§59.03 Reasonable Efforts (RCW 13.34.020)

• Jurisdiction: Washington

§ 59.03 REASONABLE EFFORTS (RCW 13.34.020)

The dependency statutory scheme requires that the intervening agency make reasonable efforts to offer or provide services that will correct parental deficiencies so that children may be returned to their parents. RCW 13.34.130, .136, .138, .141, .145. The child's health and safety, however, are of paramount concern when making those reasonable efforts. RCW 13.34.020.

An exception to this scheme arises if the court finds aggravating circumstances. If this occurs, the court may decline to order reasonable efforts designed to reunite the parent and child. In these circumstances, the court will set a...