Wash. Rev. Code § 13.32A.082
(1)
(b)
(i) If a licensed overnight youth shelter, or another licensed organization with a stated mission to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families, shelters a child and knows at the time of providing the shelter that the child is away from a lawfully prescribed residence or home without parental permission, it must contact the youth's parent within 72 hours, but preferably within 24 hours, following the time that the youth is admitted to the shelter or other licensed organization's program. The notification must include the whereabouts of the youth, a description of the youth's physical and emotional condition, and the circumstances surrounding the youth's contact with the shelter or organization. If there are compelling reasons not to notify the parent, the shelter or organization must instead notify the department. When a minor remains in a licensed overnight youth shelter or with another licensed organization with a stated mission to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families under subsection (1)(b)(i)(A) and (B) of this section [(b)(i)(A) and (B) of this subsection], the shelter or organization must also notify the department. A minor may provide authorization to remain in a licensed overnight youth shelter or with another licensed organization with a stated mission to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families, subject to any limits established by those licensed shelters or organizations, for up to 90 days if:
(2) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
(c) "Compelling reasons" include, but are not limited to:
(3)
(b) When the department receives a report under subsection (1) of this section for a minor who is seeking or receiving protected health care services, it shall:
[ 2023 c 408 s 2; 2023 c 151 s 2; 2013 c 4 s 2; 2011 c 151 s 1; 2010 c 229 s 2; 2000 c 123 s 10; 1996 c 133 s 14; 1995 c 312 s 34.]
Reviser's note:This section was amended by 2023 c 151 s 2 and by 2023 c 408 s 2, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Findings—Intent—2023 c 408: "The legislature finds that unsheltered homelessness for youth poses a serious threat to their health and safety. The Trevor project has found that one in three transgender youth report attempting suicide. Homelessness amongst transgender youth can further endanger an already at-risk population. The legislature further finds that barriers to accessing shelter can place a chilling effect on exiting unsheltered homelessness and therefore create additional risk and dangers for youth. Youth seeking certain medical services are especially at risk and vulnerable. Therefore, the legislature intends to remove barriers to accessing temporary, licensed shelter accommodations for youth seeking certain protected health care services." [ 2023 c 408 s 1.]
Effective date—2011 c 151 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect July 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 151 s 2.]
Findings—2010 c 229: "The legislature finds that youth services provide safety to youth on the streets and are a critical pathway to ensuring the youth's return home. Runaway youth are without protection, live under the threat of violence, and fall victim to predators who exploit their vulnerability. The policy of this state is to provide assistance to youth in crisis and to protect and preserve families. In order to effectively serve youth on the streets and promote their safe return home, shelters must have the time to establish and maintain an environment that facilitates open communication and trust.
The legislature also finds that parents of runaway youth have an interest in knowing their sons and daughters are safe in a shelter, rather than on the streets without protection. The legislature further finds that law enforcement and the department can notify a parent that the youth is safe, without disclosing the youth's location or compromising the ability of youth services providers to effectively assist youth in crisis." [ 2010 c 229 s 1.]
Findings—Short title—Intent—Construction—1996 c 133: See notes following RCW 13.32A.197.
Short title—1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.