Being a dependency court judicial officer places you at the heart of some of the most challenging and impactful decisions within the judiciary—those affecting the lives and futures of vulnerable children and families. This infographic provides an overview of what it means to be on a dependency rotation and the tools, trainings, and resources available to support dependency court judicial officers in WA.
Adoption Support Chapter
The Adoption Support Chapter of the Juvenile Non-Offender Benchbook has been updated. A big thank you to Lindsay Rajic from DCYF and Kathryn Mullen from the Attorney General’s Office for authoring these revisions.
Dependency Rotation Judicial Support Guide
We are excited to announce the release of a comprehensive new guide designed to support judicial officers rotating onto the dependency bench. This resource provides essential tools, resources, and training to help judicial officers navigate this critical area of the law. Click to view.
In The Matter Of The Parental Rights To P.L.C.S.
Filed December 23, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Regarding legal basis for termination of his parental rights.
In The Matter Of The Parental Rights To H.S.W.
Filed December 23, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Regarding legal basis for termination of his parental rights.
2025 Dependency Judicial Training Academy
The 2025 Dependency Judicial Training Academy is scheduled for May 19th – 21st. This multi-day, virtual training is open to Superior Court and Tribal Court judicial officers, court administrators, and FJCIP Coordinators. Judicial officers and staff from the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are also welcome to attend. Click to register.
Representation for Children & Youth Benchbook Chapter
The Representation for Children & Youth Chapter of the Juvenile Non-Offender Benchbook has been updated. A big thank you to Bailey Zydek and Jeff Adams from the Office of Civil Legal aid for authoring these revisions.
Child in Need of Services (CHINS) Benchbook Chapter
The Child in Need of Services (CHINS) Chapter of the Juvenile Non-Offender Benchbook has been updated. A big thank you to James Richardson from the Attorney General’s Office for authoring these revisions.
In the Matter of the Dependency of D.J.A., B.L.A., and N.N.A.
Filed December 3, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Basis for disposition order requiring supervised visitation and party discretion to decide visitation locations.
In Re The Dependency of K.V.
Filed December 2, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Regarding standard for dependency and removal at disposition.