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Washington Supreme Court weighs whether shelter-care orders require 30‑day court review

Supreme Court of the State of Washington · May 23, 2024
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Summary

At oral argument May 23, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court considered whether the shelter-care statute requires juvenile courts to hold a judicial review and enter a new order at least every 30 days while a child remains removed from home; petitioner urged recurring review to protect family reunification, while the state agency said the statute does not mandate hearings absent contested issues or amendments.

The Washington Supreme Court on May 23 heard arguments over whether the shelter‑care provisions of the juvenile code require a judicial review — and a new order — at least every 30 days when a child remains out of the home.

Beverly Tsai, attorney for the petitioner mother and counsel with the Washington Appellate Project, told the court that the juvenile statute "requires consistent court oversight throughout judicial proceedings to pursue reunification and to justify state intrusion." Tsai said removal during shelter care rests on a lower standard and that "every minute, hour, and day that a child is removed from their family causes long term harm." She urged the court to interpret the statute to require review at least every 30 days.

Tsai outlined the…

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