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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
Duties of the CASA/GAL are defined by RCW 13.34.105.
CASA/GALs are appointed by judges to represent the best interest of children involved in the dependency court system. The CASA/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 CASA/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 CASA/GAL believes is in the child’s best interest.
See RCW 13.34.105
Staff advocates are called GALs (Guardians ad litem). Duties of the CASA and GAL are the same and are defined by RCW 13.34.105.
The priority is to assign children a CASA if one is available. Approximately half of the children in dependency court have a CASA, and the other half have a staff GAL.
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.
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