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1. Who files the At-Risk-Youth (ARY) petition?

Only the parent of the child may file the ARY petition. "Parent" is defined as the person(s) having legal right to custody of the child and includes custodian or guardian. The ARY proceeding is a voluntary process and a parent may request a dismissal at any time.

2. How do I file an At-Risk Youth (ARY) petition?

Contact Family Reconciliation Services at 253-983-6100 to request a family assessment and then bring that assessment with you when you come to file your petition. See File At-Risk Youth Petition

3. How do I file a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petition?

See File Child in Need of Services Petition

4. What should I do if the court order is violated?

Failure by any party to comply with a court order is contempt of court. Violations of the court order should be reported to the court through the filing of a contempt motion. A contempt motion may be filed by a parent, a child or a person/agency having custody of the child. You do not need to wait for a scheduled review hearing to report violations of the court's orders.

If the court makes a finding of contempt at a contempt hearing, the court may impose coercive sanctions, such as research papers or community service hours, alternatives to secure detention such as work crew or electronic home monitoring, confinement for up to seven days in juvenile detention or a fine, or any combination of these sanctions.

5. Who is Family Reconciliation Services?

Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program, offered through the Department of Youth and Family Services (DCYF).  FRS serves youth and families who are in conflict and youth who are engaging in at risk behaviors.  

6. What does Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) do and are they a part of Child Protective Services (CPS)?

Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) provides support to families and adolescents, between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out of home placement. They are not designed to be long-term services. The services offered by FRS are designed to assess and stabilize the family's situation.  

7. What is the goal of Family Reconciliation Services (FRS)?

The shared goal of FRS and the Pierce County Juvenile Court is to return the family to a pre-crisis state and to work with the family to identify alternative methods of handling similar conflicts. If longer-term service needs are identified, FRS will help facilitate getting the youth and his/her family into on-going services within the community.

What services are offered through FRS?

FRS services may include, but are not limited to:

• Short-term family counseling
• Crisis Residential Center (CRC) services
• Referrals for substance abuse treatment and/or counseling
• Referrals for mental health services
• Short-term placement
• Family Assessments in conjunction with juvenile court services

8. How do I contact Family Reconciliation Services to request a Family Assessment?

FRS can be reached directly by calling (888) 713-6115.

9. Can Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) work with my family without an At-Risk Youth Petition being filed in court?

Yes.  The goal of FRS and the Juvenile Court is to offer families crisis stabilization services that prevent the need for At Risk Youth petitions being filed.

10. Once the Family Assessment has been completed? What do I do?

Family Reconciliation Services will complete a Family Assessment and offer support services to the family.  Once the Verification of Family Assessment is completed, the parent or legal guardian has two choices:

• Engage in recommended services without proceeding on to schedule a hearing with the Juvenile Court.
• File the Family Assessment with the Pierce County Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office and request to complete an ARY petition.  A court hearing will be scheduled, and paperwork provided to the parent or legal guardian to provide the required legal service to the youth. 
• Please keep in mind: Families who file ARY petitions and appear in court without participating in the services offered by FRS will be re-directed to do so prior to the case proceeding further. 

11. What can I expect at the first court date, called the Fact-Finding Hearing?

• The youth who is the subject of the ARY petition will be represented by an attorney, which is automatically appointed to them.  This attorney will check in with them prior to entering the courtroom and gather facts to prepare them for the scheduled hearing.
• Parents and/or legal guardians are not provided an attorney to represent them in ARY court.  However, parents and/or legal guardians are always welcome to retain and bring an attorney to court with them. 
• A Probation Officer will be assigned to monitor the case and they check in with the youth and parent prior to entering the courtroom.
• The court will verify that the youth was personally served with the ARY petition and Notice of Hearing. If not, the hearing will require a continuance.
• The court will inquire as to what services were offered and/or recommended to the youth and family by FRS.  If services were not completed or attempted, the youth and family will likely face a set over of the court hearing until such time that services are attempted and/or completed. 
• Please note the time of your hearing, which is included on any Notice of Hearing you obtain or receive.
• We appreciate your patience and understanding when you are required to wait longer than anticipated for your specific case to be called on at court.  This is in part due to the volume of cases that may be scheduled and wanting to be every family receives the time and attention necessary to be heard and supported.  Court calendars fluctuate depending upon the number of cases scheduled and the needs that arise.