WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

13.34.050 - Court order to take child into custody, when -- Hearing.

Court order to take child into custody, when — Hearing.

(1) The court may enter an order directing a law enforcement officer, probation counselor, or child protective services official to take a child into custody if: (a) A petition is filed with the juvenile court alleging that the child is dependent and that the child's health, safety, and welfare will be seriously endangered if not taken into custody; (b) an affidavit or declaration is filed by the department in support of the petition setting forth specific factual information evidencing reasonable grounds that the child's health, safety, and welfare will be seriously endangered if not taken into custody and at least one of the grounds set forth demonstrates a risk of imminent harm to the child. "Imminent harm" for purposes of this section shall include, but not be limited to, circumstances of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation as defined in RCW 26.44.020, and a parent's failure to perform basic parental functions, obligations, and duties as the result of substance abuse; and (c) the court finds reasonable grounds to believe the child is dependent and that the child's health, safety, and welfare will be seriously endangered if not taken into custody.

(2) Any petition that does not have the necessary affidavit or declaration demonstrating a risk of imminent harm requires that the parents are provided notice and an opportunity to be heard before the order may be entered.

(3) The petition and supporting documentation must be served on the parent, and if the child is in custody at the time the child is removed, on the entity with custody other than the parent. Failure to effect service does not invalidate the petition if service was attempted and the parent could not be found.

[2005 c 512 § 9; 2000 c 122 § 3; 1998 c 328 § 1; 1979 c 155 § 38; 1977 ex.s. c 291 § 33.]

Notes: Finding -- Intent -- Effective date -- Short title -- 2005 c 512: See notes following RCW 26.44.100.

Effective date -- Severability -- 1979 c 155: See notes following RCW 13.04.011.

Effective dates -- Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 13.04.005.