This cross-system webinar introduced participants to the many harms that children experience as a result of removal by child welfare and how court systems can help reduce the impacts of the trauma associated with forced family separation. Presented November 8, 2024. 90 minutes.
Recorded Webinar: Understanding State Public Health Guidance on High-Potency Synthetic Opioids in Child Dependency Cases
This cross-system webinar presented by experts from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) introduced participants to the newly released public health guidance on high-potency synthetic opioids and its application in child dependency cases. Held September 13, 2024. 60 minutes
High-Potency Synthetic Opioids Practice Tip
High-potency synthetic opioids (HPSO), like fentanyl, pose serious risks in child welfare involved families. In 2024, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released Public Health Guidance on High Potency Synthetic Opioids in response to the legislative mandate passed in SB 6109. Check out this Dependency Practice Tip infographic to learn more about HPSOs and the DOH public health guidance.
New Guidance on Harms of Removal to Toddlers (2-3 years old)
Over the past year, the Harm of Removal Workgroup has been working to create guidance for courts on the likely harms of removal that children experience across the different stages of child development. This document takes an in-depth look at the specific harms that older toddlers (2-3 years old) are likely to experience when removed from their home by child welfare
In re the Dependency of E.M., J.M., and I.M
Filed October 17, 2024 Supreme Court: Clarifies that dependency fact-finding hearings and disposition hearings are separate proceedings that serve different purposes and are subject to different rules.
In the Parental Rights to A.G.L., A.S.L., and L.E.L.
Filed October 14, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Concerning the entrance of a default order terminating parental rights.
Barriers to Permanency Practice Tip
Several barriers to permanency exist that can delay the dependency process and leave children in temporary foster care for extended periods. Check out this Dependency Practice Tip infographic to learn more about the common barriers to achieving permanency.
2025 Judicial Community of Practice Series
Registration for the 2025 Judicial Community of Practice (JCoP) Series is now open. JCoP is a monthly, virtual peer-learning opportunity for judicial officers who hear child dependency cases and related family law matters. Registration is limited to Superior Court and Tribal Court judicial officers (i.e., Judges and Court Commissioners). Click the image on the left to register.
Fact-Finding Dependency Practice Tip
The purpose of the fact-finding timeline is to help ensure timely resolution of cases. Check out this Dependency Practice Tip infographic to learn about the importance of timely fact-finding hearings and newly created court codes for tracking exceptional circumstance findings.
In re Dependency of Baby Boy B.
Filed August 29, 2024 Supreme Court: Requires superior courts to hold review hearings every 30 days as long as a child is in shelter care.