2013 Revised Code of Washington
Title 13 - JUVENILE COURTS AND JUVENILE OFFENDERS
13.32A Family reconciliation act.
13.32A.150 Out-of-home placement -- Child in need of services petition by child or parent.

RCW 13.32A.150 Out-of-home placement — Child in need of services petition by child or parent.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the juvenile court shall not accept the filing of a child in need of services petition by the child or the parents or the filing of an at-risk youth petition by the parent, unless verification is provided that the department has completed a family assessment. The family assessment shall involve the multidisciplinary team if one exists. The family assessment or plan of services developed by the multidisciplinary team shall be aimed at family reconciliation, reunification, and avoidance of the out-of-home placement of the child. If the department is unable to complete an assessment within two working days following a request for assessment the child or the parents may proceed under subsection (2) of this section or the parent may proceed under RCW 13.32A.191.

     (2) A child or a child's parent may file with the juvenile court a child in need of services petition to approve an out-of-home placement for the child. The department shall, when requested, assist either a parent or child in the filing of the petition. The petition must be filed in the county where the parent resides. The petition shall allege that the child is a child in need of services and shall ask only that the placement of a child outside the home of his or her parent be approved. The filing of a petition to approve the placement is not dependent upon the court's having obtained any prior jurisdiction over the child or his or her parent, and confers upon the court a special jurisdiction to approve or disapprove an out-of-home placement under this chapter.

     (3) A petition may not be filed if the child is the subject of a proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW.

[2000 c 123 § 17; 1996 c 133 § 20; 1995 c 312 § 16; 1992 c 205 § 208; 1990 c 276 § 10; 1989 c 269 § 1; 1981 c 298 § 11; 1979 c 155 § 29.]

Notes:

Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- Construction -- 1996 c 133: See notes following RCW 13.32A.197.      Short title -- 1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.      Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1992 c 205: See notes following RCW 13.40.010.      Intent -- 1990 c 276: See RCW 13.32A.015.      Conflict with federal requirements -- Severability -- 1990 c 276: See notes following RCW 13.32A.020.      Severability -- 1981 c 298: See note following RCW 13.32A.040.      Effective date -- Severability -- 1979 c 155: See notes following RCW 13.04.011.