This proceeding is for parents to obtain the assistance and support of the Juvenile Court in maintaining parental authority and responsibility for their child. An at-risk youth is defined as a child under age 18 who:
- Is absent from home at least 72 consecutive hours without parents consent, or
- Is beyond parental control such that the child's behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or
- Has a substance abuse problem for which there are no pending criminal charges.
A family assessment from the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is necessary to file a petition for At-Risk Youth. Their contact number is (360) 432-2065.
If you have questions about your case, you should direct your questions to private counsel. The Court nor Probation may give you legal advice |
This proceeding is for a child under age 18 who has been assessed as follows:
- The child is beyond the control of his/her parent(s) such that the child’s behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or other person;
- The child has been reported as absent without consent for at least 24 consecutive hours on two or more separate occasions from the parent’s home, a crisis residential center, an out-of-home placement, or a court-ordered placement; and has exhibited a serious substance abuse problem; or has exhibited behaviors that create a risk of serious harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or
- The child is in need of necessary services (including food, shelter, health care, clothing, education, or services designed to maintain or reunite the family); and the child lacks access to, or has declined to utilize these services; and the child’s parents have evidenced continuing but unsuccessful efforts to maintain the family structure or are unable or willing to continue efforts to maintain the family structure.
For general information regarding At-Risk Youth/CHINS, contact Juvenile Probation at
(360) 427-9670 ext. 237
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