The co-occurrence of domestic violence and family involvement in the child dependency system can take many different forms. This infographic contains information on how dependency courts can effectively address domestic violence within child dependency cases.
Guardianship Infographic
The eligibility standards, procedures, and available support for the child and family differ between types of minor guardianship (Title 11 vs. Title 13). Understanding these intricacies helps courts more effectively and efficiently engage families in the guardianship process. Check out this infographic on the basics of minor guardianship in WA and the importance of kinship connection.
Termination Settlement Conferences Dependency Practice Tip
One of the most underutilized, and undervalued, tools to address these backlogs is the use of settlement conferences to resolve termination cases without the need for trial. Not only does this tactic help decrease case backlogs – it often results in less trauma to the family and decreases time to permanency for children.
ICWA Dependency Practice Tip
ICWA is vitally important to Native
children and families. When ICWA is applied properly it helps lead to better outcomes. ICW Courts are dedicated dockets of child welfare hearings involving Native children.
Docket Management Practice Tip
For many judicial officers, large workloads and complex cases can make giving each family enough time and attention feel impossible. Effective docket management can make a real difference in the ability to engage families and children, make informed decisions, and strengthen dependency systems.
Judicial Leadership Dependency Practice Tip
The role of the dependency court judge involves leadership responsibilities including on-the-bench judicial leadership via strong judicial oversight of cases and off-the-bench leadership which involves working with court, system, and community stakeholders to address the needs of the children and families who appear before the court.
Dependency Practice Tip: Strengthening Parent-Child Visitation During Child Welfare Proceedings – HB 1194 Changes to Law and Practice
HB 1194 makes significant changes to the court’s role in ordering visitation with the goal of providing the maximum parent, child, and sibling contact possible, while keeping the child safe. A statute-by-statute overview of these changes is provided, along with resources and implementation information.
Dependency Practice Tip: Helping Foster Children Succeed in School–COVID Edition – August 2020
Over 5,700 Washington State children and youth in out-of-home care will be starting school soon – in person, online, or with a combination of both. For all students and families, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the stability and routine that school provides, along with important social connections to friends and teachers. For children and youth in foster care, this loss of predictability, connection, and educational support is especially devastating. Prior to COVID-19, youth in care already faced academic challenges due
Dependency Practice Tip: In-Person Family Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic – August 2020
In-Person Family Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic Family Time and Washington’s Pandemic Response to Date In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 20-33 on March 26, 2020, waiving RCW 13.34.136 family time visit requirements that DCYF provide the “maximum” contact “possible” and permitting the Department to limit, but not entirely suspend, visits without court approval. The original proclamation cited concerns that the foster care system could be destabilized if caregivers and group home providers refused placement
Dependency Practice Tip: Family Reunification – June 2020
June is National Reunification Month. Last year eighteen counties held Family Reunification Celebrations. This year we face many difficult realities. Although they may look different this year, a county’s reunification day can serve as an opportunity to instill hope and remind us all why we do this work. Please consider organizing a Family Reunification Celebration in your county. Family Reunification Day Events celebrate the important accomplishments of parents and the many professionals that support them in getting their children home