BP BHEAD INT S

AN ACT Relating to juveniles; amending RCW 13.04.030, 13.40.040, 13.40.050, 13.40.130, 28A.225.020, 28A.225.030, 28A.225.150, 74.13.032, 13.32A.030, 13.32A.130, 70.96A.140, 71.34.030, 71.34.050, and 71.34.070; adding a new section to chapter 28A.225 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to establish and assure a body of law that will assist parents who struggle with runaway, truancy, and criminal conduct by their children. At the same time, parents must be held accountable to ensure that their responsibilities to their children and to society are carried out.

In order to meet those goals the legislature adopts these revisions to the 1977 juvenile justice act emphasizing juvenile and parental accountability and encouraging early and effective intervention in the lives of juveniles at risk to become runaways, truants, or criminal offenders.

Sec. 2. RCW 13.04.030 and 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 519 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the juvenile courts in the several counties of this state, shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all proceedings:

(a) Under the interstate compact on placement of children as provided in chapter 26.34 RCW;

(b) Relating to children alleged or found to be dependent as provided in chapter 26.44 RCW and in RCW 13.34.030 through 13.34.170;

(d) To approve or disapprove alternative residential placement as provided in RCW 13.32A.170;

(e) Relating to juveniles alleged or found to have committed offenses, traffic infractions, or violations as provided in RCW 13.40.020 through 13.40.230, unless:

(i) The juvenile court transfers jurisdiction of a particular juvenile to adult criminal court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110; or

(ii) The statute of limitations applicable to adult prosecution for the offense, traffic infraction, or violation has expired; or

(iii) The alleged offense or infraction is a traffic, fish, boating, or game offense or traffic infraction committed by a juvenile sixteen years of age or older and would, if committed by an adult, be tried or heard in a court of limited jurisdiction, in which instance the appropriate court of limited jurisdiction shall have jurisdiction over the alleged offense or infraction: PROVIDED, That if such an alleged offense or infraction and an alleged offense or infraction subject to juvenile court jurisdiction arise out of the same event or incident, the juvenile court may have jurisdiction of both matters: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the jurisdiction under this subsection does not constitute "transfer" or a "decline" for purposes of RCW 13.40.110(1) or (e)(i) of this subsection: PROVIDED FURTHER, That courts of limited jurisdiction which confine juveniles for an alleged offense or infraction may place juveniles in juvenile detention facilities under an agreement with the officials responsible for the administration of the juvenile detention facility in RCW 13.04.035 and 13.20.060; or

(iv) The juvenile is sixteen or seventeen years old and the alleged offense is: (A) A serious violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 committed on or after June 13, 1994; or (B) a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 committed on or after June 13, 1994, and the juvenile has a criminal history consisting of: (I) One or more prior serious violent offenses; (II) two or more prior violent offenses; or (III) three or more of any combination of the following offenses: Any class A felony, any class B felony, vehicular assault, or manslaughter in the second degree, all of which must have been committed after the juvenile's thirteenth birthday and prosecuted separately. In such a case the adult criminal court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction.

If the juvenile challenges the state's determination of the juvenile's criminal history, the state may establish the offender's criminal history by a preponderance of the evidence. If the criminal history consists of adjudications entered upon a plea of guilty, the state shall not bear a burden of establishing the knowing and voluntariness of the plea;

(f) Under the interstate compact on juveniles as provided in chapter 13.24 RCW;

(g) Relating to termination of a diversion agreement under RCW 13.40.080, including a proceeding in which the divertee has attained eighteen years of age; and

(h) Relating to court validation of a voluntary consent to foster care placement under chapter 13.34 RCW, by the parent or Indian custodian of an Indian child, except if the parent or Indian custodian and child are residents of or domiciled within the boundaries of a federally recognized Indian reservation over which the tribe exercises exclusive jurisdiction.

(2) The family court shall have concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court over all proceedings under this section if the superior court judges of a county authorize concurrent jurisdiction as provided in RCW 26.12.010.

(3) A juvenile subject to adult superior court jurisdiction under subsection (1)(e) (i) through (iv) of this section, who is detained pending trial, may be detained in a county detention facility as defined in RCW 13.40.020 pending sentencing or a dismissal.

(4) A parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of any juvenile described in this section, if such parent, guardian, or custodian was served with summons, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the court for purposes of this section.

Sec. 3. RCW 13.40.040 and 1979 c 155 s 57 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A juvenile may be taken into custody:

(a) Pursuant to a court order if a complaint is filed with the court alleging, and the court finds probable cause to believe, that the juvenile has committed an offense or has violated terms of a disposition order or release order; or

(b) Without a court order, by a law enforcement officer if grounds exist for the arrest of an adult in identical circumstances. Admission to, and continued custody in, a court detention facility shall be governed by subsection (2) of this section; or

(d) Where the secretary or the secretary's designee has suspended the parole of a juvenile offender.

(2) A juvenile may not be held in detention unless there is probable cause to believe that:

(a) The juvenile has committed an offense or has violated the terms of a disposition order; and

(i) The juvenile will likely fail to appear for further proceedings; or

(ii) Detention is required to protect the juvenile from himself or herself; or

(iii) The juvenile is a threat to community safety; or

(iv) The juvenile will intimidate witnesses or otherwise unlawfully interfere with the administration of justice; or

(v) The juvenile has committed a crime while another case was pending; or

(b) The juvenile is a fugitive from justice; or

(d) The juvenile is a material witness.

(3) Upon a finding that members of the community have threatened the health of a juvenile taken into custody, at the juvenile's request the court may order continued detention pending further order of the court.

(4) A juvenile detained under this section may be released upon posting bond set by the court. A court authorizing such a release shall issue an order containing a statement of conditions imposed upon the juvenile and shall set the date of his or her next court appearance. The court shall advise the juvenile of any conditions specified in the order and may at any time amend such an order in order to impose additional or different conditions of release upon the juvenile or to return the juvenile to custody for failing to conform to the conditions imposed. A juvenile shall not be released except to a responsible adult. Failure to appear on the date scheduled by the court pursuant to this section shall constitute the crime of bail jumping.

Sec. 4. RCW 13.40.050 and 1992 c 205 s 106 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When a juvenile taken into custody is held in detention:

(a) An information, a community supervision modification or termination of diversion petition, or a parole modification petition shall be filed within seventy-two hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded, or the juvenile shall be released; and

(b) A detention hearing, a community supervision modification or termination of diversion petition, or a parole modification petition shall be held within seventy-two hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded, from the time of filing the information or petition, to determine whether continued detention is necessary under RCW 13.40.040.

(2) Notice of the detention hearing, stating the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, ((~~and~~)) stating the right to counsel, and requiring attendance, shall be given to the parent, guardian, or custodian if such person can be found and shall also be given to the juvenile if over twelve years of age.

(3) At the commencement of the detention hearing, the court shall advise the parties of their rights under this chapter and shall appoint counsel as specified in this chapter.

(4) The court shall, based upon the allegations in the information, determine whether the case is properly before it or whether the case should be treated as a diversion case under RCW 13.40.080. If the case is not properly before the court the juvenile shall be ordered released.

(5) Notwithstanding a determination that the case is properly before the court and that probable cause exists, a juvenile shall at the detention hearing be ordered released on the juvenile's personal recognizance pending further hearing unless the court finds detention is necessary under RCW 13.40.040 ((~~as now or hereafter amended~~)).

(6) If detention is not necessary under RCW 13.40.040, ((~~as now or hereafter amended,~~)) the court shall impose the most appropriate of the following conditions or, if necessary, any combination of the following conditions:

(a) Place the juvenile in the custody of a designated person agreeing to supervise such juvenile;

(b) Place restrictions on the travel of the juvenile during the period of release;

(d) Impose any condition other than detention deemed reasonably necessary to assure appearance as required; or

(e) Require that the juvenile return to detention during specified hours.

(7) A juvenile shall not be released except to a responsible adult.

(8) If the parent, guardian, or custodian of the juvenile in detention is available, the court shall consult with them prior to a determination to further detain or release the juvenile or treat the case as a diversion case under RCW 13.40.080.

(9) If the person notified as provided in this section fails without reasonable cause to appear and abide the order of the court, the person may be proceeded against as for contempt of court.

Sec. 5. RCW 13.40.130 and 1981 c 299 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The respondent shall be advised of the allegations in the information and shall be required to plead guilty or not guilty to the allegation(s). The state or the respondent may make preliminary motions up to the time of the plea.

(2) If the respondent pleads guilty, the court may proceed with disposition or may continue the case for a dispositional hearing. If the respondent denies guilt, an adjudicatory hearing date shall be set. The court shall notify the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of any juvenile described in the charging document of the date, time, and place of the dispositional or adjudicatory hearing, and require attendance.

(3) At the adjudicatory hearing it shall be the burden of the prosecution to prove the allegations of the information beyond a reasonable doubt.

(4) The court shall record its findings of fact and shall enter its decision upon the record. Such findings shall set forth the evidence relied upon by the court in reaching its decision.

(5) If the respondent is found not guilty he or she shall be released from detention.

(6) If the respondent is found guilty the court may immediately proceed to disposition or may continue the case for a dispositional hearing. Notice of the time and place of the continued hearing may be given in open court. If notice is not given in open court to a party, the party and the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of the juvenile shall be notified by mail of the time and place of the continued hearing.

(7) The court following an adjudicatory hearing may request that a predisposition study be prepared to aid the court in its evaluation of the matters relevant to disposition of the case.

(8) The disposition hearing shall be held within fourteen days after the adjudicatory hearing or plea of guilty unless good cause is shown for further delay, or within twenty-one days if the juvenile is not held in a detention facility, unless good cause is shown for further delay.

(9) In sentencing an offender, the court shall use the disposition standards in effect on the date of the offense.

(10) If the person notified as provided in this section fails without reasonable cause to appear and abide the order of the court, the person may be proceeded against as for contempt of court.

Sec. 6. RCW 28A.225.020 and 1992 c 205 s 202 are each amended to read as follows:

If a juvenile required to attend school under the laws of the state of Washington fails to attend school without valid justification, the juvenile's school shall:

(1) Inform the juvenile's custodial parent, parents or guardian by a notice in writing or by telephone that the juvenile has failed to attend school without valid justification after one unexcused absence within any month during the current school year;

(2) Schedule a conference or conferences with the custodial parent, parents or guardian and juvenile at a time and place reasonably convenient for all persons included for the purpose of analyzing the causes of the juvenile's absences after two unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. If a regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference day is to take place within thirty days of the second unexcused absence, then the school district may schedule this conference on that day; and

(3) Take steps to eliminate or reduce the juvenile's absences. These steps shall include, where appropriate, adjusting the juvenile's school program or school or course assignment, providing more individualized or remedial instruction, preparing the juvenile for employment with specific vocational courses or work experience, or ((~~both~~)) refer the juvenile to a community truancy board, and assisting the parent or student to obtain supplementary services that might eliminate or ameliorate the cause or causes for the absence from school.

Sec. 7. RCW 28A.225.030 and 1992 c 205 s 203 are each amended to read as follows:

If action taken by a school pursuant to RCW 28A.225.020 is not successful in substantially reducing a student's absences from school, any of the following actions may be taken after five or more unexcused absences during the current school year: (1) The attendance officer of the school district or the community truancy board through its attorney may petition the ((~~juvenile~~)) court to assume jurisdiction under RCW 28A.200.010, 28A.200.020, and 28A.225.010 through 28A.225.150 for the purpose of alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent; or (2) a petition alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by a child may be filed with the ((~~juvenile~~)) court by the parent of such child or by the attendance officer of the school district or the community truancy board through its attorney at the request of the parent. If the court assumes jurisdiction in such an instance, the provisions of RCW 28A.200.010, 28A.200.020, and 28A.225.010 through 28A.225.150, except where otherwise stated, shall apply.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 28A.225 RCW to read as follows:

For purposes of this chapter, "community truancy board" means a board comprised of members of the local community in which the juvenile attends school. The local school district shall direct the formation of the board, and if possible include a variety of representatives from the community. The community truancy board shall set conditions designed to improve school attendance and monitor subsequent school attendance.

Sec. 9. RCW 28A.225.150 and 1992 c 205 s 205 are each amended to read as follows:

The school district attendance officer shall report biannually to the educational service district superintendent, in the instance of petitions filed alleging a violation by a child under RCW 28A.225.030:

(1) The number of petitions filed by a school district or by a parent;

(2) The frequency of each action taken under RCW 28A.225.020 prior to the filing of such petition;

(3) When deemed appropriate under RCW 28A.225.020, the frequency of delivery of supplemental services; and

(4) Disposition of cases filed with the ((~~juvenile~~)) court, including the frequency of contempt orders issued to enforce a court's order under RCW 28A.225.090.

The educational service district superintendent shall compile such information and report annually to the superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent of public instruction shall compile such information and report to the committees of the house of representatives and the senate by September 1 of each year.

Sec. 10. RCW 74.13.032 and 1979 c 155 s 78 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department shall establish, by contracts with private vendors, ((~~not less than eight regional~~)) crisis residential centers geographically located pursuant to a need-based formula developed by the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs having a state-wide total of at least two hundred eighty beds, which shall be structured group care facilities licensed under rules adopted by the department. Each regional center shall have an average of at least four adult staff members and in no event less than three adult staff members to every eight children. The staff shall be trained so that they may effectively counsel juveniles admitted to the centers, provide treatment, supervision, and structure to the juveniles, and carry out the responsibilities outlined in RCW 13.32A.090.

(2) The department shall, in addition to the regional facilities established under subsection (1) of this section, establish not less than thirty additional crisis residential centers pursuant to contract with licensed private group care or specialized foster home facilities. The staff at the facilities shall be trained so that they may effectively counsel juveniles admitted to the centers, provide treatment, supervision, and structure to the juveniles, and carry out the responsibilities stated in RCW 13.32A.090. The responsibilities stated in RCW 13.32A.090 may, in any of the centers, be carried out by the department.

Crisis residential ((~~facilities shall be operated as semi-secure facilities~~)) center means a facility operated in a manner to reasonably assure that juveniles placed there will not run away.

Sec. 11. RCW 13.32A.030 and 1990 c 276 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1) "Department" means the department of social and health services;

(2) "Child," "juvenile," and "youth" mean any individual who is under the chronological age of eighteen years;

(3) "Parent" means the legal custodian(s) or guardian(s) of a child;

(4) "Semi-secure facility" means any facility, including but not limited to ((~~crisis residential centers or~~)) specialized foster family homes, operated in a manner to reasonably assure that youth placed there will not run away: PROVIDED, That such facility shall not be a secure institution or facility as defined by the federal juvenile justice and delinquency prevention act of 1974 (P.L. 93-415; 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5634 et seq.) and regulations and clarifying instructions promulgated thereunder. Pursuant to rules established by the department, the facility administrator shall establish reasonable hours for residents to come and go from the facility such that no residents are free to come and go at all hours of the day and night. To prevent residents from taking unreasonable actions, the facility administrator, where appropriate, may condition a resident's leaving the facility upon the resident being accompanied by the administrator or the administrator's designee and the resident may be required to notify the administrator or the administrator's designee of any intent to leave, his or her intended destination, and the probable time of his or her return to the ((~~center~~)) facility. The facility administrator shall notify a parent and the appropriate law enforcement agency within four hours of all unauthorized leaves;

(5) "At-risk youth" means an individual under the chronological age of eighteen years who:

(a) Is absent from home for more than seventy-two consecutive hours without consent of his or her parent;

(b) Is beyond the control of his or her parent such that the child's behavior substantially endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or

(c) Has a serious substance abuse problem for which there are no pending criminal charges related to the substance abuse.

Sec. 12. RCW 13.32A.130 and 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 508 are each amended to read as follows:

A child admitted to a crisis residential center under this chapter who is not returned to the home of his or her parent or who is not placed in an alternative residential placement under an agreement between the parent and child, shall, except as provided for by RCW 13.32A.140 and 13.32A.160(2), reside in the placement under the rules established for the center for a period not to exceed ((~~five~~)) seven consecutive days from the time of intake, except as otherwise provided by this chapter. Crisis residential center staff shall make a concerted effort to achieve a reconciliation of the family. If a reconciliation and voluntary return of the child has not been achieved within forty-eight hours from the time of intake, and if the person in charge of the center does not consider it likely that reconciliation will be achieved within the ((~~five-day~~)) seven-day period, then the person in charge shall ((~~inform the parent and child of (1) the availability of counseling services; (2) the right to file a petition for an alternative residential placement, the right of a parent to~~)) file an at-risk youth petition((~~, and the right of the parent and child to obtain assistance in filing the petition; and (3) the right to request a review of any alternative residential placement~~)).

At no time shall information regarding a parent's or child's rights be withheld if requested. The department shall develop and distribute to all law enforcement agencies and to each crisis residential center administrator a written statement delineating the services and rights. Every officer taking a child into custody shall provide the child and his or her parent(s) or responsible adult with whom the child is placed with a copy of the statement. In addition, the administrator of the facility or his or her designee shall provide every resident and parent with a copy of the statement.

Sec. 13. RCW 70.96A.140 and 1993 c 362 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When a designated chemical dependency specialist receives information alleging that a person is incapacitated as a result of chemical dependency, the designated chemical dependency specialist, after investigation and evaluation of the specific facts alleged and of the reliability and credibility of the information, may file a petition for commitment of such person with the superior court or district court.

If a petition for commitment is not filed in the case of a minor, the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision made by the designated chemical dependency specialist in superior or district court. The parent, guardian, or custodian shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the designated chemical dependency specialist's report.

If the designated chemical dependency specialist finds that the initial needs of such person would be better served by placement within the mental health system, the person shall be referred to an evaluation and treatment facility as defined in RCW 71.05.020 or 71.34.020. If placement in a chemical dependency program is available and deemed appropriate, the petition shall allege that: The person is chemically dependent and is incapacitated by alcohol or drug addiction, or that the person has twice before in the preceding twelve months been admitted for detoxification or chemical dependency treatment pursuant to RCW 70.96A.110, and is in need of a more sustained treatment program, or that the person is chemically dependent and has threatened, attempted, or inflicted physical harm on another and is likely to inflict physical harm on another unless committed. A refusal to undergo treatment, by itself, does not constitute evidence of lack of judgment as to the need for treatment. The petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of a licensed physician who has examined the person within five days before submission of the petition, unless the person whose commitment is sought has refused to submit to a medical examination, in which case the fact of refusal shall be alleged in the petition. The certificate shall set forth the licensed physician's findings in support of the allegations of the petition. A physician employed by the petitioning program or the department is eligible to be the certifying physician.

(2) Upon filing the petition, the court shall fix a date for a hearing no less than two and no more than seven days after the date the petition was filed unless the person petitioned against is presently being detained in a program, pursuant to RCW 70.96A.120, 71.05.210, or 71.34.050, ((~~as now or hereafter amended,~~)) in which case the hearing shall be held within seventy-two hours of the filing of the petition: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the above specified seventy-two hours shall be computed by excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: PROVIDED FURTHER, That, the court may, upon motion of the person whose commitment is sought, or upon motion of petitioner with written permission of the person whose commitment is sought, or his or her counsel and, upon good cause shown, extend the date for the hearing. A copy of the petition and of the notice of the hearing, including the date fixed by the court, shall be served by the designated chemical dependency specialist on the person whose commitment is sought, his or her next of kin, a parent or his or her legal guardian if he or she is a minor, and any other person the court believes advisable. A copy of the petition and certificate shall be delivered to each person notified.

(3) At the hearing the court shall hear all relevant testimony, including, if possible, the testimony, which may be telephonic, of at least one licensed physician who has examined the person whose commitment is sought. Communications otherwise deemed privileged under the laws of this state are deemed to be waived in proceedings under this chapter when a court of competent jurisdiction in its discretion determines that the waiver is necessary to protect either the detained person or the public. The waiver of a privilege under this section is limited to records or testimony relevant to evaluation of the detained person for purposes of a proceeding under this chapter. Upon motion by the detained person, or on its own motion, the court shall examine a record or testimony sought by a petitioner to determine whether it is within the scope of the waiver.

The record maker shall not be required to testify in order to introduce medical, nursing, or psychological records of detained persons so long as the requirements of RCW 5.45.020 are met, except that portions of the record that contain opinions as to whether the detained person is chemically dependent shall be deleted from the records unless the person offering the opinions is available for cross-examination. The person shall be present unless the court believes that his or her presence is likely to be injurious to him or her; in this event the court may deem it appropriate to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent him or her throughout the proceeding. If deemed advisable, the court may examine the person out of courtroom. If the person has refused to be examined by a licensed physician, he or she shall be given an opportunity to be examined by a court appointed licensed physician. If he or she refuses and there is sufficient evidence to believe that the allegations of the petition are true, or if the court believes that more medical evidence is necessary, the court may make a temporary order committing him or her to the department for a period of not more than five days for purposes of a diagnostic examination.

(4) If after hearing all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination, the court finds that grounds for involuntary commitment have been established by clear, cogent, and convincing proof, it shall make an order of commitment to an approved treatment program. It shall not order commitment of a person unless it determines that an approved treatment program is available and able to provide adequate and appropriate treatment for him or her.

(5) A person committed under this section shall remain in the program for treatment for a period of sixty days unless sooner discharged. At the end of the sixty-day period, he or she shall be discharged automatically unless the program, before expiration of the period, files a petition for his or her recommitment upon the grounds set forth in subsection (1) of this section for a further period of ninety days unless sooner discharged.

If a petition for recommitment is not filed in the case of a minor, the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision made by the designated chemical dependency specialist in superior or district court. The parent, guardian, or custodian shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the treatment progress report.

If a person has been committed because he or she is chemically dependent and likely to inflict physical harm on another, the program shall apply for recommitment if after examination it is determined that the likelihood still exists.

(6) Upon the filing of a petition for recommitment under subsection (5) of this section, the court shall fix a date for hearing no less than two and no more than seven days after the date the petition was filed: PROVIDED, That, the court may, upon motion of the person whose commitment is sought and upon good cause shown, extend the date for the hearing. A copy of the petition and of the notice of hearing, including the date fixed by the court, shall be served by the treatment program on the person whose commitment is sought, his or her next of kin, the original petitioner under subsection (1) of this section if different from the petitioner for recommitment, one of his or her parents or his or her legal guardian if he or she is a minor, and his or her attorney and any other person the court believes advisable. At the hearing the court shall proceed as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(7) The approved treatment program shall provide for adequate and appropriate treatment of a person committed to its custody. A person committed under this section may be transferred from one approved public treatment program to another if transfer is medically advisable.

(8) A person committed to the custody of a program for treatment shall be discharged at any time before the end of the period for which he or she has been committed and he or she shall be discharged by order of the court if either of the following conditions are met:

(a) In case of a chemically dependent person committed on the grounds of likelihood of infliction of physical harm upon himself, herself, or another, the likelihood no longer exists; or further treatment will not be likely to bring about significant improvement in the person's condition, or treatment is no longer adequate or appropriate.

(b) In case of a chemically dependent person committed on the grounds of the need of treatment and incapacity, that the incapacity no longer exists.

(9) The court shall inform the person whose commitment or recommitment is sought of his or her right to contest the application, be represented by counsel at every stage of any proceedings relating to his or her commitment and recommitment, and have counsel appointed by the court or provided by the court, if he or she wants the assistance of counsel and is unable to obtain counsel. If the court believes that the person needs the assistance of counsel, the court shall require, by appointment if necessary, counsel for him or her regardless of his or her wishes. The person shall, if he or she is financially able, bear the costs of such legal service; otherwise such legal service shall be at public expense. The person whose commitment or recommitment is sought shall be informed of his or her right to be examined by a licensed physician of his or her choice. If the person is unable to obtain a licensed physician and requests examination by a physician, the court shall employ a licensed physician.

(10) A person committed under this chapter may at any time seek to be discharged from commitment by writ of habeas corpus in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(11) The venue for proceedings under this section is the county in which person to be committed resides or is present.

(12) When in the opinion of the professional person in charge of the program providing involuntary treatment under this chapter, the committed patient can be appropriately served by less restrictive treatment before expiration of the period of commitment, then the less restrictive care may be required as a condition for early release for a period which, when added to the initial treatment period, does not exceed the period of commitment. If the program designated to provide the less restrictive treatment is other than the program providing the initial involuntary treatment, the program so designated must agree in writing to assume such responsibility. A copy of the conditions for early release shall be given to the patient, the designated chemical dependency specialist of original commitment, and the court of original commitment. The program designated to provide less restrictive care may modify the conditions for continued release when the modifications are in the best interests of the patient. If the program providing less restrictive care and the designated chemical dependency specialist determine that a conditionally released patient is failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his or her release, or that substantial deterioration in the patient's functioning has occurred, then the designated chemical dependency specialist shall notify the court of original commitment and request a hearing to be held no less than two and no more than seven days after the date of the request to determine whether or not the person should be returned to more restrictive care. The designated chemical dependency specialist shall file a petition with the court stating the facts substantiating the need for the hearing along with the treatment recommendations. The patient shall have the same rights with respect to notice, hearing, and counsel as for the original involuntary treatment proceedings. The issues to be determined at the hearing are whether the conditionally released patient did or did not adhere to the terms and conditions of his or her release to less restrictive care or that substantial deterioration of the patient's functioning has occurred and whether the conditions of release should be modified or the person should be returned to a more restrictive program. The hearing may be waived by the patient and his or her counsel and his or her guardian or conservator, if any, but may not be waived unless all such persons agree to the waiver. Upon waiver, the person may be returned for involuntary treatment or continued on conditional release on the same or modified conditions.

Sec. 14. RCW 71.34.030 and 1985 c 354 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any minor thirteen years or older may request and receive outpatient treatment without the consent of the minor's parent. Parental authorization is required for outpatient treatment of a minor under the age of thirteen.

(2) When in the judgment of the professional person in charge of an evaluation and treatment facility there is reason to believe that a minor is in need of inpatient treatment because of a mental disorder, and the facility provides the type of evaluation and treatment needed by the minor, and it is not feasible to treat the minor in any less restrictive setting or the minor's home, the minor may be admitted to an evaluation and treatment facility in accordance with the following requirements:

(a) A minor under thirteen years of age may only be admitted on the application of the minor's parent.

(b) A minor ((~~thirteen years or older~~)) may be voluntarily admitted by application of the parent without the minor's consent. ((~~Such application must be accompanied by the written consent, knowingly and voluntarily given, of the minor.~~))

(c) A minor thirteen years or older may, with the concurrence of the professional person in charge of an evaluation and treatment facility, admit himself or herself without parental consent to the evaluation and treatment facility, provided that notice is given by the facility to the minor's parent in accordance with the following requirements:

(i) Notice of the minor's admission shall be in the form most likely to reach the parent within twenty-four hours of the minor's voluntary admission and shall advise the parent that the minor has been admitted to inpatient treatment; the location and telephone number of the facility providing such treatment; and the name of a professional person on the staff of the facility providing treatment who is designated to discuss the minor's need for inpatient treatment with the parent.

(ii) The minor shall be released to the parent at the parent's request for release unless the facility files a petition with the superior court of the county in which treatment is being provided setting forth the basis for the facility's belief that the minor is in need of inpatient treatment and that release would constitute a threat to the minor's health or safety.

(iii) The petition shall be signed by the professional person in charge of the facility or that person's designee.

(iv) The parent may apply to the court for separate counsel to represent the parent if the parent cannot afford counsel.

(v) There shall be a hearing on the petition, which shall be held within three judicial days from the filing of the petition.

(vi) The hearing shall be conducted by a judge, court commissioner, or licensed attorney designated by the superior court as a hearing officer for such hearing. The hearing may be held at the treatment facility.

(vii) At such hearing, the facility must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing that the minor is in need of inpatient treatment and that release would constitute a threat to the minor's health or safety. The hearing shall not be conducted using the rules of evidence, and the admission or exclusion of evidence sought to be presented shall be within the exercise of sound discretion by the judicial officer conducting the hearing.

(d) Written renewal of voluntary consent must be obtained from the applicant ((~~and the minor thirteen years or older~~)) no less than once every twelve months.

(e) The minor's need for continued inpatient treatments shall be reviewed and documented no less than every one hundred eighty days.

(3) A notice of intent to leave shall result in the following:

(a) Any minor under the age of thirteen and any minor age thirteen or older admitted by the parent under subsection (2)(b) of this section must be discharged immediately upon written request of the parent.

(b) Any minor thirteen years or older voluntarily admitted by himself or herself under subsection (2)(c) of this section may give notice of intent to leave at any time. The notice need not follow any specific form so long as it is written and the intent of the minor can be discerned.

(c) The staff member receiving the notice shall date it immediately, record its existence in the minor's clinical record, and send copies of it to the minor's attorney, if any, the county-designated mental health professional, and the parent.

(d) The professional person in charge of the evaluation and treatment facility shall discharge the minor, thirteen years or older admitted by himself or herself under subsection (2)(c) of this section, from the facility within twenty-four hours after receipt of the minor's notice of intent to leave, unless the county-designated mental health professional files a petition for initial detention within the time prescribed by this chapter.

Sec. 15. RCW 71.34.050 and 1985 c 354 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When a county-designated mental health professional receives information that a minor, thirteen years or older, as a result of a mental disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled, has investigated the specific facts alleged and of the credibility of the person or persons providing the information, and has determined that voluntary admission for inpatient treatment is not possible, the county-designated mental health professional may take the minor, or cause the minor to be taken, into custody and transported to an evaluation and treatment facility providing inpatient treatment.

If the minor is not taken into custody for evaluation and treatment, the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision made by the county designated mental health professional in court. The parent, guardian, or custodian shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the county designated mental health professional's report or notes.

(2) Within twelve hours of the minor's arrival at the evaluation and treatment facility, the county-designated mental health professional shall serve on the minor a copy of the petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights. The county-designated mental health professional shall file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service. The county-designated mental health professional shall commence service of the petition for initial detention and notice of the initial detention on the minor's parent and the minor's attorney as soon as possible following the initial detention.

(3) At the time of initial detention, the county-designated mental health professional shall advise the minor both orally and in writing that if admitted to the evaluation and treatment facility for inpatient treatment, a commitment hearing shall be held within seventy-two hours of the minor's provisional acceptance to determine whether probable cause exists to commit the minor for further mental health treatment.

The minor shall be advised that he or she has a right to communicate immediately with an attorney and that he or she has a right to have an attorney appointed to represent him or her before and at the hearing if the minor is indigent.

(4) Whenever the county designated mental health professional petitions for detention of a minor under this chapter, an evaluation and treatment facility providing seventy-two hour evaluation and treatment must immediately accept on a provisional basis the petition and the person. Within twenty-four hours of the minor's arrival, the facility must evaluate the minor's condition and either admit or release the minor in accordance with this chapter.

(5) If a minor is not approved for admission by the inpatient evaluation and treatment facility, the facility shall make such recommendations and referrals for further care and treatment of the minor as necessary.

Sec. 16. RCW 71.34.070 and 1985 c 354 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The professional person in charge of an evaluation and treatment facility where a minor has been admitted involuntarily for the initial seventy-two hour treatment period under this chapter may petition to have a minor committed to an evaluation and treatment facility for fourteen-day diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

If the professional person in charge of the treatment and evaluation facility does not petition to have the minor committed, the parent, guardian, or custodian who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision in court. The parent, guardian, or custodian shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the treatment and evaluation facility's report.

(2) A petition for commitment of a minor under this section shall be filed with the superior court in the county where the minor is residing or being detained.

(a) A petition for a fourteen-day commitment shall be signed either by two physicians or by one physician and a mental health professional who have examined the minor and shall contain the following:

(i) The name and address of the petitioner;

(ii) The name of the minor alleged to meet the criteria for fourteen-day commitment;

(iii) The name, telephone number, and address if known of every person believed by the petitioner to be legally responsible for the minor;

(iv) A statement that the petitioner has examined the minor and finds that the minor's condition meets required criteria for fourteen-day commitment and the supporting facts therefor;

(v) A statement that the minor has been advised of the need for voluntary treatment but has been unwilling or unable to consent to necessary treatment;

(vi) A statement recommending the appropriate facility or facilities to provide the necessary treatment; and

(vii) A statement concerning whether a less restrictive alternative to inpatient treatment is in the best interests of the minor.

(b) A copy of the petition shall be personally delivered to the minor by the petitioner or petitioner's designee. A copy of the petition shall be sent to the minor's attorney and the minor's parent.