Two bills passed by the Washington State Legislature in the 2024 Session impacting dependency law go into effect on June 6th. This includes courts now being required to give great weight the presence of high potency synthetic opioids and public health guidance on high potency synthetic opioids (now available) at different points in a case. Click to learn more.
Hope Week 2024
During the week of June 24th-28th Hope Rising Washington is planning a series of events to support a Hope Centered Washington. The purpose of these events is to bring awareness to the power of hope. Community organizations, leaders, and champions for youth are encouraged to attend. Click to learn more.
2024 Dependency Judicial Training Academy
FYJP hosted the 2024 Dependency Judicial Training Academy on May 13th, 14th & 15th. This judicial training focused on building the capacity of courts to make safety decisions that balance the protection of a child with the preference for family preservation. Highlights of the academy include assessing safety in cases involving fentanyl and ways that judicial officers can provide leadership when tragedies occur in their court communities.
SIJS Infographic
This infographic contains general information about Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in WA and was adapted from content contained within the Washington State Court Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Classification Bench Book and Resource Guided, created by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). Click to learn more.
New Shelter Care Hearing Module
This online module provides an overview of the legal procedures and requirements at Shelter Care Hearings in Washington State. Click here to learn more and view the module.
Updated Benchbook Chapter: Fact-Finding Hearing
The Dependency Fact-Finding Hearing Chapter of the Juvenile Non-Offender Benchbook has been updated. A big thank you Marci Comeau from the Office of Public Defense for authoring these revisions.
Updated Benchbook Chapter: Parent Representation
The Parent Representation in Child Welfare Proceedings Chapter of the Juvenile Non-Offender Benchbook has been updated. A big thank you to Sharea Moberly, with the Office of Public Defense Parent Representation Program, for authoring these revisions.
Snohomish County Safety Summit
Snohomish County Superior Court requests the presence of all Dependency court and system partners at the virtual Snohomish County Safety Summit, scheduled for April 19th from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Click to learn more and register.
Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) Hotline Launches
On January 1st, the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program launched the Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) Attorney Hotline! This free hotline provides parents, guardians, and legal custodians who are being offered VPAs by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families the opportunity to receive legal advice and consultation from an attorney.
Ten Recommendations for Making Findings of Fact Infographic
This infographic contains ten recommendations that judicial officers can use to help ensure adequate findings of fact in child dependency and termination cases. Full guide created by retired Judge Beth Andrus and retired Judge Helen Halpert.