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1. What does “Dependency” mean?

Dependency refers to the legal status of the child. Most children are dependents of their parents. Through the Fact-Finding process, a child may temporarily become a dependent of the state.

2. When can I see my child(ren)?

Arrangements for visits will be discussed at the Shelter Care hearing. If the Shelter Care hearing has already occurred, contact the social worker. See Shelter Care Hearing

3. How do I get an attorney?

A courtesy attorney will be available for you at the initial Shelter Care hearing. You have the right to have an attorney present at future hearings. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for an attorney at public expense. You will be given paperwork to fill out, and the judge or commissioner will determine whether you qualify.

If you missed the Shelter Care Hearing, fill out the paperwork to request an attorney and bring it to the Juvenile Court Clerk’s office as soon as possible. See Request An Attorney

4. What if I missed the Shelter Care Hearing?

Apply for an attorney, attend Dependency 101 and contact the social worker assigned to your case to schedule visits and find out more information. If you do not know who your social worker is, call 253-983-6200. See Dependency 101 FAQ below.

5. What is an Advocate/GAL?

 GAL stands for Guardian ad litem. Duties of the Volunteer Child Advocate/GAL are defined by RCW 13.34.105.

Child Advocates/GALs are appointed by judges to represent the best interest of children involved in the dependency court system. The Advocate/GAL researches the child's situation by talking with the child as well as others who play a significant role in the child's life. The Advocate/GAL writes a report to the court for review hearings with information about the parents’ progress in services and an update about the child, the child’s expressed wishes, as well as what the Advocate/GAL believes is in the child’s best interest. See

RCW 13.34.105

6. What is the difference between a Child Advocate and a GAL, and what determines which my child will get?

Cour appointed Child Advocates are volunteers with a minimum of 30 hours training and supervised by Juvenile Court staff.

Staff advocates are called GALs (Guardians ad litem). Duties of the Child Advocate and GAL are the same and are defined by RCW 13.34.105.

The priority is to assign children a Child Advocate if one is available. Approximately half of the children in dependency court have an Advocate, and the other half have a staff GAL.

7. What does a Child Advocate do?

Child Advocates are appointed by judges to represent the best interest of children involved in the dependency court system. The Advocate researches the child's situation by talking with the child as well as others who play a significant role in the child's life. The Advocate writes a report to the court for review hearings with information about the parents’ progress in services and an update about the child, the child’s expressed wishes, as well as what the Advocate believes is in the child’s best interest. 

What a CASA does

8. Is there anyone I can talk with who has been through this?

Yes! Juvenile Court has a program called “Parent for Parent,” which is run by people like you who have had their children removed from their homes, and were successful in getting them back. There will be someone from Parent for Parent available to meet with you at the Shelter Care Hearing. If you missed the Shelter Care Hearing, contact Parent for Parent through Pauline Ross at 253-722-4789 or [email protected] for more information.

9. What is Dependency 101?

Dependency 101 is a class for you and other parents involved in Dependency Court. It is run by “Veteran Parents” (parents who successfully reunited with their children). These parents will help you understand the process, introduce the role of the various professionals in the system, and give you information on what was helpful for them.

Dependency 101 is offered twice per month. On the second Thursday of each month, the class is 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. On the fourth Thursday, the class is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You may attend the same class as the other parent of your child as long as there is no restraining order in effect.