The department may take a runaway youth to a secure facility after attempting to notify the parent of the child’s whereabouts. The department may not take a child to a secure facility if the department has reasonable cause to believe that the reason for the child’s runaway status is the result of abuse or neglect.

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Terms Used In Washington Code 13.32A.128

  • Abuse or neglect: means the injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances that indicate the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A. See Washington Code 13.32A.030
  • Department: means the department of children, youth, and families. See Washington Code 13.32A.030
  • Parent: includes custodian or guardian. See Washington Code 13.32A.030
  • Secure facility: means a crisis residential center, or portion thereof, that has locking doors, locking windows, or a secured perimeter, designed and operated to prevent a child from leaving without permission of the facility staff. See Washington Code 13.32A.030