New Webpage on High-Potency Synthetic Opioids
High-potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have become an increasing concern in families involved with child welfare. Click the picture on the left to learn more about high-potency synthetic opioids, their impacts on children and families, and ways court systems can help keep children safe while supporting families impacted by opioid misuse.
Family Reunification Month Interview with Tonia McClanahan
In the July episode of the Washington Courts Report Podcast, Tonia McClanahan talks about the parental experience within the dependency process, the importance of reunification, events being held this summer celebrating family reunification, and what makes them successful.
NEW Fact-Finding Hearing Module
Part of Dependency 101 for Judicial Officers, this new self-paced module provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and conducting dependency fact-finding hearings in Washington State. Click to learn more and view this module.
Module 4: Fact-Finding
Fact-finding hearings are a crucial component of administrative and judicial processes, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate and verified information. This module provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and conducting fact-finding hearings in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the fact-finding hearing process in Washington State and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound hearings. Estimated Length: 60 minutes.
In the Matter of the Parental Rights of A.R.
Filed July 29, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Address issues of notice by publication for termination proceedings.
In the Matter of the Parental Rights to A.R.L.
Filed July 15, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Regarding the statutory burden and right to adequate notice in termination trials
In the Matter of the Dependency of N.M.L.H. and M.I.S.
Filed June 24, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Addresses the right to procedural due process on a motion for continuance of a termination trial.
In the Matter of the Dependency of K.V.M
Filed June 10, 2024 Court of Appeals, Div I: Regarding the legal standard for the trial court entering a disposition on an order of dependency.
NEW Guidance on Harms of Removal to Toddlers (1-2 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 young toddlers (1-2 years old) are likely to experience when forcibly removed from their home by child welfare.