2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 13.16.085: Financial responsibility for cost of detention.

In any case in which a child under eighteen years of age has been placed in any detention facility under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, the court may inquire into the facts concerning the necessity or propriety of such child's detention notwithstanding the fact that such child may not have been found to be either a dependent or a delinquent child.

     The court may, either in the proceedings involving the question of dependency or delinquency of such child or in a separate proceeding, upon the parent or parents, guardian, or other person having custody of said child being duly summoned or voluntarily appearing, proceed to inquire into the necessity or propriety of such detention and into the ability of such person or persons to pay the cost of such detention.

     If the court finds that such detention was necessary or proper for the welfare of the child or for the protection of the community, and if the court also finds the parent or parents, guardian, or other person having the custody of such child able to pay or contribute to the payment of the cost of such detention, the court may enter such order or decree as shall be equitable in the premises, and may enforce the same by execution or in any way a court of equity may enforce its decrees.

[1955 c 369 § 1.]

Basic juvenile court act: Chapter 13.04 RCW.