Dependency

Dependency & Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship


View the full text of Law RCW 13.34.

The Dependency proceedings include coordination and overseeing the legal and social processing of abused, neglected and/or dependent children as mandated by state and federal laws.

The Dependency process aids abused and neglected children to either be reunited with their families or find an alternative safe, permanent home. Juvenile Court typically holds a myriad of hearings for over 1,000 dependent children per year in Spokane County.
 
  

Court Appointed Special Advocates & Guardian Ad Litem


Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected and report to the court as to the best interest of the child.

Guardian Ad Litems


Guardian Ad Litems (GAL) are paid staff who perform the same role as CASA volunteers. 

Volunteers


 CASA Volunteers (PDF) make recommendations, provide testimony, and speak for the best interest of abused and neglected children both in judicial and non-judicial Dependency forums. Spokane County maintains approximately 200 CASA Volunteers.
  

Resources


For more information, view the following resources: