FAQs • San Juan County, WA • CivicEngage

Am I entitled to an attorney?: The parent, even if indigent, is not entitled to a public defender. The parent can always hire an attorney. Parents can and have brought these petitions before the court without legal representation. The juvenile will be provided an attorney at no cost to the juvenile or the family.

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Superior Court Services - At Risk Youth

1. What is it?: These are petitions parents file asking the Court to require their child to reside at home and/or to attend needed treatment.

2. Who is an at-risk youth?: An At-Risk Youth is someone under 18 who:
- Has a substance abuse problem and there are no pending criminal charges related to the substance abuse
- Has run away from home for at least seventy-two consecutive hours
- Is beyond the control of the parents such that the child's behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person

3. How does the process work?: You need to determine that your child is an At-Risk Youth. You need to obtain a family assessment from DCFS. Call DSHS at 800-228-3501. Obtain and complete the petition. These petitions can be obtained from DCFS, Juvenile Court Services, or the Superior Court Clerk. Bring the family assessment and petition to Juvenile Court Services for filing. A date and time will be set for the Court to hear your case. There are three steps in the court process:
- If your child is an at-risk youth, then what services should the Court require of the youth and parent to improve or correct the problem. In this process, the Court will not have the power to order your child into involuntary commitment for substance abuse or mental health treatment. Those types of involuntary treatment petitions require another process.
- The Court needs to determine if your child is an at-risk youth.
- The service plan is periodically reviewed by the court to determine compliance and assess progress with the plan. Failure to comply with the court's order could result in a finding of contempt and jail days.

4. Who pays for treatment?: The parent is responsible for costs associated with treatment services and programs. The parent can use insurance or state benefits available to them for the costs of services ordered. The Court can not make DSHS pay for treatment, nor will Juvenile Court Services pay for treatment.

5. Am I entitled to an attorney?: The parent, even if indigent, is not entitled to a public defender. The parent can always hire an attorney. Parents can and have brought these petitions before the court without legal representation. The juvenile will be provided an attorney at no cost to the juvenile or the family.

6. I need more information?: Please contact Linnea Anderson at 360-378-4620 for more information about At-Risk Youth Petitions.