in the least restrictive environment; and (c) Approve or disapprove the child's placement in the qualified residential treatment program. (5) When placing an Indian child in out-of-home care, the department shall follow the placement preference characteristics in RCW 13.38.180 . (6) Placement of the child with a relative or other suitable person as described in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be given preference by the court. An order for out-of-home placement may be made only if the court finds that reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home and to make it possible for the child to return home, specifying the services, including housing assistance, that have been provided to the child and the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, and that prevention services have been offered or provided and have failed to prevent the need for out-of-home placement, unless the health, safety, and welfare of the child cannot be protected adequately in the home, and that: (a) There is no parent or guardian available to care for such child; (b) The parent, guardian, or legal custodian is not willing to take custody of the child; or (c) The court finds, by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence, a manifest danger exists that the child will suffer serious abuse or neglect if the child is not removed from the home and an order under RCW 26.44.063 would not protect the child from danger. The court shall give great weight to the lethality of high-potency synthetic opioids and public health guidance from the department of health related to high-potency synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, when deciding whether a manifest danger exists. (7) If the court has ordered a child removed from his or her home pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section, the court shall consider whether it is in a child's best interest to be placed with, have contact with, or have visits with siblings. (a) There shall be a presumption that such placement, contact, or visits are in the best interests of the child provided that: (i) The court has jurisdiction over all siblings subject to the order of placement, contact, or visitation pursuant to petitions filed under this chapter or the parents of a child for whom there is no jurisdiction are willing to agree; and (ii) There is no reasonable cause to believe that the health, safety, or welfare of any child subject to the order of placement, contact, or visitation would be jeopardized or that efforts to reunite the parent and child would be hindered by such placement, contact, or visitation. In no event shall parental visitation time be reduced in order to provide sibling visitation. (b) The court may also order placement, contact, or visitation of a child with a stepbrother or stepsister provided that in addition to the factors in (a) of this subsection, the child has a relationship and is comfortable with the stepsibling. (8) If the court has ordered a child removed from his or her home pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section and placed into nonparental or nonrelative care, the court shall order a placement that allows the child to remain in the same school he or she attended prior to the initiation of the dependency proceeding when such a placement is practical and in the child's best interest. (9) If the court has ordered a child removed from his or her home pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section, the court may order that a petition seeking termination of the parent and child relationship be filed if the requirements of RCW 13.34.132 are met. (10) If there is insufficient information at the time of the disposition hearing upon which to base a determination regarding the suitability of a proposed placement with a relative or other suitable person, the child shall remain in foster care and the court shall direct the department to conduct necessary background investigations as provided in chapter 74.15 RCW and report the results of such investigation to the court within thirty days. However, if such relative or other person appears otherwise suitable and competent to provide care and treatment, the criminal history background check need not be completed before placement, but as soon as possible after placement. Any placements with relatives or other suitable persons, pursuant to this section, shall be contingent upon cooperation by the relative or other suitable person with the agency case plan and compliance with court orders related to the care and supervision of the child including, but not limited to, court orders regarding parent-child contacts, sibling contacts, and any other conditions imposed by the court. Noncompliance with the case plan or court order shall be grounds for removal of the child from the relative's or other suitable person's home, subject to review by the court.
RCW 13.32A.179 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 179
RCW 13.32A.179: Out-of-home placement—Disposition hearing—Court order—Dispositional plan—Child subject to contempt proceedings—Dismissal of order at request of department or parent.
Status: in_force

(1) A disposition hearing shall be held no later than fourteen days after the approval of the temporary out-of-home placement. The parents, child, and department shall be notified by the court of the time and place of the hearing. (2) At the conclusion of the disposition hearing, the court may: (a) Reunite the family and dismiss the petition; (b) approve an at-risk youth petition filed by the parents and dismiss the child in need of services petition; (c) approve an out-of-home placement requested in the child in need of services petition by the parents; or (d) order an out-of-home placement at the request of the child or the department not to exceed ninety days. At any time the court may order the department to review the matter for purposes of filing a dependency petition under chapter 13.34 RCW. Whether or not the court approves or orders an out-of-home placement, the court may also order any conditions of supervision as set forth in RCW 13.32A.196 (3). (3) The court may only enter an order under subsection (2)(d) of this section if it finds by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that: (a)(i) The order is in the best interest of the family; (ii) the parents have not requested an out-of-home placement; (iii) the parents have not exercised any other right listed in RCW 13.32A.160 (1)(e); (iv) the child has made reasonable efforts to resolve the problems that led to the filing of the petition; (v) the problems cannot be resolved by delivery of services to the family during continued placement of the child in the parental home; (vi) reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home and to make it possible for the child to return home; and (vii) a suitable out-of-home placement resource is available; (b)(i) the order is in the best interest of the child; and (ii) the parents are unavailable; or (c) the parent's actions cause an imminent threat to the child's health or safety. (4) The court may order the department to submit a dispositional plan if such a plan would assist the court in ordering a suitable disposition in the case. The plan, if ordered, shall address the needs of the child, and the perceived needs of the parents if the order was entered under subsection (2)(d) of this section or if specifically agreed to by the parents. If the parents do not agree or the order was not entered under subsection (2)(d) of this section the plan may only make recommendations regarding services in which the parents may voluntarily participate. If the court orders the department to prepare a plan, the department shall provide copies of the plan to the parent, the child, and the court. If the parties or the court desire the department to be involved in any future proceedings or case plan development, the department shall be provided with timely notification of all court hearings. (5) A child who fails to comply with a court order issued under this section shall be subject to contempt proceedings, as provided in this chapter, but only if the noncompliance occurs within one year after the entry of the order. (6) After the court approves or orders an out-of-home placement, the parents or the department may request, and the court may grant, dismissal of the child in need of services proceeding when it is not feasible for the department to provide services due to one or more of the following circumstances: (a) The child has been absent from court approved placement for thirty consecutive days or more; (b) The parents or the child, or all of them, refuse to cooperate in available, appropriate intervention aimed at reunifying the family; or (c) The department has exhausted all available and appropriate resources that would result in reunification. (7) The court shall dismiss a placement made under subsection (2)(c) of this section upon the request of the parents.
RCW 13.34.245 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 245
RCW 13.34.245: Voluntary consent to foster care placement for Indian child—Validation—Withdrawal of consent—Termination.
Status: in_force

(1) Where any parent or Indian custodian voluntarily consents to foster care placement of an Indian child and a petition for dependency has not been filed regarding the child, such consent shall not be valid unless executed in writing before the court and filed with the court. The consent shall be accompanied by the written certification of the court that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail to the parent or Indian custodian during the court proceeding and were fully understood by the parent or Indian custodian. The court shall also certify in writing either that the parent or Indian custodian fully understood the explanation in English or that it was interpreted into a language that the parent or Indian custodian understood. Any consent given prior to, or within ten days after, the birth of the Indian child shall not be valid. (2) To obtain court validation of a voluntary consent to foster care placement, any person may file a petition for validation alleging that there is located or residing within the county an Indian child whose parent or Indian custodian wishes to voluntarily consent to foster care placement of the child and requesting that the court validate the consent as provided in this section. The petition shall contain the name, date of birth, and residence of the child, the names and residences of the consenting parent or Indian custodian, and the name and location of the Indian tribe in which the child is a member or eligible for membership. The petition shall state whether the placement preferences of 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1915 (b) or (c) will be followed. Reasonable attempts shall be made by the petitioner to ascertain and set forth in the petition the identity, location, and custodial status of any parent or Indian custodian who has not consented to foster care placement and why that parent or Indian custodian cannot assume custody of the child. (3) Upon filing of the petition for validation, the clerk of the court shall schedule the petition for a hearing on the court validation of the voluntary consent no later than forty-eight hours after the petition has been filed, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Notification of time, date, location, and purpose of the validation hearing shall be provided as soon as possible to the consenting parent or Indian custodian, the department which is to assume responsibility for the child's placement and care pursuant to the consent to foster care placement, and the Indian tribe in which the child is enrolled or eligible for enrollment as a member. If the identity and location of any nonconsenting parent or Indian custodian is known, reasonable attempts shall be made to notify the parent or Indian custodian of the consent to placement and the validation hearing. Notification under this subsection may be given by the most expedient means, including, but not limited to, mail, personal service, telephone, and telegraph. (4) Any parent or Indian custodian may withdraw consent to a voluntary foster care placement, made under this section, at any time. Unless the Indian child has been taken in custody pursuant to RCW 13.34.050 or 26.44.050 , placed in shelter care pursuant to RCW 13.34.060 , or placed in foster care pursuant to RCW 13.34.130 , the Indian child shall be returned to the parent or Indian custodian upon withdrawal of consent to foster care placement of the child. (5) Upon termination of the voluntary foster care placement and return of the child to the parent or Indian custodian, the department which had assumed responsibility for the child's placement and care pursuant to the consent to foster care placement shall file with the court written notification of the child's return and shall also send such notification to the Indian tribe in which the child is enrolled or eligible for enrollment as a member and to any other party to the validation proceeding including any noncustodial parent.
RCW 13.32A.250 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 250
RCW 13.32A.250: Failure to comply with order as civil contempt—Motion—Penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) In all child in need of services proceedings and at-risk youth proceedings, the court shall verbally notify the parents and the child of the possibility of a finding of contempt for failure to comply with the terms of a court order entered pursuant to this chapter and the possible consequences thereof, including confinement when applicable. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the court shall treat the parents and the child equally for the purposes of applying contempt of court processes and penalties under this section. (2) Failure by a party in an at-risk youth proceeding to comply with an order entered under this chapter is a civil contempt of court as provided in RCW 7.21.030 (2)(e), subject to the limitations of subsection (3) of this section. (3) For at-risk youth proceedings only: (a) If the child fails to comply with the court order, the court may impose: (i) Community restitution; (ii) Residential and nonresidential programs with intensive wraparound services; (iii) A requirement that the child meet with a mentor for a specified number of times; or (iv) Other services and interventions that the court deems appropriate. (b)(i) The court may impose remedial sanctions including a fine of up to one hundred dollars and confinement to a secure residential program with intensive wraparound services, or both for contempt of court under this section if (A) one of the less restrictive alternatives under (a) of this subsection has been attempted and another violation of the order has occurred, or (B) the court issues a formal finding that none of the less restrictive alternatives is available. (ii) A child placed in confinement for contempt under this section may be placed in a secure crisis residential center or any program approved by the department offering secure confinement and intensive wraparound services appropriate to the needs of the child. The child may not be placed in a detention facility as defined in RCW 13.40.020 . Secure residential programs with intensive wraparound services as used in this section may be defined as secure juvenile correctional facilities for the purposes of federal law only. (c) A child involved in a child in need of services proceeding may not be placed in confinement under this section. (4) A motion for contempt may be made by a parent, a child, juvenile court personnel, or by any public agency, organization, or person having custody of the child under a court order adopted pursuant to this chapter. (5) For at-risk youth proceedings only, whenever the court finds probable cause to believe, based upon consideration of a motion for contempt and the information set forth in a supporting declaration, that a child has violated a placement order entered under this chapter, the court must direct the court clerk to command the presence of the child by the issuance of a summons or other method approved by local court rule instead of a warrant, unless the court finds probable cause to believe that the child would not appear in response to the command or finds probable cause to believe that the arrest is necessary to prevent serious bodily harm to the juvenile or another, in which case the court may issue a warrant. A warrant of arrest must be supported by an affidavit or sworn testimony, which must be recorded electronically or by stenographer, establishing the grounds for issuing the warrant. The warrant of arrest for a child under this subsection may not be served on a child inside of school during school hours in a location where other students are present if the child named in the warrant is a pupil at the school. The court must communicate the summons to the child through mail, telephone, text message, or other method of communication needed in order to ensure the child has received the information. If the child fails to appear via the summons or other method, the court may issue an order directing law enforcement to pick up and take the child to detention. (6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the court's inherent contempt power or curtail its exercise.
RCW 13.50.160 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 50 / Section 160
RCW 13.50.160: Disposition records—Provision to schools.
Status: in_force

Records of disposition for a juvenile offense must be provided to schools as provided in RCW 13.04.155 .
RCW 13.40.043 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 043
RCW 13.40.043: Prison riot offenses—Relief from disposition.
Status: in_force

(1) In any juvenile offender case where an offender has been sentenced for an offense where an adjudication for a prison riot offense that occurred in a facility operated by the department of children, youth, and families or a county juvenile detention facility was used as a basis for the offender's sentence or disposition, the prosecuting attorney shall, or the offender may, make a motion for relief from disposition to the original court that imposed the disposition. (2) The court that imposed the disposition shall grant the motion for relief from disposition established in this section if it finds that a current or past adjudication for a prison riot offense that occurred in a facility operated by the department of children, youth, and families or a county juvenile detention facility was used as a basis for the offender's disposition and shall immediately set an expedited date for resentencing. At resentencing, the court shall impose a disposition as if the current or past adjudication for a prison riot offense that occurred in a facility operated by the department of children, youth, and families or a county juvenile detention facility did not occur.
RCW 13.90.030 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 90 / Section 030
RCW 13.90.030: Petition for guardianship—Hearing.
Status: in_force

(1) At the hearing on a vulnerable youth guardianship petition, both parties, the vulnerable youth and the proposed guardian, have the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The rules of evidence apply to the conduct of the hearing. (2) A vulnerable youth guardianship must be established if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that: (a) The allegations in the petition are true; (b) It is in the vulnerable youth's best interest to establish a vulnerable youth guardianship; and (c) The vulnerable youth consents in writing to the appointment of a guardian. (3) A guardianship established under subsection (2) of this section remains in effect as provided in RCW 13.90.060 .
RCW 13.34.420 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 420
RCW 13.34.420: Qualified residential treatment program—Requirements.
Status: in_force

A qualified residential treatment program as defined in this chapter must meet the following requirements: (1) Use a trauma-informed treatment model that is designed to address the needs, including clinical needs as appropriate, of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances; and (2) Be able to implement treatment for the child that is identified in an assessment that: (a) Is completed by a trained professional or licensed clinician who is a "qualified individual" as that term is defined under the federal family first prevention services act; (b) Assesses the strengths and needs of the child; and (c) Determines whether the child's needs can be met with family members or through placement in a foster family home or, if not, which available placement setting would provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and be consistent with the child's permanency plan.
RCW 13.40.215 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 215
RCW 13.40.215: Juveniles found to have committed violent or sex offense or stalking—Notification of discharge, parole, leave, release, transfer, or escape—To whom given—School attendance—Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, at the earliest practicable date, and in no event later than thirty days before discharge, parole, or any other authorized leave or release, or before transfer to a community residential facility or community transition services program, the secretary shall send written notice of the discharge, parole, authorized leave or release, or transfer of a juvenile found to have committed a violent offense, a sex offense, or stalking, to the following: (i) The chief of police of the city, if any, in which the juvenile will reside; and (ii) The sheriff of the county in which the juvenile will reside. (b)(i) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, at the earliest practicable date, and in no event later than thirty days before discharge, parole, or any other authorized leave or release, or before transfer to a community residential facility or community transition services program, the secretary shall send written notice of the discharge, parole, authorized leave or release, or transfer of an individual who is found to have committed a violent offense or a sex offense, is twenty-one years of age or younger, and has not received a high school diploma or its equivalent, to the designated recipient of the school where the juvenile either: (A) Was enrolled prior to incarceration or detention; or (B) has expressed an intention to enroll following his or her release. This notice must also include the restrictions described in subsection (5) of this section. (ii) The community residential facility shall provide written notice of the offender's criminal history to the designated recipient of any school that the offender attends while residing at the community residential facility and to any employer that employs the offender while residing at the community residential facility. (iii) As used in this subsection, "designated recipient" means: (A) The superintendent of the school district, or his or her designee, of a common school as defined in RCW 28A.150.020 or a school that is the subject of a state-tribal education compact under chapter 28A.715 RCW; (B) the administrator of a charter public school governed by chapter 28A.710 RCW; or (C) the administrator of a private school approved under chapter 28A.195 RCW. (c) The same notice as required by (a) of this subsection shall be sent to the following, if such notice has been requested in writing about a specific juvenile: (i) The victim of the offense for which the juvenile was found to have committed or the victim's next of kin if the crime was a homicide; (ii) Any witnesses who testified against the juvenile in any court proceedings involving the offense; and (iii) Any person specified in writing by the prosecuting attorney. Information regarding victims, next of kin, or witnesses requesting the notice, information regarding any other person specified in writing by the prosecuting attorney to receive the notice, and the notice are confidential and shall not be available to the juvenile. The notice to the chief of police or the sheriff shall include the identity of the juvenile, the residence where the juvenile will reside, the identity of the person, if any, responsible for supervising the juvenile, and the time period of any authorized leave. (d) The thirty-day notice requirements contained in this subsection shall not apply to emergency medical furloughs. (e) The existence of the notice requirements in this subsection will not require any extension of the release date in the event the release plan changes after notification. (2)(a) If a juvenile found to have committed a violent offense, a sex offense, or stalking escapes from a facility of the department, the secretary shall immediately notify, by the most reasonable and expedient means available, the chief of police of the city and the sheriff of the county in which the juvenile resided immediately before the juvenile's arrest. If previously requested, the secretary shall also notify the witnesses and the victim of the offense which the juvenile was found to have committed or the victim's next of kin if the crime was a homicide. If the juvenile is recaptured, the secretary shall send notice to the persons designated in this subsection as soon as possible but in no event later than two working days after the department learns of such recapture. (b) The secretary may authorize a leave, for a juvenile found to have committed a violent offense, a sex offense, or stalking, which shall not exceed forty-eight hours plus travel time, to meet an emergency situation such as a death or critical illness of a member of the juvenile's family. The secretary may authorize a leave, which shall not exceed the time medically necessary, to obtain medical care not available in a juvenile facility maintained by the department. Prior to the commencement of an emergency or medical leave, the secretary shall give notice of the leave to the appropriate law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the juvenile will be during the leave period. The notice shall include the identity of the juvenile, the time period of the leave, the residence of the juvenile during the leave, and the identity of the person responsible for supervising the juvenile during the leave. If previously requested, the department shall also notify the witnesses and victim of the offense which the juvenile was found to have committed or the victim's next of kin if the offense was a homicide. In case of an emergency or medical leave the secretary may waive all or any portion of the requirements for leaves pursuant to RCW 13.40.205 (2)(a), (3), (4), and (5). (3) If the victim, the victim's next of kin, or any witness is under the age of sixteen, the notice required by this section shall be sent to the parents or legal guardian of the child. (4) The secretary shall send the notices required by this chapter to the last address provided to the department by the requesting party. The requesting party shall furnish the department with a current address. (5) Upon discharge, parole, transfer to a community residential facility, or other authorized leave or release, a convicted juvenile sex offender shall not attend a public or approved private elementary, middle, or high school that is attended by a victim or a sibling of a victim of the sex offender. The parents or legal guardians of the convicted juvenile sex offender shall be responsible for transportation or other costs associated with or required by the sex offender's change in school that otherwise would be paid by a school district. (6) For purposes of this section the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Violent offense" means a violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030 ; (b) "Sex offense" means a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030 ; (c) "Stalking" means the crime of stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 ; (d) "Next of kin" means a person's spouse, parents, siblings, and children.
RCW 13.34.174 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 174
RCW 13.34.174: Order of alcohol or substance abuse diagnostic investigation and evaluation—Treatment plan—Breach of plan—Reports.
Status: in_force

(1) The provisions of this section shall apply when a court orders a party to undergo an alcohol or substance abuse diagnostic investigation and evaluation. (2) The facility conducting the investigation and evaluation shall make a written report to the court stating its findings and recommendations including family-based services or treatment when appropriate. If its findings and recommendations support treatment, it shall also recommend a treatment plan setting out: (a) Type of treatment; (b) Nature of treatment; (c) Length of treatment; (d) A treatment time schedule; and (e) Approximate cost of the treatment. The affected person shall be included in developing the appropriate treatment plan. The treatment plan must be signed by the treatment provider and the affected person. The initial written progress report based on the treatment plan shall be sent to the appropriate persons six weeks after initiation of treatment. Subsequent progress reports shall be provided after three months, six months, twelve months, and thereafter every six months if treatment exceeds twelve months. Reports are to be filed with the court in a timely manner. Closeout of the treatment record must include summary of pretreatment and posttreatment, with final outcome and disposition. The report shall also include recommendations for ongoing stability and decrease in destructive behavior. Each report shall also be filed with the court and a copy given to the person evaluated and the person's counsel. A copy of the treatment plan shall also be given to the department's caseworker and to the guardian ad litem. Any program for chemical dependency shall meet the program requirements contained in *chapter 70.96A RCW. (3) If the court has ordered treatment pursuant to a dependency proceeding it shall also require the treatment program to provide, in the reports required by subsection (2) of this section, status reports to the court, the department, and the person or person's counsel regarding the person's cooperation with the treatment plan proposed and the person's progress in treatment. (4) If a person subject to this section fails or neglects to carry out and fulfill any term or condition of the treatment plan, the program or agency administering the treatment shall report such breach to the court, the department, the guardian ad litem, and the person or person's counsel, within twenty-four hours, together with its recommendation. These reports shall be made as a declaration by the person who is personally responsible for providing the treatment. (5) Nothing in this chapter may be construed as allowing the court to require the department to pay for the cost of any alcohol or substance abuse evaluation or treatment program.
RCW 13.34.150 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 150
RCW 13.34.150: Modification of orders.
Status: in_force

Any order made by the court in the case of a dependent child may be changed, modified, or set aside, only upon a showing of a change in circumstance or as provided in RCW 13.34.120 .
RCW 13.34.136 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 136
RCW 13.34.136: Permanency plan of care.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever a child is ordered to be removed from the home, a permanency plan shall be developed no later than 60 days from the time the department assumes responsibility for providing services, including placing the child, or at the time of a hearing under RCW 13.34.130 , whichever occurs first. The permanency planning process continues until a permanency planning goal is achieved or dependency is dismissed. The planning process shall include reasonable efforts to return the child to the parent's home. (2) The department shall submit a written permanency plan to all parties and the court not less than 14 days prior to the scheduled hearing. Responsive reports of parties not in agreement with the department's proposed permanency plan must be provided to the department, all other parties, and the court at least seven days prior to the hearing. The permanency plan shall include: (a) A permanency plan of care that shall identify one of the following outcomes as a primary goal and may identify additional outcomes as alternative goals: Return of the child to the home of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian; adoption, including a tribal customary adoption as defined in RCW 13.38.040 ; guardianship pursuant to chapter 13.36 RCW; guardianship of a minor pursuant to RCW 11.130.215 ; long-term relative or foster care, if the child is between ages 16 and 18, with a written agreement between the parties and the care provider; successful completion of a responsible living skills program; or independent living, if appropriate and if the child is age 16 or older. Although a permanency plan of care may only identify long-term relative or foster care for children between ages 16 and 18, children under 16 may remain placed with relatives or in foster care. The department shall not discharge a child to an independent living situation before the child is 18 years of age unless the child becomes emancipated pursuant to chapter 13.64 RCW; (b) Unless the court has ordered, pursuant to RCW 13.34.130 (8), that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan as to where the child will be placed, what steps will be taken to return the child home, what steps the department will take to promote existing appropriate sibling relationships and/or facilitate placement together or contact in accordance with the best interests of each child, and what actions the department will take to maintain parent-child ties. All aspects of the plan shall include the goal of achieving permanence for the child. (i) The department's plan shall specify what services the parents will be offered to enable them to resume custody, what requirements the parents must meet to resume custody, and a time limit for each service plan and parental requirement. (A) If the parent is incarcerated, the plan must address how the parent will participate in the case conference and permanency planning meetings and, where possible, must include treatment that reflects the resources available at the facility where the parent is confined. The plan must provide for visitation opportunities, unless visitation is not in the best interests of the child. (B) If a parent has a developmental disability according to the definition provided in RCW 71A.10.020 , and that individual is eligible for services provided by the department of social and health services developmental disabilities administration, the department shall make reasonable efforts to consult with the department of social and health services developmental disabilities administration to create an appropriate plan for services. For individuals who meet the definition of developmental disability provided in RCW 71A.10.020 and who are eligible for services through the developmental disabilities administration, the plan for services must be tailored to correct the parental deficiency taking into consideration the parent's disability and the department shall also determine an appropriate method to offer those services based on the parent's disability. (ii)(A) Visitation is the right of the family, including the child and the parent, in cases in which visitation is in the best interest of the child. Early, consistent, and frequent visitation is crucial for maintaining parent-child relationships and making it possible for parents and children to safely reunify. The department shall encourage the maximum parent and child and sibling contact possible, when it is in the best interest of the child, including regular visitation and participation by the parents in the care of the child while the child is in placement. (B) Visitation shall not be limited as a sanction for a parent's failure to comply with court orders or services where the health, safety, or welfare of the child is not at risk as a result of the visitation. (C) Visitation may be limited or denied only if the court determines that such limitation or denial is necessary to protect the child's health, safety, or welfare. Visitation must occur in the least restrictive setting and be unsupervised unless the presence of threats or danger to the child requires the constant presence of an adult to ensure the safety of the child. When a parent or sibling has been identified as a suspect in an active criminal investigation for a violent crime that, if the allegations are true, would impact the safety of the child, the department shall make a concerted effort to consult with the assigned law enforcement officer in the criminal case before recommending any changes in parent/child or child/sibling contact. In the event that the law enforcement officer has information pertaining to the criminal case that may have serious implications for child safety or well-being, the law enforcement officer shall provide this information to the department during the consultation. The department may only use the information provided by law enforcement during the consultation to inform family visitation plans and may not share or otherwise distribute the information to any person or entity. Any information provided to the department by law enforcement during the consultation is considered investigative information and is exempt from public inspection pursuant to RCW 42.56.240 . The results of the consultation shall be communicated to the court. (D) The court and the department should rely upon community resources, relatives, foster parents, and other appropriate persons to provide transportation and supervision for visitation to the extent that such resources are available, and appropriate, and the child's safety would not be compromised. (E) If the court previously ordered that visitation between a parent and child be supervised or monitored, there shall be a presumption that such supervision or monitoring will no longer be necessary when the permanency plan is entered. To overcome this presumption, a party must provide a report to the court including evidence establishing that removing visit supervision or monitoring would create a risk to the child's safety, and the court shall make a determination as to whether visit supervision or monitoring must continue. (F) The court shall advise the petitioner that the failure to provide court-ordered visitation may result in a finding that the petitioner failed to make reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan. The lack of sufficient contracted visitation providers will not excuse the failure to provide court-ordered visitation. (iii)(A) The department, court, or caregiver in the out-of-home placement may not limit visitation or contact between a child and sibling as a sanction for a child's behavior or as an incentive to the child to change his or her behavior. (B) Any exceptions, limitation, or denial of contacts or visitation must be approved by the supervisor of the department caseworker and documented. The child, parent, department, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed special advocate may challenge the denial of visits in court. (iv) A child shall be placed as close to the child's home as possible, preferably in the child's own neighborhood, unless the court finds that placement at a greater distance is necessary to promote the child's or parents' well-being. (v) The plan shall state whether both in-state and, where appropriate, out-of-state placement options have been considered by the department. (vi) Unless it is not in the best interests of the child, whenever practical, the plan should ensure the child remains enrolled in the school the child was attending at the time the child entered foster care. (vii) The department shall provide all reasonable services that are available within the department, or within the community, or those services which the department has existing contracts to purchase. It shall report to the court if it is unable to provide such services; and (c) If the court has ordered, pursuant to RCW 13.34.130 (9), that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan as to where the child will be placed, what steps will be taken to achieve permanency for the child, services to be offered or provided to the child, and, if visitation would be in the best interests of the child, a recommendation to the court regarding visitation between parent and child pending a fact-finding hearing on the termination petition. The department shall not be required to develop a plan of services for the parents or provide services to the parents if the court orders a termination petition be filed. However, reasonable efforts to ensure visitation and contact between siblings shall be made unless there is reasonable cause to believe the best interests of the child or siblings would be jeopardized. (3) Permanency planning goals should be achieved at the earliest possible date. If the child has been in out-of-home care for 15 of the most recent 22 months, and the court has not made a good cause exception, the court shall require the department to file a petition seeking termination of parental rights in accordance with RCW 13.34.145 (4)(b)(vi). In cases where parental rights have been terminated, the child is legally free for adoption, and adoption has been identified as the primary permanency planning goal, it shall be a goal to complete the adoption within six months following entry of the termination order. (4) If the court determines that the continuation of reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need to remove the child from his or her home or to safely return the child home should not be part of the permanency plan of care for the child, reasonable efforts shall be made to place the child in a timely manner and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child. (5) The identified outcomes and goals of the permanency plan may change over time based upon the circumstances of the particular case. (6) The court shall consider the child's relationships with the child's siblings in accordance with RCW 13.34.130 (7). Whenever the permanency plan for a child is adoption, the court shall encourage the prospective adoptive parents, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and the department or other agency to seriously consider the long-term benefits to the child adoptee and his or her siblings of providing for and facilitating continuing postadoption contact between the siblings. To the extent that it is feasible, and when it is in the best interests of the child adoptee and his or her siblings, contact between the siblings should be frequent and of a similar nature as that which existed prior to the adoption. If the child adoptee or his or her siblings are represented by an attorney or guardian ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter or in any other child custody proceeding, the court shall inquire of each attorney and guardian ad litem regarding the potential benefits of continuing contact between the siblings and the potential detriments of severing contact. This section does not require the department or other agency to agree to any specific provisions in an open adoption agreement and does not create a new obligation for the department to provide supervision or transportation for visits between siblings separated by adoption from foster care. (7) For purposes related to permanency planning, "guardianship" means a guardianship pursuant to chapter 13.36 RCW or a guardianship of a minor pursuant to RCW 11.130.215 , or equivalent laws of another state or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
RCW 13.04.050 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 04 / Section 050
RCW 13.04.050: Expenses of probation officers.
Status: in_force

The probation officers, and assistant probation officers, and deputy probation officers in all counties of the state shall be allowed such necessary incidental expenses as may be authorized by the judge of the juvenile court, and the same shall be a charge upon the county in which the court appointing them has jurisdiction, and the expenses shall be paid out of the county treasury upon a written order of the judge of the juvenile court of said county directing the county auditor to draw his or her warrant upon the county treasurer for the specified amount of such expenses.
RCW 13.16.050 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 16 / Section 050
RCW 13.16.050: Federal or state aid.
Status: in_force

In connection with the financing of facilities and the employment of a staff of juvenile officers for dependent, delinquent and wayward children, the various boards of county commissioners affected shall attempt to secure such advances, loans, grants in aid, donations as gifts as may be secured from the federal government or any of its agencies or from the state government or from other public or private institutions or individuals.
RCW 13.04.030 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 04 / Section 030
RCW 13.04.030: Juvenile court—Exclusive original jurisdiction—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in this section, the juvenile courts in this state shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all proceedings: (a) Under the interstate compact on placement of children as provided in chapter 26.34 RCW; (b) Relating to children alleged or found to be dependent as provided in chapter 26.44 RCW and in RCW 13.34.030 through 13.34.161 ; (c) Relating to the termination of a parent and child relationship as provided in RCW 13.34.180 through 13.34.210 ; (d) To approve or disapprove out-of-home placement as provided in RCW 13.32A.170 ; (e) Relating to juveniles alleged or found to have committed offenses, traffic or civil infractions, or violations as provided in RCW 13.40.020 through 13.40.230 , unless: (i) The juvenile court transfers jurisdiction of a particular juvenile to adult criminal court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110 ; (ii) The statute of limitations applicable to adult prosecution for the offense, traffic or civil infraction, or violation has expired; (iii) The alleged offense or infraction is a traffic, fish, boating, or game offense, or traffic or civil infraction committed by a juvenile 16 years of age or older and would, if committed by an adult, be tried or heard in a court of limited jurisdiction, in which instance the appropriate court of limited jurisdiction shall have jurisdiction over the alleged offense or infraction, and no guardian ad litem is required in any such proceeding due to the juvenile's age. If such an alleged offense or infraction and an alleged offense or infraction subject to juvenile court jurisdiction arise out of the same event or incident, the juvenile court may have jurisdiction of both matters. The jurisdiction under this subsection does not constitute "transfer" or a "decline" for purposes of RCW 13.40.110 (1) or (2) or (e)(i) of this subsection. Courts of limited jurisdiction which confine juveniles for an alleged offense or infraction may place juveniles in juvenile detention facilities under an agreement with the officials responsible for the administration of the juvenile detention facility in RCW 13.04.035 and 13.20.060 ; (iv) The alleged offense is a traffic or civil infraction, a violation of compulsory school attendance provisions under chapter 28A.225 RCW, or a misdemeanor, and a court of limited jurisdiction has assumed concurrent jurisdiction over those offenses as provided in *RCW 13.04.0301 ; or (v) The juvenile is 16 or 17 years old on the date the alleged offense is committed and the alleged offense is: (A) A serious violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 ; (B) A violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 and the juvenile has a criminal history consisting of: One or more prior serious violent offenses; two or more prior violent offenses; or three or more of any combination of the following offenses: Any class A felony, any class B felony, vehicular assault, or manslaughter in the second degree, all of which must have been committed after the juvenile's 13th birthday and prosecuted separately; or (C) Rape of a child in the first degree. (I) In such a case the adult criminal court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction, except as provided in (e)(v)(C)(II) and (III) of this subsection. (II) The juvenile court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the disposition of any remaining charges in any case in which the juvenile is found not guilty in the adult criminal court of the charge or charges for which he or she was transferred, or is convicted in the adult criminal court of an offense that is not also an offense listed in (e)(v) of this subsection. The juvenile court shall maintain residual juvenile court jurisdiction up to age 25 if the juvenile has turned 18 years of age during the adult criminal court proceedings but only for the purpose of returning a case to juvenile court for disposition pursuant to RCW 13.40.300 (2)(a)(ii). (III) The prosecutor and respondent may agree to juvenile court jurisdiction and waive application of exclusive adult criminal jurisdiction in (e)(v)(A) through (C) of this subsection and remove the proceeding back to juvenile court with the court's approval. If the juvenile challenges the state's determination of the juvenile's criminal history under (e)(v) of this subsection, the state may establish the offender's criminal history by a preponderance of the evidence. If the criminal history consists of adjudications entered upon a plea of guilty, the state shall not bear a burden of establishing the knowing and voluntariness of the plea; (f) Under the interstate compact on juveniles as provided in chapter 13.24 RCW; (g) Relating to termination of a diversion agreement under RCW 13.40.080 , including a proceeding in which the divertee has attained 18 years of age; (h) Relating to court validation of a voluntary consent to an out-of-home placement under chapter 13.34 RCW, by the parent or Indian custodian of an Indian child, except if the parent or Indian custodian and child are residents of or domiciled within the boundaries of a federally recognized Indian reservation over which the tribe exercises exclusive jurisdiction; and (i) Relating to petitions to compel disclosure of information filed by the department of social and health services pursuant to RCW 74.13.042 . (2) The family court shall have concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court over all proceedings under this section if the superior court judges of a county authorize concurrent jurisdiction as provided in RCW 26.12.010 . (3) The juvenile court shall have concurrent original jurisdiction with the family or probate court over minor guardianship proceedings under chapter 11.130 RCW and parenting plans or residential schedules under chapter 26.09 , 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW as provided for in RCW 13.34.155 . (4) A juvenile subject to adult superior court jurisdiction under subsection (1)(e)(i) through (v) of this section, who is detained pending trial, may be detained in a detention facility as defined in RCW 13.40.020 pending sentencing or a dismissal. (5) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section deprives the superior courts in this state of original jurisdiction granted by the Constitution or by other laws.
RCW 13.40.070 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 070
RCW 13.40.070: Complaints—Screening—Filing information—Diversion—Modification of community supervision—Notice to parent or guardian—Probation counselor acting for prosecutor—Referral to community-based, restorative justice, mediation, or reconciliation programs.
Status: in_force

(1) Complaints referred to the juvenile court alleging the commission of an offense shall be referred directly to the prosecutor. The prosecutor, upon receipt of a complaint, shall screen the complaint to determine whether: (a) The alleged facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court; and (b) On a basis of available evidence there is probable cause to believe that the juvenile did commit the offense. (2) If the identical alleged acts constitute an offense under both the law of this state and an ordinance of any city or county of this state, state law shall govern the prosecutor's screening and charging decision for both filed and diverted cases. (3) If the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are met, the prosecutor shall either file an information in juvenile court or divert the case, as set forth in subsections (5), (6), and (8) of this section. If the prosecutor finds that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are not met, the prosecutor shall maintain a record, for one year, of such decision and the reasons therefor. In lieu of filing an information or diverting an offense a prosecutor may file a motion to modify community supervision where such offense constitutes a violation of community supervision. (4) An information shall be a plain, concise, and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. It shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney and conform to chapter 10.37 RCW. (5) The prosecutor shall file an information with the juvenile court if (a) an alleged offender is accused of an offense that is defined as a sex offense or violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030 , other than assault in the second degree or robbery in the second degree; or (b) an alleged offender has been referred by a diversion unit for prosecution or desires prosecution instead of diversion. (6) Where a case is legally sufficient the prosecutor shall divert the case if the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or violation and the alleged offense is the offender's first offense or violation. If the alleged offender is charged with a related offense that may be filed under subsections (5) and (8) of this section, a case under this subsection may also be filed. (7) Where a case is legally sufficient to charge an alleged offender with: (a) Prostitution loitering and the alleged offense is the offender's first prostitution loitering offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case; (b) Voyeurism in the second degree, the offender is under seventeen years of age, and the alleged offense is the offender's first voyeurism in the second degree offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case, unless the offender has received two diversions for any offense in the previous two years; (c) Minor selling depictions of himself or herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct under RCW 9.68A.053 (5) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053 (5), the prosecutor shall divert the case; or (d) A distribution, transfer, dissemination, or exchange of sexually explicit images of other minors thirteen years of age or older offense as provided in RCW 9.68A.053 (1) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053 (1), the prosecutor shall divert the case. (8) Where a case is legally sufficient and falls into neither subsection (5) nor (6) of this section, it may be filed or diverted. In deciding whether to file or divert an offense under this section the prosecutor may be guided by the length, seriousness, and recency of the alleged offender's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense. (9) Whenever a juvenile is placed in custody or, where not placed in custody, referred to a diversion interview, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile shall be notified as soon as possible concerning the allegation made against the juvenile and the current status of the juvenile. Where a case involves victims of crimes against persons or victims whose property has not been recovered at the time a juvenile is referred to a diversion unit, the victim shall be notified of the referral and informed how to contact the unit. (10) The responsibilities of the prosecutor under subsections (1) through (9) of this section may be performed by a juvenile court probation counselor for any complaint referred to the court alleging the commission of an offense which would not be a felony if committed by an adult, if the prosecutor has given sufficient written notice to the juvenile court that the prosecutor will not review such complaints. (11) The prosecutor, juvenile court probation counselor, or diversion unit may, in exercising their authority under this section or RCW 13.40.080 , refer juveniles to community-based programs, restorative justice programs, mediation, or victim offender reconciliation programs. Such mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs shall be voluntary for victims. (12) Prosecutors and juvenile courts are encouraged to engage with and partner with community-based programs to expand, improve, and increase options to divert youth from formal processing in juvenile court. Nothing in this chapter should be read to limit partnership with community-based programs to create diversion opportunities for juveniles.
RCW 13.34.235 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 235
RCW 13.34.235: Guardianship for dependent child—Review hearing requirements not applicable—Exception.
Status: in_force

A dependency guardianship is not subject to the review hearing requirements of RCW 13.34.138 unless ordered by the court under RCW 13.34.232 (1)(e).
RCW 13.38.150 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 38 / Section 150
RCW 13.38.150: Consent to foster care placement or termination of parental rights—Withdrawal.
Status: in_force

(1) If an Indian child's parent or Indian custodian voluntarily consents to a foster care placement of the child or to termination of parental rights, the consent is not valid unless executed in writing and recorded before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction and accompanied by the judge's certificate that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail and were fully understood by the parent or Indian custodian. The court must also certify that either the parent or Indian custodian fully understood the explanation in English or that it was interpreted into a language that the parent or Indian custodian understood. Any consent for release of custody given prior to, or within ten days after, the birth of the Indian child shall not be valid. (2) An Indian child's parent or Indian custodian may withdraw consent to a voluntary foster care placement at any time and, upon the withdrawal of consent, the child shall be returned to the parent or Indian custodian. (3) In a voluntary proceeding for termination of parental rights to, or adoptive placement of, an Indian child, the consent of the parent may be withdrawn for any reason at any time prior to the entry of an order terminating parental rights or a final decree of adoption, and the child shall be returned to the parent. (4) After the entry of a final decree of adoption of an Indian child, the parent may withdraw consent to the adoption upon the grounds that consent was obtained through fraud or duress. Upon a finding that such consent was obtained through fraud or duress the court shall vacate the decree and return the child to the parent. No adoption which has been effective for at least two years may be invalidated under this section unless otherwise allowed by state law.
RCW 13.40.730 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 730
RCW 13.40.730: Community transition services program.
Status: in_force

The department of children, youth, and families shall adopt rules, policies, and procedures as may be needed to implement a community transition services program required by chapter 206, Laws of 2021, to include the following: (1) Identification and regular monitoring of metrics of quality implementation for the community transition program, and regularly publishing outcome analyses for program participants; and (2) Allowing for the use of new electronic home monitoring equipment and technologies as they become available that eliminate or minimize trauma, social stigma, and racial injustice, and imposing penalties for the knowing or intentional tampering, damaging, or destruction of equipment that renders it not fully functional.
RCW 13.38.010 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 38 / Section 010
RCW 13.38.010: Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Washington state Indian child welfare act."
RCW 13.40.044 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 044
RCW 13.40.044: Infraction—Prison riot offenses vacated.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall establish rules for including prison riot behavior as described in RCW 9.94.010 (1) as an infraction that is managed through the internal behavioral management infraction system. (2) By August 1, 2025, the department shall respond to prison riot behavior as described in RCW 9.94.010 (1) that occurs in an institution using the internal behavioral management infraction system. (3) The department may impose an infraction using the internal behavioral management infraction system for offenses that were vacated under RCW 9.94A.640 when appropriate.
RCW 13.32A.270 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 270
RCW 13.32A.270: Youth who have been diverted—Alleged prostitution or prostitution loitering offenses—Services and treatment.
Status: in_force

Within available funding, when a youth who has been diverted under RCW 13.40.070 for an alleged offense of prostitution or prostitution loitering is referred to the department, the department shall connect that child with the services and treatment specified in RCW * 74.14B.060 and 74.14B.070 .
RCW 13.20.030 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 20 / Section 030
RCW 13.20.030: Chair—Quorum—Organization—Rules of procedure.
Status: in_force

The judicial member of the board shall be the chair thereof; a majority thereof shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; and the board shall have authority to organize itself in such manner and to establish such rules of procedure as it deems proper for the performance of its duties.
RCW 13.38.160 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 38 / Section 160
RCW 13.38.160: Improper removal of Indian child.
Status: in_force

If a petitioner in a child custody proceeding under this chapter has improperly removed the child from the custody of the parent or Indian custodian or has improperly retained custody after a visit or other temporary relinquishment of custody, the court shall decline jurisdiction over the petition and shall immediately return the child to the child's parent or Indian custodian unless returning the child to the parent or Indian custodian would subject the child to substantial and immediate danger or threat of such danger.
RCW 13.32A.191 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 191
RCW 13.32A.191: At-risk youth—Petition by parent.
Status: in_force

(1) A child's parent may file with the juvenile court a petition in the interest of a child alleged to be an at-risk youth. The department shall, when requested, assist the parent in filing the petition. The petition shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides. The petition shall set forth the name, age, and residence of the child and the names and residence of the child's parents and shall allege that: (a) The child is an at-risk youth; (b) The petitioner has the right to legal custody of the child; (c) Court intervention and supervision are necessary to assist the parent to maintain the care, custody, and control of the child; and (d) Alternatives to court intervention have been attempted or there is good cause why such alternatives have not been attempted. (2) The petition shall set forth facts that support the allegations in this section and shall generally request relief available under this chapter. The petition need not specify any proposed disposition following adjudication of the petition. The filing of an at-risk youth petition is not dependent upon the court's having obtained any prior jurisdiction over the child or his or her parent and confers upon the court the special jurisdiction to assist the parent in maintaining parental authority and responsibility for the child. (3) A petition may not be filed if a dependency petition is pending under chapter 13.34 RCW.
RCW 13.32A.180 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 180
RCW 13.32A.180: Out-of-home placement—Court order—No placement in secure residence.
Status: in_force

(1) If the court orders a three-month out-of-home placement for the child, the court shall specify the person or agency with whom the child shall be placed, those parental powers which will be temporarily awarded to such agency or person including but not limited to the right to authorize medical, dental, and optical treatment, and parental visitation rights. Any agency or residence at which the child is placed must, at a minimum, comply with minimum standards for licensed family foster homes. (2) No placement made pursuant to this section may be in a secure residence as defined by the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.
RCW 13.34.025 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 025
RCW 13.34.025: Child dependency cases—Coordination of services—Remedial services.
Status: in_force

(1) The department and agencies shall develop methods for coordination of services to parents and children in child dependency cases. To the maximum extent possible under current funding levels, the department and agencies must: (a) Coordinate and integrate services to children and families, using service plans and activities that address the children's and families' multiple needs, including ensuring that siblings have regular visits with each other, as appropriate. Assessment criteria should screen for multiple needs; (b) Develop treatment plans for the individual needs of the client in a manner that minimizes the number of contacts the client is required to make; and (c) Access training for department and agency staff to increase skills across disciplines to assess needs for mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and other areas. (2) The department shall coordinate within the administrations of the department, and with contracted service providers, to ensure that parents in dependency proceedings under this chapter receive priority access to remedial services recommended by the department in its social study or ordered by the court for the purpose of correcting any parental deficiencies identified in the dependency proceeding that are capable of being corrected in the foreseeable future. Services may also be provided to caregivers other than the parents as identified in RCW 13.34.138 . (a) For purposes of this chapter, remedial services are those services defined in the federal adoption and safe families act as family reunification services that facilitate the reunification of the child safely and appropriately within a timely fashion. Remedial services include individual, group, and family counseling; substance abuse treatment services; mental health services; assistance to address domestic violence; services designed to provide temporary child care and therapeutic services for families; and transportation to or from any of the above services and activities. (b) The department shall provide funds for remedial services if the parent is unable to pay to the extent funding is appropriated in the operating budget or otherwise available to the department for such specific services. As a condition for receiving funded remedial services, the court may inquire into the parent's ability to pay for all or part of such services or may require that the parent make appropriate applications for funding to alternative funding sources for such services. (c) If court-ordered remedial services are unavailable for any reason, including lack of funding, lack of services, or language barriers, the department shall promptly notify the court that the parent is unable to engage in the treatment due to the inability to access such services. (d) This section does not create an entitlement to services and does not create judicial authority to order the provision of services except for the specific purpose of making reasonable efforts to remedy parental deficiencies identified in a dependency proceeding under this chapter.
RCW 13.38.130 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 38 / Section 130
RCW 13.38.130: Involuntary foster care placement, termination of parental rights—Determination—Qualified expert witness.
Status: in_force

(1) A party seeking to effect an involuntary foster care placement of or the involuntary termination of parental rights to an Indian child shall satisfy the court that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that these efforts have proved unsuccessful. (2) No involuntary foster care placement may be ordered in a child custody proceeding in the absence of a determination, supported by clear and convincing evidence, including testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. For purposes of this subsection, any harm that may result from interfering with the bond or attachment between the foster parent and the child shall not be the sole basis or primary reason for continuing the child in foster care. (3) No involuntary termination of parental rights may be ordered in a child custody proceeding in the absence of a determination, supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. For the purposes of this subsection, any harm that may result from interfering with the bond or attachment that may have formed between the child and a foster care provider shall not be the sole basis or primary reason for termination of parental rights over an Indian child. (4)(a) For purposes of this section, "qualified expert witness" means a person who provides testimony in a proceeding under this chapter to assist a court in the determination of whether the continued custody of the child by, or return of the child to, the parent, parents, or Indian custodian, is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. In any proceeding in which the child's Indian tribe has intervened pursuant to RCW 13.38.090 or, if the department is the petitioner and the Indian child's tribe has entered into a local agreement with the department for the provision of child welfare services, the petitioner shall contact the tribe and ask the tribe to identify a tribal member or other person of the tribe's choice who is recognized by the tribe as knowledgeable regarding tribal customs as they pertain to family organization or child rearing practices. The petitioner shall notify the child's Indian tribe of the need to provide a "qualified expert witness" at least twenty days prior to any evidentiary hearing in which the testimony of the witness will be required. If the child's Indian tribe does not identify a "qualified expert witness" for the proceeding on a timely basis, the petitioner may proceed to identify such a witness pursuant to (b) of this subsection. (b) In any proceeding in which the child's Indian tribe has not intervened or entered into a local agreement with the department for the provision of child welfare services, or a child's Indian tribe has not responded to a request to identify a "qualified expert witness" for the proceeding on a timely basis, the petitioner shall provide a "qualified expert witness" who meets one or more of the following requirements in descending order of preference: (i) A member of the child's Indian tribe or other person of the tribe's choice who is recognized by the tribe as knowledgeable regarding tribal customs as they pertain to family organization or child rearing practices for this purpose; (ii) Any person having substantial experience in the delivery of child and family services to Indians, and extensive knowledge of prevailing social and cultural standards and child rearing practices within the Indian child's tribe; (iii) Any person having substantial experience in the delivery of child and family services to Indians, and knowledge of prevailing social and cultural standards and child rearing practices in Indian tribes with cultural similarities to the Indian child's tribe; or (iv) A professional person having substantial education and experience in the area of his or her specialty. (c) When the petitioner is the department or a supervising agency, the currently assigned department or agency caseworker or the caseworker's supervisor may not testify as a "qualified expert witness" for purposes of this section. Nothing in this section shall bar the assigned department or agency caseworker or the caseworker's supervisor from testifying as an expert witness for other purposes in a proceeding under this chapter. Nothing in this section shall bar other department or supervising agency employees with appropriate expert qualifications or experience from testifying as a "qualified expert witness" in a proceeding under this chapter. Nothing in this section shall bar the petitioner or any other party in a proceeding under this chapter from providing additional witnesses or expert testimony, subject to the approval of the court, on any issue before the court including the determination of whether the continued custody of the child by, or return of the child to, the parent, parents, or Indian custodian, is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.
RCW 13.40.193 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 193
RCW 13.40.193: Firearms—Length of confinement.
Status: in_force

(1) If a respondent is found to have been in possession of a firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.040 (2)(a)(v), the court shall impose a minimum disposition of ten days of confinement. If the offender's standard range of disposition for the offense as indicated in RCW 13.40.0357 is more than thirty days of confinement, the court shall commit the offender to the department for the standard range disposition. The offender shall not be released until the offender has served a minimum of ten days in confinement. (2)(a) If a respondent is found to have been in possession of a firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.040 , the disposition must include a requirement that the respondent participate in a qualifying program as described in (b) of this subsection, when available, unless the court makes a written finding based on the outcome of the juvenile court risk assessment that participation in a qualifying program would not be appropriate. (b) For purposes of this section, "qualifying program" means an aggression replacement training program, a functional family therapy program, or another program applicable to the juvenile firearm offender population that has been identified as evidence-based or research-based and cost-beneficial in the current list prepared at the direction of the legislature by the Washington state institute for public policy. (3) If the court finds that the respondent or an accomplice was armed with a firearm, the court shall determine the standard range disposition for the offense pursuant to RCW 13.40.160 . If the offender or an accomplice was armed with a firearm when the offender committed any felony other than possession of a machine gun or bump-fire stock, possession of a stolen firearm, drive-by shooting, theft of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm in the first and second degree, or use of a machine gun or bump-fire stock in a felony, the following periods of total confinement must be added to the sentence: (a) Except for (b) of this subsection, for a class A felony, six months; for a class B felony, four months; and for a class C felony, two months; (b) for any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 , committed by a respondent who is sixteen or seventeen years old at the time of the offense, a period of twelve months. The additional time shall be imposed regardless of the offense's juvenile disposition offense category as designated in RCW 13.40.0357 . (4)(a) If the court finds that the respondent who is sixteen or seventeen years old and committed the offense of robbery in the first degree, drive-by shooting, rape of a child in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, or any violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 and was armed with a firearm, and the court finds that the respondent's participation was related to membership in a criminal street gang or advancing the benefit, aggrandizement, gain, profit, or other advantage for a criminal street gang, a period of three months total confinement must be added to the sentence. The additional time must be imposed regardless of the offense's juvenile disposition offense category as designated in RCW 13.40.0357 and must be served consecutively with any other sentencing enhancement. (b) For the purposes of this section, "criminal street gang" means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, having as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal acts, and whose members or associates individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal street gang activity. This definition does not apply to employees engaged in concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection, or to the activities of labor and bona fide nonprofit organizations or their members or agents. (5) When a disposition under this section would effectuate a manifest injustice, the court may impose another disposition. When a judge finds a manifest injustice and imposes a disposition of confinement exceeding thirty days, the court shall commit the juvenile to a maximum term, and the provisions of RCW 13.40.030 (2) shall be used to determine the range. When a judge finds a manifest injustice and imposes a disposition of confinement less than thirty days, the disposition shall be comprised of confinement or community supervision or both. (6) Any term of confinement ordered pursuant to this section shall run consecutively to any term of confinement imposed in the same disposition for other offenses.
RCW 13.64.900 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 64 / Section 900
RCW 13.64.900: Effective date—1993 c 294.
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect January 1, 1994.
RCW 13.32A.045 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 045
RCW 13.32A.045: Family reconciliation services—Data.
Status: in_force

(1) Beginning December 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 , the department shall make data available on the use of family reconciliation services which includes: (a) The number of requests for family reconciliation services; (b) The number of referrals made for family reconciliation services; (c) The demographic profile of families and youth accessing family reconciliation services including race, ethnicity, housing status, child welfare history, existence of an individualized education program, eligibility for services under 29 U.S.C. Sec. 701, or eligibility for other disability-related services; (d) The nature of the family conflict; (e) The type and length of the family reconciliation services delivered; (f) Family outcomes after receiving family reconciliation services; (g) Recommendations for improving family reconciliation services; (h) The number of requests for community-based reconciliation services; and (i) The number of referrals made to community-based family reconciliation services. (2) If the department cannot provide the information specified under subsection (1) of this section, the department shall identify steps necessary to obtain and make available the information required under subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 13.40.160 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 160
RCW 13.40.160: Disposition order—Court's action prescribed—Disposition outside standard range—Right of appeal—Special sex offender disposition alternative.
Status: in_force

(1) The standard range disposition for a juvenile adjudicated of an offense is determined according to RCW 13.40.0357 . (a) When the court sentences an offender to a local sanction as provided in RCW 13.40.0357 option A, the court shall impose a determinate disposition within the standard ranges, except as provided in subsection (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section. The disposition may be comprised of one or more local sanctions. (b) When the court sentences an offender to a standard range as provided in RCW 13.40.0357 option A that includes a term of confinement exceeding thirty days, commitment shall be to the department for the standard range of confinement, except as provided in subsection (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section. (2) If the court concludes, and enters reasons for its conclusion, that disposition within the standard range would effectuate a manifest injustice the court shall impose a disposition outside the standard range, as indicated in option D of RCW 13.40.0357 . The court's finding of manifest injustice shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. A disposition outside the standard range shall be determinate and shall be comprised of confinement or community supervision, or a combination thereof. When a judge finds a manifest injustice and imposes a sentence of confinement exceeding thirty days, the court shall sentence the juvenile to a maximum term, and the provisions of RCW 13.40.030 (2) shall be used to determine the range. A disposition outside the standard range is appealable under RCW 13.40.230 by the state or the respondent. A disposition within the standard range is not appealable under RCW 13.40.230 . (3) If a juvenile offender is found to have committed a sex offense, other than a sex offense that is also a serious violent offense as defined by RCW 9.94A.030 , and has no history of a prior sex offense, the court may impose the special sex offender disposition alternative under RCW 13.40.162 . (4) If the juvenile offender is subject to a standard range disposition of local sanctions or 15 to 36 weeks of confinement and has not committed an A- or B+ offense, the court may impose the disposition alternative under RCW 13.40.165 . (5) If a juvenile is subject to a commitment of 15 to 65 weeks of confinement, the court may impose the disposition alternative under *RCW 13.40.167 . (6) When the offender is subject to a standard range commitment of 15 to 36 weeks and is ineligible for a suspended disposition alternative, a manifest injustice disposition below the standard range, special sex offender disposition alternative, chemical dependency disposition alternative, or mental health disposition alternative, the court in a county with a pilot program under **RCW 13.40.169 may impose the disposition alternative under **RCW 13.40.169 . (7) RCW 13.40.193 shall govern the disposition of any juvenile adjudicated of possessing a firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.040 (2)(a)(v) or any crime in which a special finding is entered that the juvenile was armed with a firearm. (8) RCW 13.40.308 shall govern the disposition of any juvenile adjudicated of theft of a motor vehicle as defined under RCW 9A.56.065 , possession of a stolen motor vehicle as defined under RCW 9A.56.068 , taking a motor vehicle without permission in the first degree under RCW 9A.56.070 , and taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree under RCW 9A.56.075 . (9) Whenever a juvenile offender is entitled to credit for time spent in detention prior to a dispositional order, the dispositional order shall specifically state the number of days of credit for time served. (10) Except as provided under subsection (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section, or option B of RCW 13.40.0357 , or RCW 13.40.127 , the court shall not suspend or defer the imposition or the execution of the disposition. (11) In no case shall the term of confinement imposed by the court at disposition exceed that to which an adult could be subjected for the same offense.
RCW 13.40.320 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 320
RCW 13.40.320: Juvenile offender basic training camp program.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may establish a medium security juvenile offender basic training camp program. This program for juvenile offenders serving a term of confinement under the supervision of the department is exempt from the licensing requirements of chapter 74.15 RCW. (2) The department may contract under this chapter with private companies, the national guard, or other federal, state, or local agencies to operate the juvenile offender basic training camp. (3) The juvenile offender basic training camp shall be a structured and regimented model emphasizing the building up of an offender's self-esteem, confidence, and discipline. The juvenile offender basic training camp program shall provide participants with basic education, prevocational training, work-based learning, work experience, work ethic skills, conflict resolution counseling, substance abuse intervention, anger management counseling, and structured intensive physical training. The juvenile offender basic training camp program shall have a curriculum training and work schedule that incorporates a balanced assignment of these or other rehabilitation and training components for no less than sixteen hours per day, six days a week. The department shall develop standards for the safe and effective operation of the juvenile offender basic training camp program, for an offender's successful program completion, and for the continued after-care supervision of offenders who have successfully completed the program. (4) Offenders eligible for the juvenile offender basic training camp option shall be those with a disposition of not more than sixty-five weeks. Violent and sex offenders shall not be eligible for the juvenile offender basic training camp program. (5) If the court determines that the offender is eligible for the juvenile offender basic training camp option, the court may recommend that the department place the offender in the program. The department shall evaluate the offender and may place the offender in the program. The evaluation shall include, at a minimum, a risk assessment developed by the department and designed to determine the offender's suitability for the program. No juvenile who is assessed as a high risk offender or suffers from any mental or physical problems that could endanger his or her health or drastically affect his or her performance in the program shall be admitted to or retained in the juvenile offender basic training camp program. (6) All juvenile offenders eligible for the juvenile offender basic training camp sentencing option shall spend one hundred twenty days of their disposition in a juvenile offender basic training camp. This period may be extended for up to forty days by the secretary if a juvenile offender requires additional time to successfully complete the basic training camp program. If the juvenile offender's activities while in the juvenile offender basic training camp are so disruptive to the juvenile offender basic training camp program, as determined by the secretary according to standards developed by the department, as to result in the removal of the juvenile offender from the juvenile offender basic training camp program, or if the offender cannot complete the juvenile offender basic training camp program due to medical problems, the secretary shall require that the offender be committed to a juvenile institution to serve the entire remainder of his or her disposition, less the amount of time already served in the juvenile offender basic training camp program. (7) All offenders who successfully graduate from the juvenile offender basic training camp program shall spend the remainder of their disposition on parole in a department juvenile rehabilitation intensive aftercare program in the local community. Violation of the conditions of parole is subject to sanctions specified in RCW 13.40.210 (4). The program shall provide for the needs of the offender based on his or her progress in the aftercare program as indicated by ongoing assessment of those needs and progress. The intensive aftercare program shall monitor postprogram juvenile offenders and assist them to successfully reintegrate into the community. In addition, the program shall develop a process for closely monitoring and assessing public safety risks. The intensive aftercare program shall be designed and funded by the department. (8) The department shall also develop and maintain a database to measure recidivism rates specific to this incarceration program. The database shall maintain data on all juvenile offenders who complete the juvenile offender basic training camp program for a period of two years after they have completed the program. The database shall also maintain data on the criminal activity, educational progress, and employment activities of all juvenile offenders who participated in the program.
RCW 13.40.077 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 077
RCW 13.40.077: Recommended prosecuting standards for charging and plea dispositions.
Status: in_force

RECOMMENDED PROSECUTING STANDARDS FOR CHARGING AND PLEA DISPOSITIONS INTRODUCTION: These standards are intended solely for the guidance of prosecutors in the state of Washington. They are not intended to, do not, and may not be relied upon to create a right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party in litigation with the state. Evidentiary sufficiency. (1) Decision not to prosecute. STANDARD: A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question, or would result in decreased respect for the law. The decision not to prosecute or divert shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the suspect. GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY: Examples The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard. (a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute. (b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that: (i) It has not been enforced for many years; (ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence; (iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and (iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature. This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce. (c) De Minimis Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution. (d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment; (ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and (iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose. (e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment; (ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent; (iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and (iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose. (f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question. The reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases. (g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question, or would result in decreased respect for the law. (h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest. (i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations: (i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury; (ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered; (iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society. Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused. The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced. Notification The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute. (2) Decision to prosecute. STANDARD: Crimes against persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact finder. With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040 , 9A.44.050 , 9A.44.073 , 9A.44.076 , 9A.44.079 , 9A.44.083 , 9A.44.086 , 9A.44.089 , and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be proved under *RCW 13.40.160 (4). Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised. The categorization of crimes for these charging standards shall be the same as found in RCW 9.94A.411 (2). The decision to prosecute or use diversion shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent. (3) Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge (a) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of the respondent's conduct. Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges: (i) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or (ii) Will result in restitution to all victims. (b) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea. Overcharging includes: (i) Charging a higher degree; (ii) Charging additional counts. This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a respondent's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication. Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged. (4) Police Investigation A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute. The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made. In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following: (a) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible; (b) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and (c) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events. If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include. (5) Exceptions In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if: (a) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and (b) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or (c) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime. In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner. If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed. (6) Investigation Techniques The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including: (a) Polygraph testing; (b) Hypnosis; (c) Electronic surveillance; (d) Use of informants. (7) Prefiling Discussions with Defendant Discussions with the defendant or his or her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached. (8) Plea dispositions: STANDARD (a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a respondent will normally be expected to plead guilty to the charge or charges which adequately describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct or go to trial. (b) In certain circumstances, a plea agreement with a respondent in exchange for a plea of guilty to a charge or charges that may not fully describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct may be necessary and in the public interest. Such situations may include the following: (i) Evidentiary problems which make conviction of the original charges doubtful; (ii) The respondent's willingness to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of others whose criminal conduct is more serious or represents a greater public threat; (iii) A request by the victim when it is not the result of pressure from the respondent; (iv) The discovery of facts which mitigate the seriousness of the respondent's conduct; (v) The correction of errors in the initial charging decision; (vi) The respondent's history with respect to criminal activity; (vii) The nature and seriousness of the offense or offenses charged; (viii) The probable effect of witnesses. (c) No plea agreement shall be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent. This includes but is not limited to the prosecutor's decision to utilize such disposition alternatives as the Special Sex Offender Disposition Alternative, the Chemical Dependency Disposition Alternative, and manifest injustice. (9) Disposition recommendations: STANDARD The prosecutor may reach an agreement regarding disposition recommendations. The prosecutor shall not agree to withhold relevant information from the court concerning the plea agreement.
RCW 13.16.080 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 16 / Section 080
RCW 13.16.080: Allocation of budgeted funds.
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the provisions of RCW 13.16.020 through 13.16.080 the board of county commissioners is hereby authorized, any law to the contrary notwithstanding, to allocate any funds that may be available in any item or class of the budget as presently constituted to the fund to be used to carry out the provisions of RCW 13.16.020 through 13.16.080 .
RCW 13.34.267 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 267
RCW 13.34.267: Extended foster care services—Maintenance of dependency proceeding—Placement, care of youth—Appointment of counsel—Case plan.
Status: in_force

(1) In order to facilitate the delivery of extended foster care services, the court, upon the agreement of the youth to participate in the extended foster care program, shall maintain the dependency proceeding for any youth who is dependent at the age of 18 years until the youth turns 21 or withdraws their agreement to participate. (2) For the purposes of pursuing federal reimbursement only, the department may request judicial findings that a youth is: (a) Enrolled in a secondary education program or a secondary education equivalency program; (b) Enrolled and participating in a postsecondary academic or postsecondary vocational program, or has applied for and can demonstrate that he or she intends to timely enroll in a postsecondary academic or postsecondary vocational program; (c) Participating in a program or activity designed to promote employment or remove barriers to employment; (d) Engaged in employment for 80 hours or more per month; or (e) Not able to engage in any of the activities described in (a) through (d) of this subsection due to a documented medical condition. (3) When the court maintains the dependency proceeding of a youth pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the youth is eligible to receive extended foster care services pursuant to RCW 74.13.031 , subject to the youth's continuing agreement to participate. (4) A dependent youth receiving extended foster care services is a party to the dependency proceeding. The youth's parent or guardian must be dismissed from the dependency proceeding when the youth reaches the age of 18. (5) The court shall dismiss the dependency proceeding for any youth who is a dependent and who, at the age of 18 years, does not agree to participate in the program. (6) The court shall order a youth participating in extended foster care services to be under the placement and care authority of the department, subject to the youth's continuing agreement to participate in extended foster care services. The department may establish foster care rates appropriate to the needs of the youth participating in extended foster care services. The department's placement and care authority over a youth receiving extended foster care services is solely for the purpose of providing services and does not create a legal responsibility for the actions of the youth receiving extended foster care services. (7)(a) If a youth does not already have counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent a youth, as defined in RCW 13.34.030 (2)(b), in dependency proceedings under this section. Subject to amounts appropriated, the state shall pay the costs of legal services provided by an attorney appointed pursuant to this subsection based on the phase-in schedule outlined in RCW 13.34.212 , provided that the legal services are provided in accordance with the rules of professional conduct, the standards of practice, caseload limits, and training guidelines adopted by the children's representation work group established in section 9, chapter 210, Laws of 2021. (b) In cases where the statewide children's legal representation program provides funding and where consistent with its administration and oversight responsibilities, the statewide children's legal representation program should prioritize continuity of counsel for children who are already represented at county expense when the statewide children's legal representation program becomes effective in a county. The statewide children's legal representation program shall coordinate with relevant county stakeholders to determine how best to prioritize continuity of counsel. (8) The case plan for and delivery of services to a youth receiving extended foster care services is subject to the review requirements set forth in RCW 13.34.138 and 13.34.145 , and should be applied in a developmentally appropriate manner, as they relate to youth age 18 to 21 years. Additionally, the court shall consider: (a) Whether the youth is safe in his or her placement; (b) Whether the current placement is developmentally appropriate for the youth; (c) The youth's development of independent living skills; and (d) The youth's overall progress toward transitioning to full independence and the projected date for achieving such transition. (9) Prior to the review hearing, the youth's attorney shall indicate whether there are any contested issues and may provide additional information necessary for the court's review.
RCW 13.34.092 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 092
RCW 13.34.092: Rights under chapter proceedings—Appointment of counsel—Notice.
Status: in_force

At the commencement of the shelter care hearing the court shall advise the parties of basic rights as provided in RCW 13.34.090 and appoint counsel to the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian pursuant to RCW 13.34.090 if the parent, guardian, or legal custodian is indigent unless counsel has been retained by the parent, guardian, or legal custodian or the court finds that the right to counsel has been expressly and voluntarily waived in court.
RCW 13.64.040 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 64 / Section 040
RCW 13.64.040: Hearing on petition.
Status: in_force

(1) The hearing on the petition shall be before a judicial officer, sitting without a jury. Prior to the presentation of proof the judicial officer shall determine whether: (a) The petitioning minor understands the consequences of the petition regarding his or her legal rights and responsibilities; (b) a guardian ad litem should be appointed to investigate the allegations of the petition and file a report with the court. (2) For the purposes of this section, the term "judicial officer" means: (a) A judge; (b) a superior court commissioner of a unified family court if the county operates a unified family court; or (c) any superior court commissioner if the county does not operate a unified family court. The term does not include a judge pro tempore.
RCW 13.34.300 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 300
RCW 13.34.300: Relevance of failure to cause juvenile to attend school to neglect petition.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that it is the responsibility of the custodial parent, parents or guardian to ensure that children within the custody of such individuals attend school as provided for by law. To this end, while a parent's failure to cause a juvenile to attend school should not alone provide a basis for a neglect petition against the parent or guardian, when a neglect petition is filed on the basis of other evidence, a parent or guardian's failure to take reasonable steps to ensure that the juvenile attends school may be relevant to the question of the appropriate disposition of a neglect petition.
RCW 13.40.120 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 120
RCW 13.40.120: Hearings—Time and place.
Status: in_force

All hearings may be conducted at any time or place within the limits of the judicial district, and such cases may not be heard in conjunction with other business of any other division of the superior court.
RCW 13.38.050 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 38 / Section 050
RCW 13.38.050: Determination of Indian status.
Status: in_force

Any party seeking the foster care placement of, termination of parental rights over, or the adoption of a child must make a good faith effort to determine whether the child is an Indian child. This shall be done by consultation with the child's parent or parents, any person who has custody of the child or with whom the child resides, and any other person that reasonably can be expected to have information regarding the child's possible membership or eligibility for membership in an Indian tribe to determine if the child is an Indian child, and by contacting any Indian tribe in which the child may be a member or may be eligible for membership. Preliminary contacts for the purpose of making a good faith effort to determine a child's possible Indian status , do not constitute legal notice as required by RCW 13.38.070 .
RCW 13.34.215 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 215
RCW 13.34.215: Petition reinstating terminated parental rights—Notice—Achievement of permanency plan—Effect of granting the petition—Hearing—Child support liability—Retroactive application—Limitation on liability.
Status: in_force

(1) A child may petition the juvenile court to reinstate the previously terminated parental rights of his or her parent under the following circumstances: (a) The child was previously found to be a dependent child under this chapter; (b) The child's parent's rights were terminated in a proceeding under this chapter; (c)(i) The child has not achieved his or her permanency plan; or (ii) While the child achieved a permanency plan, it has not since been sustained; (d) Three years have passed since the final order of termination was entered; and (e) The child must be at least twelve years old at the time the petition is filed. Upon the child's motion for good cause shown, or on its own motion, the court may hear a petition filed by a child younger than twelve years old. (2) If the child is eligible to petition the juvenile court under subsection (1) of this section and a parent whose rights have been previously terminated contacts the department or the child's guardian ad litem regarding reinstatement, the department or the guardian ad litem must notify the eligible child about his or her right to petition for reinstatement of parental rights. (3) A child seeking to petition under this section shall be provided counsel at no cost to the child. (4) The petition must be signed by the child in the absence of a showing of good cause as to why the child could not do so. (5) If, after a threshold hearing to consider the parent's apparent fitness and interest in reinstatement of parental rights, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the best interests of the child may be served by reinstatement of parental rights, the juvenile court shall order that a hearing on the merits of the petition be held. (6) The court shall give prior notice for any proceeding under this section, or cause prior notice to be given, to the department, the child's attorney, and the child. The court shall also order the department to give prior notice of any hearing to the child's former parent whose parental rights are the subject of the petition, any parent whose rights have not been terminated, the child's current foster parent, relative caregiver, guardian or custodian, and the child's tribe, if applicable. (7) The juvenile court shall conditionally grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child has not achieved his or her permanency plan and is not likely to imminently achieve his or her permanency plan and that reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. In determining whether reinstatement is in the child's best interest the court shall consider, but is not limited to, the following: (a) Whether the parent whose rights are to be reinstated is a fit parent and has remedied his or her deficits as provided in the record of the prior termination proceedings and prior termination order; (b) The age and maturity of the child, and the ability of the child to express his or her preference; (c) Whether the reinstatement of parental rights will present a risk to the child's health, welfare, or safety; and (d) Other material changes in circumstances, if any, that may have occurred which warrant the granting of the petition. (8) In determining whether the child has or has not achieved his or her permanency plan or whether the child is likely to achieve his or her permanency plan, the department shall provide the court, and the court shall review, information related to any efforts to achieve the permanency plan including efforts to achieve adoption or a permanent guardianship. (9)(a) If the court conditionally grants the petition under subsection (7) of this section, the case will be continued for six months and a temporary order of reinstatement entered. During this period, the child shall be placed in the custody of the parent. The department shall develop a permanency plan for the child reflecting the plan to be reunification and shall provide transition services to the family as appropriate. (b) If the child must be removed from the parent due to abuse or neglect allegations prior to the expiration of the conditional six-month period, the court shall dismiss the petition for reinstatement of parental rights if the court finds the allegations have been proven by a preponderance of the evidence. (c) If the child has been successfully placed with the parent for six months, the court order reinstating parental rights remains in effect and the court shall dismiss the dependency. (10) After the child has been placed with the parent for six months, the court shall hold a hearing. If the placement with the parent has been successful, the court shall enter a final order of reinstatement of parental rights, which shall restore all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and obligations of the parent as to the child, including those relating to custody, control, and support of the child. The court shall dismiss the dependency and direct the clerk's office to provide a certified copy of the final order of reinstatement of parental rights to the parent at no cost. (11) The granting of the petition under this section does not vacate or otherwise affect the validity of the original termination order. (12) Any parent whose rights are reinstated under this section shall not be liable for any child support owed to the department pursuant to RCW 13.34.160 or Title 26 RCW or costs of other services provided to a child for the time period from the date of termination of parental rights to the date parental rights are reinstated. (13) A proceeding to reinstate parental rights is a separate action from the termination of parental rights proceeding and does not vacate the original termination of parental rights. An order granted under this section reinstates the parental rights to the child. This reinstatement is a recognition that the situation of the parent and child have changed since the time of the termination of parental rights and reunification is now appropriate. (14) This section is retroactive and applies to any child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing regardless of the date parental rights were terminated. (15) The state, the department, and its employees are not liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the provision of services under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence. This section does not create any duty and shall not be construed to create a duty where none exists. This section does not create a cause of action against the state, the department, or its employees concerning the original termination.
RCW 13.32A.128 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 32A / Section 128
RCW 13.32A.128: Child admitted to secure facility—Limitations.
Status: in_force

The department may take a runaway youth to a secure facility after attempting to notify the parent of the child's whereabouts. The department may not take a child to a secure facility if the department has reasonable cause to believe that the reason for the child's runaway status is the result of abuse or neglect.
RCW 13.40.080 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 080
RCW 13.40.080: Diversion agreement—Scope—Limitations—Restitution orders—Divertee's rights—Diversion unit's powers and duties—Interpreters—Modification.
Status: in_force

(1) A diversion agreement shall be a contract between a juvenile accused of an offense and a diversion unit whereby the juvenile agrees to fulfill certain conditions in lieu of prosecution. A juvenile's parent or guardian cannot decline to enter into a diversion agreement on behalf of the juvenile and cannot prevent a juvenile from entering into a diversion agreement. Such agreements may be entered into only after the prosecutor, or probation counselor pursuant to this chapter, has determined that probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed and that the juvenile committed it. Such agreements shall be entered into as expeditiously as possible. (2) A diversion agreement shall be limited to one or more of the following: (a) Community restitution not to exceed 150 hours, not to be performed during school hours if the juvenile is attending school; (b) Restitution limited to the amount of actual loss incurred by any victim, excluding restitution owed to any insurance provider under Title 48 RCW; (c) Attendance at up to 10 hours of counseling and/or up to 20 hours of positive youth development, restorative justice, and educational or informational sessions at a community agency. The educational or informational sessions may include sessions relating to respect for self, others, and authority; victim awareness; accountability; self-worth; responsibility; work ethics; good citizenship; literacy; and life skills. If an assessment identifies mental health or chemical dependency needs, a youth may access up to 30 hours of counseling. The counseling sessions may include services demonstrated to improve behavioral health and reduce recidivism. For purposes of this section, "community agency" may also mean a community-based nonprofit organization, a physician, a counselor, a school, or a treatment provider, if approved by the diversion unit. The state shall not be liable for costs resulting from the diversion unit exercising the option to permit diversion agreements to mandate attendance at up to 30 hours of counseling and/or up to 20 hours of educational or informational sessions; (d) Requirements to remain during specified hours at home, school, or work, and restrictions on leaving or entering specified geographical areas; and (e) Upon request of any victim or witness, requirements to refrain from any contact with victims or witnesses of offenses committed by the juvenile. (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, youth courts are not limited to the conditions imposed by subsection (2) of this section in imposing sanctions on juveniles pursuant to RCW 13.40.630 . (4) In assessing periods of community restitution to be performed and restitution to be paid by a juvenile who has entered into a diversion agreement, the court officer to whom this task is assigned shall consult with the juvenile's custodial parent or parents or guardian. To the extent possible, the court officer shall advise the victims of the juvenile offender of the diversion process, offer victim impact letter forms and restitution claim forms, and involve members of the community. Such members of the community may meet with the juvenile and may advise the court officer as to the terms of the diversion agreement and may supervise the juvenile in carrying out its terms. (5)(a) A diversion agreement may not exceed a period of six months and may include a period extending beyond the 21st birthday of the divertee. (b) If additional time is necessary for the juvenile to complete the terms of the agreement or restitution to a victim, the time period limitations of this subsection may be extended by an additional six months at the request of the juvenile. (c) If the juvenile has not paid the full amount of restitution by the end of the additional six-month period, then the juvenile shall be referred to the juvenile court for entry of a civil order establishing the amount of restitution still owed to the victim. In this order, the court shall also determine the terms and conditions of the restitution, including a payment plan extending up to 10 years if the court determines that the juvenile does not have the means to make full restitution over a shorter period. For the purposes of this subsection (5)(c), the juvenile shall remain under the court's jurisdiction for a maximum term of 10 years after the juvenile's 18th birthday. Prior to the expiration of the initial 10 year period, the juvenile court may extend the judgment for restitution an additional 10 years. The court may relieve the juvenile of the requirement to pay full or partial restitution if the juvenile reasonably satisfies the court that he or she does not have the means to make full or partial restitution and could not reasonably acquire the means to pay the restitution over a 10 year period. If the court relieves the juvenile of the requirement to pay full or partial restitution, the court may order an amount of community restitution that the court deems appropriate. The county clerk shall make disbursements to victims named in the order. The restitution to victims named in the order shall be paid prior to any payment for other penalties or monetary assessments. A juvenile under obligation to pay restitution may petition the court for modification of the restitution order. (d) A diversion agreement may be completed by the juvenile any time prior to an order terminating the agreement. (6) The juvenile shall retain the right to be referred to the court at any time prior to the signing of the diversion agreement. (7) Divertees and potential divertees shall be afforded due process in all contacts with a diversion unit regardless of whether the juveniles are accepted for diversion or whether the diversion program is successfully completed. Such due process shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) A written diversion agreement shall be executed stating all conditions in clearly understandable language; (b) Violation of the terms of the agreement shall be the only grounds for termination; (c) No divertee may be terminated from a diversion program without being given a court hearing, which hearing shall be preceded by: (i) Written notice of alleged violations of the conditions of the diversion program; and (ii) Disclosure of all evidence to be offered against the divertee; (d) The hearing shall be conducted by the juvenile court and shall include: (i) Opportunity to be heard in person and to present evidence; (ii) The right to confront and cross-examine all adverse witnesses; (iii) A written statement by the court as to the evidence relied on and the reasons for termination, should that be the decision; and (iv) Demonstration by evidence that the divertee has substantially violated the terms of his or her diversion agreement; (e) The prosecutor may file an information on the offense for which the divertee was diverted: (i) In juvenile court if the divertee is under 21 years of age; or (ii) In superior court or the appropriate court of limited jurisdiction if the divertee is 21 years of age or older; (f) In no case may a court terminate a diversion agreement on or after the juvenile's 21st birthday and, thereafter, any pending information in the case diverted and any pending motion to terminate shall be dismissed with prejudice. (8) The diversion unit shall, subject to available funds, be responsible for providing interpreters when juveniles need interpreters to effectively communicate during diversion unit hearings or negotiations. (9) The diversion unit shall be responsible for advising a divertee of his or her rights as provided in this chapter. (10) The diversion unit may refer a juvenile to a restorative justice program, community-based counseling, or treatment programs. (11) The right to counsel shall inure prior to the initial interview for purposes of advising the juvenile as to whether he or she desires to participate in the diversion process or to appear in the juvenile court. The juvenile may be represented by counsel at any critical stage of the diversion process, including intake interviews and termination hearings. The juvenile shall be fully advised at the intake of his or her right to an attorney and of the relevant services an attorney can provide. For the purpose of this section, intake interviews mean all interviews regarding the diversion agreement process. A signed acknowledgment of such advisement shall be obtained from the juvenile, and the document shall be maintained by the diversion unit together with the diversion agreement, and a copy of both documents shall be delivered to the prosecutor if requested by the prosecutor. The supreme court shall promulgate rules setting forth the content of such advisement in simple language. (12) When a juvenile enters into a diversion agreement, the juvenile court may receive only the following information for dispositional purposes: (a) The fact that a charge or charges were made; (b) The fact that a diversion agreement was entered into; (c) The juvenile's obligations under such agreement; (d) Whether the alleged offender performed his or her obligations under such agreement; and (e) The facts of the alleged offense. (13) A diversion unit may refuse to enter into a diversion agreement with a juvenile. When a diversion unit refuses to enter a diversion agreement with a juvenile, it shall immediately refer such juvenile to the court for action and shall forward to the court the criminal complaint and a detailed statement of its reasons for refusing to enter into a diversion agreement. The diversion unit shall also immediately refer the case to the prosecuting attorney for action if such juvenile violates the terms of the diversion agreement. (14) A diversion unit may, in instances where it determines that the act or omission of an act for which a juvenile has been referred to it involved no victim, or where it determines that the juvenile referred to it has no prior criminal history and is alleged to have committed an illegal act involving no threat of or instance of actual physical harm and involving not more than $50 in property loss or damage and that there is no loss outstanding to the person or firm suffering such damage or loss, counsel and release or release such a juvenile without entering into a diversion agreement. A diversion unit's authority to counsel and release a juvenile under this subsection includes the authority to refer the juvenile to community-based counseling or treatment programs or a restorative justice program. Any juvenile released under this subsection shall be advised that the act or omission of any act for which he or she had been referred shall constitute a part of the juvenile's criminal history as defined by RCW 13.40.020 (8). A signed acknowledgment of such advisement shall be obtained from the juvenile, and the document shall be maintained by the unit, and a copy of the document shall be delivered to the prosecutor if requested by the prosecutor. The supreme court shall promulgate rules setting forth the content of such advisement in simple language. A juvenile determined to be eligible by a diversion unit for release as provided in this subsection shall retain the same right to counsel and right to have his or her case referred to the court for formal action as any other juvenile referred to the unit. (15) A diversion unit may supervise the fulfillment of a diversion agreement entered into before the juvenile's 18th birthday and which includes a period extending beyond the divertee's 18th birthday. (16) If restitution required by a diversion agreement cannot reasonably be paid due to a change of circumstance, the diversion agreement may be modified at the request of the divertee and with the concurrence of the diversion unit to convert unpaid restitution into community restitution. The modification of the diversion agreement shall be in writing and signed by the divertee and the diversion unit. The number of hours of community restitution in lieu of a monetary penalty shall be converted at the rate of the prevailing state minimum wage per hour. (17) In no case may a diversion be entered into for an offense committed on or after the juvenile's 18th birthday.
RCW 49.12.390 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 12 / Section 390
RCW 49.12.390: Child labor laws—Violations—Civil penalties—Restraining orders.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL ) ***

(1)(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, if the director, or the director's designee, finds that an employer has violated any of the requirements of RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or a rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , a citation stating the violations shall be issued to the employer. The citation shall be in writing, describing the nature of the violation including reference to the standards, rules, or orders alleged to have been violated. An initial citation for failure to comply with RCW 49.12.123 or rules requiring a minor work permit and maintenance of records shall state a specific and reasonable time for abatement of the violation to allow the employer to correct the violation without penalty. The director or the director's designee may establish a specific time for abatement of other nonserious violations in lieu of a penalty for first time violations. The citation and a proposed penalty assessment shall be given to the highest management official available at the workplace or be mailed to the employer at the workplace. In addition, the department shall mail a copy of the citation and proposed penalty assessment to the central personnel office of the employer. Citations issued under this section shall be posted at or near the place where the violation occurred. (b) Except when an employer corrects a violation as provided in (a) of this subsection, he or she shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars depending on the size of the business and the gravity of the violation. The employer shall pay the amount assessed within thirty days of receipt of the assessment or notify the director of his or her intent to appeal the citation or the assessment penalty as provided in RCW 49.12.400 . (2) If the director, or the director's designee, finds that an employer has committed a serious or repeated violation of the requirements of RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or any rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , the employer is subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each day the violation continues. For the purposes of this subsection, a serious violation shall be deemed to exist if death or serious physical harm has resulted or is imminent from a condition that exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes that have been adopted or are in use by the employer, unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation. (3) In addition to any other authority provided in this section, if, upon inspection or investigation, the director, or director's designee, believes that an employer has violated RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or a rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , and that the violation creates a danger from which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result to a minor employee, the director, or director's designee, may issue an order immediately restraining the condition, practice, method, process, or means creating the danger in the workplace. An order issued under this subsection may require the employer to take steps necessary to avoid, correct, or remove the danger and to prohibit the employment or presence of a minor in locations or under conditions where the danger exists. (4) An employer who violates any of the posting requirements of RCW 49.12.121 or rules adopted implementing RCW 49.12.121 shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars for each violation. (5) A person who gives advance notice, without the authority of the director, of an inspection to be conducted under this chapter shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars. (6) Penalties assessed under this section shall be paid to the director and deposited into the general fund.

PDF RCW 49.12.390

Child Labor Laws — Violations — Civil Penalties — Restraining Orders — Annual Report. (Effective July 1, 2026.)

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL ) ***

(1)(a) If the director, or the director's designee, finds that an employer has violated any of the requirements of RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or a rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , a citation and notice of assessment stating the violations shall be issued to the employer. The citation and notice of assessment shall be in writing, describing the nature of the violation including reference to the standards, rules, or orders alleged to have been violated. The citation and penalty assessment must be given to the highest management official available at the workplace or be mailed to the employer at the workplace. In addition, the department shall mail a copy of the citation and penalty assessment to the central personnel office of the employer. Citations issued under this section must be posted at or near the place where the violation occurred. (b) A first-time citation for failure to obtain a minor work permit or parental or school authorization, for failure to maintain records, or for a violation deemed nonserious by the department must state a specific and reasonable time for abatement of the violation to allow the employer to correct the violation. The department may waive or reduce a civil penalty assessed for a first-time violation under this subsection if the director determines that the employer has taken corrective action to resolve the violation. (c) The employer must be assessed a civil penalty as follows: (i) No less than $100 and no more than $1,000 for each violation involving failure to obtain a minor work permit or parental or school authorization, for failure to maintain records, or for each other nonserious violation; (ii) No less than $150 and no more than $1,000 for each violation involving failure to comply with hours of work requirements; (iii) No less than $300 and no more than $1,000 for each violation involving failure to comply with meal break or rest break requirements; (iv) No less than $1,000 for each violation involving failure to comply with prohibited duty requirements, variance conditions, or minimum wage requirements for minors, or for each other serious violation, except the civil penalty may be no less than $2,000 for each violation in a second or subsequent citation for any of these violations identified in this subsection (1)(c)(iv); (v) No less than $15,000 for any violation resulting in the serious physical harm of a minor, which may be doubled where the violation is a willful violation or a repeated violation; and (vi) No less than $71,000 for any violation resulting in the death of a minor, which may be doubled where the violation is a willful violation or a repeated violation. (d) If the director, or the director's designee, finds that an employer has committed a serious or repeated violation of the requirements of RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or any rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , the employer is subject to an additional civil penalty assessment of a maximum of $5,000 for each subsequent day the violation continues. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(d), a serious violation shall be deemed to exist if death or serious physical harm has resulted or is imminent from a condition that exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes that have been adopted or are in use by the employer, unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation. (e) The department shall consider the following factors when determining the amount of any penalty assessment under this section: (i) Whether the violation was committed willfully or the violation is a repeat violation; (ii) the size of the employer; (iii) the age of the minor; (iv) the gravity of the violation; (v) the hazards created by the violation; (vi) the penalties for comparable violations under federal law; (vii) the penalty amount necessary to deter future noncompliance; (viii) ensuring the penalty amount is consistent with the purposes of this chapter; and (ix) any other factor warranting an adjustment in the penalty as deemed appropriate by the department. (f) Beginning July 1, 2027, and every two years thereafter, the department shall adjust by rule the amounts in (c) and (d) of this subsection for inflation by calculating to the nearest cent using the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, CPI-W, or a successor index. (2) The employer shall pay the amount assessed under this section within 30 days of receipt of the penalty assessment or notify the director of the employer's intent to appeal the citation or the penalty assessment as provided in RCW 49.12.400 . If an employer fails to pay an assessment under this section after it has become a final and unappealable order, or after the court has entered final judgment in favor of the department, the director may initiate collection procedures in accordance with RCW 49.48.086 . (3) In addition to any other authority provided in this section, if, upon inspection or investigation, the director, or director's designee, believes that an employer has violated RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , or a rule or order adopted or variance granted under RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 , and that the violation creates a danger from which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result to a minor employee, the director, or director's designee, may issue an order immediately restraining the condition, practice, method, process, or means creating the danger in the workplace. An order issued under this subsection may require the employer to take steps necessary to avoid, correct, or remove the danger and may prohibit the presence of a minor in locations or under conditions where the danger exists. (4)(a) The director or the director's designee shall revoke an employer's minor work permit and prohibit the employer from obtaining a minor work permit for no less than 12 months if: (i) The employer has been issued a safety and health citation under RCW 49.17.120 containing one or more violations under RCW 49.17.180 (1), (2), (4), or (5) or any citation and notice of assessment containing one or more violations of RCW 49.12.121 or 49.12.123 or any applicable rule or order, where one or more of the violations caused serious physical harm or death to a minor; or (ii) An order has been issued immediately restraining an employer's condition, practice, method, process, or means in the workplace pursuant to subsection (3) of this section or RCW 49.17.130 or 49.17.170 . (b) Following a revocation under this subsection, a minor work permit may not be reissued to an employer unless the employer has not been issued a citation for any violations of the provisions identified in (a)(i) of this subsection for at least 12 months. (c) This subsection does not prohibit the department from revoking, suspending, or modifying a minor work permit for any reason or cause provided for under state law or department rule or policy. (5) A person who gives advance notice, without the authority of the director, of an inspection to be conducted under this chapter shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars. (6) Penalties assessed under this section shall be paid to the director and deposited into the general fund. (7) The department shall include in its annual report submitted under RCW 49.12.180 the following information: (a) The number and type of citations and penalties issued and imposed under this section; (b) The number of and reasons for revocations of minor work permits; and (c) The number and nature of workplace injuries involving minors reviewed by the department, including whether those injuries resulted in citations or permit revocations under this section.
RCW 13.40.305 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 305
RCW 13.40.305: Juvenile offender adjudicated of theft of motor vehicle, possession of stolen vehicle, taking motor vehicle without permission in the first degree, taking motor vehicle without permission in the second degree—Local sanctions—Evaluation.
Status: in_force

If a juvenile is adjudicated of theft of a motor vehicle under RCW 9A.56.065 , possession of a stolen vehicle under RCW 9A.56.068 , taking a motor vehicle without permission in the first degree as defined in RCW 9A.56.070 (1), or taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree as defined in RCW 9A.56.075 (1) and is sentenced to local sanctions, the juvenile's disposition shall include an evaluation to determine whether the juvenile is in need of community-based rehabilitation services and to complete any treatment recommended by the evaluation.
RCW 13.24.021 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 24 / Section 021
RCW 13.24.021: Designation of state council.
Status: in_force

Pursuant to the compact created in RCW 13.24.011 , the governor is hereby authorized and empowered to designate a state council as required in Article IX of the compact.
RCW 13.40.135 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 135
RCW 13.40.135: Sexual motivation special allegation—Procedures.
Status: in_force

(1) The prosecuting attorney shall file a special allegation of sexual motivation in every juvenile offense other than sex offenses as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 when sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably consistent defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify a finding of sexual motivation by a reasonable and objective fact finder. (2) In a juvenile case wherein there has been a special allegation the state shall prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the juvenile committed the offense with a sexual motivation. The court shall make a finding of fact of whether or not the sexual motivation was present at the time of the commission of the offense. This finding shall not be applied to sex offenses as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 . (3) The prosecuting attorney shall not withdraw the special allegation of "sexual motivation" without approval of the court through an order of dismissal. The court shall not dismiss the special allegation unless it finds that such an order is necessary to correct an error in the initial charging decision or unless there are evidentiary problems which make proving the special allegation doubtful.
RCW 13.34.435 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 435
RCW 13.34.435: Washington state center for court research—Attorney-client privilege.
Status: in_force

(1) The Washington state center for court research of the administrative office of the courts shall convene stakeholders, including youth and young adults, to identify the relevant outcome measures and data collection methods that appropriately protect attorney-client privilege to effectively assess: (a) The number of youth for whom attorneys are appointed pursuant to RCW 13.34.212 (3); and (b) The short and longitudinal impact of standards-based legal representation on case outcomes including family reunification, number of placement changes, and placement with kin of appointment of standards-based representation disaggregated by race, ethnicity, age, disability status, sexual and gender identity, and geography. (2) By November 30, 2022, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 , the Washington state center for court research of the administrative office of the courts shall submit an annual report to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the governor outlining the outcome measures identified under this section.
RCW 13.40.210 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 210
RCW 13.40.210: Setting of release date—Administrative release authorized, when—Parole program, revocation or modification of, scope—Intensive supervision program—Parole officer's right of arrest.
Status: in_force

(1) The secretary shall set a release date for each juvenile committed to its custody. The release date shall be within the prescribed range to which a juvenile has been committed under RCW 13.40.0357 or 13.40.030 except as provided in RCW 13.40.320 concerning offenders the department determines are eligible for the juvenile offender basic training camp program. Such dates shall be determined prior to the expiration of sixty percent of a juvenile's minimum term of confinement included within the prescribed range to which the juvenile has been committed. The secretary shall release any juvenile committed to the custody of the department within four calendar days prior to the juvenile's release date or on the release date set under this chapter. Days spent in the custody of the department shall be tolled by any period of time during which a juvenile has absented himself or herself from the department's supervision without the prior approval of the secretary or the secretary's designee. (2) The secretary shall monitor the average daily population of the state's juvenile residential facilities. When the secretary concludes that in-residence population of residential facilities exceeds one hundred five percent of the rated bed capacity specified in statute, or in absence of such specification, as specified by the department in rule, the secretary may recommend reductions to the governor. On certification by the governor that the recommended reductions are necessary, the secretary has authority to administratively release a sufficient number of offenders to reduce in-residence population to one hundred percent of rated bed capacity. The secretary shall release those offenders who have served the greatest proportion of their sentence. However, the secretary may deny release in a particular case at the request of an offender, or if the secretary finds that there is no responsible custodian, as determined by the department, to whom to release the offender, or if the release of the offender would pose a clear danger to society. The department shall notify the committing court of the release at the time of release if any such early releases have occurred as a result of excessive in-residence population. In no event shall an offender adjudicated of a violent offense be granted release under the provisions of this subsection. (3)(a) Following the release of any juvenile under subsection (1) of this section, the secretary may require the juvenile to comply with a program of parole to be administered by the department in his or her community which shall last no longer than eighteen months, except that in the case of a juvenile sentenced for a sex offense as defined under RCW 9.94A.030 the period of parole shall be twenty-four months and, in the discretion of the secretary, may be up to thirty-six months when the secretary finds that an additional period of parole is necessary and appropriate in the interests of public safety or to meet the ongoing needs of the juvenile. A parole program is mandatory for offenders released under subsection (2) of this section and for offenders who receive a juvenile residential commitment sentence for theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, or taking a motor vehicle without permission 1. A juvenile adjudicated for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, theft of a firearm, or drive-by shooting may participate in aggression replacement training, functional family therapy, or functional family parole aftercare if the juvenile meets eligibility requirements for these services. The decision to place an offender in an evidence-based parole program shall be based on an assessment by the department of the offender's risk for reoffending upon release and an assessment of the ongoing treatment needs of the juvenile. The department shall prioritize available parole resources to provide supervision and services to offenders at moderate to high risk for reoffending. (b) The secretary shall, for the period of parole, facilitate the juvenile's reintegration into his or her community and to further this goal shall require the juvenile to refrain from possessing a firearm or using a deadly weapon, and refrain from committing new offenses or violating any orders issued by the juvenile court pursuant to chapter 7.105 RCW, and may require the juvenile to: (i) Undergo available medical, psychiatric, drug and alcohol, sex offender, mental health, and other offense-related treatment services; (ii) report as directed to a parole officer and/or designee; (iii) pursue a course of study, vocational training, or employment; (iv) notify the parole officer of the current address where he or she resides; (v) be present at a particular address during specified hours; (vi) remain within prescribed geographical boundaries; (vii) submit to electronic monitoring; (viii) refrain from using illegal drugs and alcohol, and submit to random urinalysis when requested by the assigned parole officer; (ix) refrain from contact with specific individuals or a specified class of individuals; (x) meet other conditions determined by the parole officer to further enhance the juvenile's reintegration into the community; (xi) pay any court-ordered fines or restitution; and (xii) perform community restitution. Community restitution for the purpose of this section means compulsory service, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the offender. Community restitution may be performed through public or private organizations or through work crews. (c) The secretary may further require up to twenty-five percent of the highest risk juvenile offenders who are placed on parole to participate in an intensive supervision program. Offenders participating in an intensive supervision program shall be required to comply with all terms and conditions listed in (b) of this subsection and shall also be required to comply with the following additional terms and conditions: (i) Obey all laws and refrain from any conduct that threatens public safety; (ii) report at least once a week to an assigned community case manager; and (iii) meet all other requirements imposed by the community case manager related to participating in the intensive supervision program. As a part of the intensive supervision program, the secretary may require day reporting. (d) After termination of the parole period, the juvenile shall be discharged from the department's supervision. (4)(a) The department may also modify parole for violation thereof. If, after affording a juvenile all of the due process rights to which he or she would be entitled if the juvenile were an adult, the secretary finds that a juvenile has violated a condition of his or her parole, the secretary shall order one of the following which is reasonably likely to effectuate the purpose of the parole and to protect the public: (i) Continued supervision under the same conditions previously imposed; (ii) intensified supervision with increased reporting requirements; (iii) additional conditions of supervision authorized by this chapter; (iv) except as provided in (a)(v) and (vi) of this subsection, imposition of a period of confinement not to exceed thirty days in a facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with the state of Washington or any city or county for a portion of each day or for a certain number of days each week with the balance of the days or weeks spent under supervision; (v) the secretary may order any of the conditions or may return the offender to confinement for the remainder of the sentence range if the offense for which the offender was sentenced is rape in the first or second degree, rape of a child in the first or second degree, child molestation in the first degree, indecent liberties with forcible compulsion, or a sex offense that is also a serious violent offense as defined by RCW 9.94A.030 ; and (vi) the secretary may order any of the conditions or may return the offender to confinement for the remainder of the sentence range if the youth has completed the basic training camp program as described in RCW 13.40.320 . (b) The secretary may modify parole and order any of the conditions or may return the offender to confinement for up to twenty-four weeks if the offender was sentenced for a sex offense as defined under RCW 9A.44.128 and is known to have violated the terms of parole. Confinement beyond thirty days is intended to only be used for a small and limited number of sex offenders. It shall only be used when other graduated sanctions or interventions have not been effective or the behavior is so egregious it warrants the use of the higher level intervention and the violation: (i) Is a known pattern of behavior consistent with a previous sex offense that puts the youth at high risk for reoffending sexually; (ii) consists of sexual behavior that is determined to be predatory as defined in RCW 71.09.020 ; or (iii) requires a review under chapter 71.09 RCW, due to a recent overt act. The total number of days of confinement for violations of parole conditions during the parole period shall not exceed the number of days provided by the maximum sentence imposed by the disposition for the underlying offense pursuant to RCW 13.40.0357 . The department shall not aggregate multiple parole violations that occur prior to the parole revocation hearing and impose consecutive twenty-four week periods of confinement for each parole violation. The department is authorized to engage in rule making pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, to implement this subsection, including narrowly defining the behaviors that could lead to this higher level intervention. (c) If the department finds that any juvenile in a program of parole has possessed a firearm or used a deadly weapon during the program of parole, the department shall modify the parole under (a) of this subsection and confine the juvenile for at least thirty days. Confinement shall be in a facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with the state or any county. (5) A parole officer of the department of children, youth, and families shall have the power to arrest a juvenile under his or her supervision on the same grounds as a law enforcement officer would be authorized to arrest the person. (6) If so requested and approved under chapter 13.06 RCW, the secretary shall permit a county or group of counties to perform functions under subsections (3) through (5) of this section.
RCW 13.64.030 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 64 / Section 030
RCW 13.64.030: Service of petition—Notice—Date of hearing.
Status: in_force

The petitioner shall serve a copy of the filed petition and notice of hearing on the petitioner's parent or parents, guardian, or custodian at least fifteen days before the emancipation hearing. No summons shall be required. Service shall be waived if proof is made to the court that the address of the parent or parents, guardian, or custodian is unavailable or unascertainable. The petitioner shall also serve notice of the hearing on the department of children, youth, and families if the petitioner is subject to dependency disposition order under RCW 13.34.130 . The hearing shall be held no later than sixty days after the date on which the petition is filed.
RCW 13.22.030 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 22 / Section 030
RCW 13.22.030: Model policy.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall, by July 1, 2021, adopt a model policy prohibiting the use of solitary confinement of juveniles in detention facilities and institutions, with the goal of also limiting the use and duration of isolation and room confinement. In determining the model policy, the department must consult with appropriate stakeholders including, but not limited to, juvenile court administrators, impacted youth, and representatives of staff. At a minimum, the model policy must include: (a) Isolation. Isolation may only be used as a last resort when less restrictive methods have not been effective. Where needed, medical professionals must assess or evaluate any juvenile in isolation as soon as possible after the juvenile is placed in isolation, and qualified mental health professionals must evaluate and develop a care plan for juveniles placed in isolation to prevent self-harm as soon as possible after the juvenile is placed in isolation. The model policy must include measures to prevent the use of isolation, while protecting the safety and security of incarcerated juveniles and their peers, the staff of the detention facilities and institutions, other persons who work in the detention facilities and institutions, and visitors. (b) Room confinement. Room confinement is the preferred option for maladaptive or negative behavior. Staff will use the least amount of time to meet the purpose of the intervention. The model policy must include measures to prevent the use of room confinement, while protecting the safety and security of incarcerated juveniles and their peers, the staff of the detention facilities and institutions, other persons who work in the detention facilities and institutions, and visitors. (2) By December 1, 2021, the detention facility or institution shall review and either (a) adopt the model policy established in this section or (b) notify the department of the reasons the detention facility or institution will not adopt the model policy, including how the detention facility or institution's policies and procedures differ from the model policy.
RCW 13.40.054 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 054
RCW 13.40.054: Probation bond or collateral—Modification or revocation of probation bond.
Status: in_force

(1) As provided in this chapter, the court may order a juvenile to post a probation bond as defined in RCW 13.40.020 or to deposit cash or post other collateral in lieu of a probation bond, to enhance public safety, increase the likelihood that a respondent will appear as required to respond to charges, and increase compliance with community supervision imposed under various alternative disposition options. The parents or guardians of the juvenile may sign for a probation bond on behalf of the juvenile or deposit cash or other collateral in lieu of a bond if approved by the court. (2) A parent or guardian who has signed for a probation bond, deposited cash, or posted other collateral on behalf of a juvenile has the right to notify the court if the juvenile violates any of the terms and conditions of the bond. The parent or guardian who signed for a probation bond may move the court to modify the terms of the bond or revoke the bond without penalty to the surety or parent. The court shall notify the surety if a parent or guardian notifies the court that the juvenile has violated conditions of the probation bond and has requested modification or revocation of the bond. At a hearing on the motion, the court may consider the nature and seriousness of the violation or violations and may either keep the bond in effect, modify the terms of the bond with the consent of the parent or guardian and surety, or revoke the bond. If the court revokes the bond the court may require full payment of the face amount of the bond. In the alternative, the court may revoke the bond and impose a partial payment for less than the full amount of the bond or may revoke the bond without imposing any penalty. In reaching its decision, the court may consider the timeliness of the parent's or guardian's notification to the court and the efforts of the parent and surety to monitor the offender's compliance with conditions of the bond and release. A surety shall have the same obligations and rights as provided sureties in adult criminal cases. Rules of forfeiture and revocation of bonds issued in adult criminal cases shall apply to forfeiture and revocation of probation bonds issued under this chapter except as specifically provided in this subsection.
RCW 13.40.042 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 40 / Section 042
RCW 13.40.042: Detention of juvenile suffering from mental disorder or substance use disorder.
Status: in_force

(1) When a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that a juvenile has committed acts constituting a nonfelony crime that is not a serious offense as identified in *RCW 10.77.665 , and the officer believes that the juvenile suffers from a mental disorder, and the local prosecutor has entered into an agreement with law enforcement regarding the detention of juveniles who may have a mental disorder or may be suffering from chemical dependency, the arresting officer, instead of taking the juvenile to the local juvenile detention facility, may take the juvenile to: (a) An evaluation and treatment facility as defined in RCW 71.34.020 if the juvenile suffers from a mental disorder and the facility has been identified as an alternative location by agreement of the prosecutor, law enforcement, and the mental health provider; (b) A facility or program identified by agreement of the prosecutor and law enforcement; or (c) A location already identified and in use by law enforcement for the purpose of a behavioral health diversion. (2) For the purposes of this section, an "alternative location" means a facility or program that has the capacity to evaluate a youth and, if determined to be appropriate, develop a behavioral health intervention plan and initiate treatment. (3) If a juvenile is taken to any location described in subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section, the juvenile may be held for up to twelve hours and must be examined by a mental health or substance use disorder professional within three hours of arrival. (4) The authority provided pursuant to this section is in addition to existing authority under RCW 10.31.110 and ** 10.31.120 .
RCW 13.34.234 — Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 234
RCW 13.34.234: Guardianship for dependent child—Dependency guardianship subsidies.
Status: in_force

A dependency guardian who is a licensed foster parent at the time the guardianship is established under this chapter and who has been the child's foster parent for a minimum of six consecutive months preceding entry of the guardianship order may be eligible for a guardianship subsidy on behalf of the child.