dependency hearing (Washington) · Go Syfert
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dependency hearing in Washington

67 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1968–2025 11 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (11)

CaseFollowedCited
In Re the Welfare of Sumeygreen
wash · 1980 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1992–2007
2 sentences

2007As this court stated, "[t]he key difference in the dependency hearing is `a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding' that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights." Id. (quoting In re A.W., 53 Wash. App. 22 , 30, 765 P.2d 307 (1988), review denied, 112 Wash.2d 1017 , 1989 WL 661583 (1989)); see also Sumey, 94 Wash.2d 757 , 621 P.2d 108 (rejecting constitutional challenge to statute allowing out-of-home placement of "runaway" youth without regard to parental fault). ¶ 40 A dependency based on RCW 13.34.030(5)(c) does not turn on parental "unfitness" in the usual sense.

2007As this court stated, "[t]he key difference in the dependency hearing is `a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding' that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights." Id. (quoting In re A.W., 53 Wash. App. 22 , 30, 765 P.2d 307 (1988), review denied, 112 Wash.2d 1017 , 1989 WL 661583 (1989)); see also Sumey, 94 Wash.2d 757 , 621 P.2d 108 (rejecting constitutional challenge to statute allowing out-of-home placement of "runaway" youth without regard to parental fault). ¶ 40 A dependency based on RCW 13.34.030(5)(c) does not turn on parental "unfitness" in the usual sense.

33
Cook v. Raffertygreen
wash · 1939 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
2 sentences

2009Mitchell, 183 Wash. at 407 (substantial dependency should be determined on the basis of “the circumstances of the plaintiff”); Cook v. Rafferty, 200 Wash. 234, 240 , 93 P.2d 376 (1939) (“[H]ad [the decedent] lived, she would have continued to contribute to the support of the family and continued to care for her parents....Mr. and Mrs. Cook suffered a pecuniary loss by reason of her death.”).

2009Mitchell, 183 Wash. at 407 (substantial dependency should be determined on the basis of “the circumstances of the plaintiff”); Cook v. Rafferty, 200 Wash. 234, 240 , 93 P.2d 376 (1939) (“[H]ad [the decedent] lived, she would have continued to contribute to the support of the family and continued to care for her parents....Mr. and Mrs. Cook suffered a pecuniary loss by reason of her death.”).

22
Schermer v. Department of Social & Health Servicesgreen
wash · 2007 · cited in 8 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2025
2 sentences

2025Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 . “‘[T]he goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his best interests.’” Id. (quoting In re Welfare of Becker, 87 Wn.2d 470, 476 , 553 P.2d 1339 (1976)).

2025Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 . “‘[T]he goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his best interests.’” Id. (quoting In re Welfare of Becker, 87 Wn.2d 470, 476 , 553 P.2d 1339 (1976)).

18
Frederickson v. Beckergreen
wash · 1976 · cited in 4 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2007–2025
2 sentences

2025Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 . “‘[T]he goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his best interests.’” Id. (quoting In re Welfare of Becker, 87 Wn.2d 470, 476 , 553 P.2d 1339 (1976)).

2025Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 . “‘[T]he goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his best interests.’” Id. (quoting In re Welfare of Becker, 87 Wn.2d 470, 476 , 553 P.2d 1339 (1976)).

14
Department of Social & Health Services v. Browngreen
wash · 2003 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2011–2016
2 sentences

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Dependency of Brown, 149 Wash.2d 836, 840-41 , 72 P.3d 757 (2003). ¶ 24 Unlike a dependency hearing, a review hearing is limited in purpose to reviewing the "progress of the parties and determin[ing] whether court supervision should continue." RCW 13.34.138(1).

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Dependency of Brown, 149 Wn.2d 836, 840-41 , 72 P.3d 757 (2003). ¶24 Unlike a dependency hearing, a review hearing is limited in purpose to reviewing the “progress of the parties and determining] whether court supervision should continue.” RCW 13.34.138(1).

13
In Re Dependency of Browngreen
wash · 2003 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2011–2016
2 sentences

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Dependency of Brown, 149 Wash.2d 836, 840-41 , 72 P.3d 757 (2003). ¶ 24 Unlike a dependency hearing, a review hearing is limited in purpose to reviewing the "progress of the parties and determin[ing] whether court supervision should continue." RCW 13.34.138(1).

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Dependency of Brown, 149 Wn.2d 836, 840-41 , 72 P.3d 757 (2003). ¶24 Unlike a dependency hearing, a review hearing is limited in purpose to reviewing the “progress of the parties and determining] whether court supervision should continue.” RCW 13.34.138(1).

13
Mitchell v. Ricegreen
wash · 1935 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
2 sentences

2009Mitchell, 183 Wash. at 407 , 48 P.2d 949 (substantial dependency should be determined on the basis of "the circumstances of the plaintiff"); Cook v. Rafferty, 200 Wash. 234, 240 , 93 P.2d 376 (1939) ("[h]ad [the decedent] lived, she would have continued to contribute to the support of the family and continued to care for her parents[.] ...

2009Mitchell, 183 Wash. at 407 (substantial dependency should be determined on the basis of “the circumstances of the plaintiff”); Cook v. Rafferty, 200 Wash. 234, 240 , 93 P.2d 376 (1939) (“[H]ad [the decedent] lived, she would have continued to contribute to the support of the family and continued to care for her parents....Mr. and Mrs. Cook suffered a pecuniary loss by reason of her death.”).

12
Santosky v. Kramergreen
scotus · 1982 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996Based on this evidence, it also cannot be said that, at the termination proceeding, the juvenile court relied solely upon the fact that K.C. had abused drugs and alcohol, which had been established at a dependency hearing by a preponderance of the evidence. [9] See Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758 , 102 S.Ct. 1388, 1397 , 71 L.Ed.2d 599 (1982) ("use of a `fair preponderance of the evidence' standard in [parental rights termination] proceedings is inconsistent with due process").

1996Based on this evidence, it also cannot be said that, at the termination proceeding, the juvenile court relied solely upon the fact that K.C. had abused drugs and alcohol, which had been established at a dependency hearing by a preponderance of the evidence. [9] See Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758 , 102 S.Ct. 1388, 1397 , 71 L.Ed.2d 599 (1982) ("use of a `fair preponderance of the evidence' standard in [parental rights termination] proceedings is inconsistent with due process").

12
In re the Parental Rights to K.M.M.green
wash · 2016 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024The Department has a statutory obligation to provide all services ordered by the court, as well as “all necessary services, reasonably available, capable of correcting the parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future.” RCW 13.34.180(1)(d); See also In re Dependency of K.M.M., 186 Wn.2d 466, 479 , 379 P.3d 75 (2016).

11
Chubb v. Department of Social & Health Servicesgreen
washctapp · 1987 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
2 sentences

2024We do not have the verbatim report of proceedings from the dependency hearing and the order does not reflect any finding of good cause for continuing a “disposition hearing.” 10 84605-1-I/11 the child and preserve the family.” Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 -43 (citing In re Dependency of Chubb, 46 Wn.

2024We do not have the verbatim report of proceedings from the dependency hearing and the order does not reflect any finding of good cause for continuing a “disposition hearing.” 10 84605-1-I/11 the child and preserve the family.” Schermer, 161 Wn.2d at 942 -43 (citing In re Dependency of Chubb, 46 Wn.

11
In Re KRgreen
wash · 1995 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Washington. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (41)

CaseCitedYears
In Re AW green
washctapp · 1988
2 sentences

2025A dependency hearing is “ ‘a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding’ that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights.” In re Welfare of Key, 119 Wn.2d 600, 609 , -5- No. 87166-8-I (consol. with Nos. 87167-6-I, 87168-4-I)/6 836 P.2d 200 (1992) (quoting In re Dependency of A.W., 53 Wn.

2025A dependency hearing is “ ‘a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding’ that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights.” In re Welfare of Key, 119 Wn.2d 600, 609 , -5- No. 87166-8-I (consol. with Nos. 87167-6-I, 87168-4-I)/6 836 P.2d 200 (1992) (quoting In re Dependency of A.W., 53 Wn.

151992–2025
Matter of Welfare of Key green
wash · 1992
2 sentences

2025A dependency hearing is “ ‘a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding’ that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights.” In re Welfare of Key, 119 Wn.2d 600, 609 , -5- No. 87166-8-I (consol. with Nos. 87167-6-I, 87168-4-I)/6 836 P.2d 200 (1992) (quoting In re Dependency of A.W., 53 Wn.

2025A dependency hearing is “ ‘a preliminary, remedial, nonadversary proceeding’ that does not permanently deprive a parent of any rights.” In re Welfare of Key, 119 Wn.2d 600, 609 , -5- No. 87166-8-I (consol. with Nos. 87167-6-I, 87168-4-I)/6 836 P.2d 200 (1992) (quoting In re Dependency of A.W., 53 Wn.

132000–2025
State v. Cleveland green
washctapp · 1990
2 sentences

2000In Williams, State v. Cleveland, 58 Wash.App. 634 , 794 P.2d 546 , review denied, 115 Wash.2d 1029 , 803 P.2d 324 (1990), and State v. Dupard, 93 Wash.2d 268 , 609 P.2d 961 (1980), the courts declined to apply collateral estoppel because issues of fact were previously litigated in a parole board hearing, a dependency hearing, and an administrative hearing respectively.

2000In Williams, State v. Cleveland, 58 Wash.App. 634 , 794 P.2d 546 , review denied, 115 Wash.2d 1029 , 803 P.2d 324 (1990), and State v. Dupard, 93 Wash.2d 268 , 609 P.2d 961 (1980), the courts declined to apply collateral estoppel because issues of fact were previously litigated in a parole board hearing, a dependency hearing, and an administrative hearing respectively.

71995–2002
Jenkins v. Department of Social & Health Services green
wash · 2011
2 sentences

2023“A dependency hearing is a fact-finding inquiry, the purpose of which is to determine whether the State can meet its burden of showing the child is dependent as defined by statute.” In re Dependency of K.N.J., 171 Wn.2d 568, 579 , 257 P.3d 522 (2011). 6 At the time of the trial, M.W. reported daily use of Kratom, a legal supplement with opioid-like properties. 7 No. 84395-8-I/8 The Department has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that a child is dependent under RCW 13.34.030.

2021Id. at 91 . 6 55550-6-II The rules of evidence apply to a dependency hearing, RCW 13.34.110(1); ER 1101(c)(3); In re Dependency of K.N.J., 171 Wn.2d 568, 579 , 257 P.3d 522 (2011).

52015–2023
In Re Dependency of KNJ green
wash · 2011
2 sentences

2023“A dependency hearing is a fact-finding inquiry, the purpose of which is to determine whether the State can meet its burden of showing the child is dependent as defined by statute.” In re Dependency of K.N.J., 171 Wn.2d 568, 579 , 257 P.3d 522 (2011). 6 At the time of the trial, M.W. reported daily use of Kratom, a legal supplement with opioid-like properties. 7 No. 84395-8-I/8 The Department has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that a child is dependent under RCW 13.34.030.

2021Id. at 91 . 6 55550-6-II The rules of evidence apply to a dependency hearing, RCW 13.34.110(1); ER 1101(c)(3); In re Dependency of K.N.J., 171 Wn.2d 568, 579 , 257 P.3d 522 (2011).

52015–2023
Department of Social & Health Services v. Gilfillen green
washctapp · 2005
2 sentences

2021The primary purpose of a dependency hearing “is to allow courts to order remedial measures to preserve and mend family ties.” In re Dependency of T.L.G., 126 Wn.

2016The primary purpose of a dependency hearing “is to allow courts to order remedial measures to preserve and mend family ties.” In re Dependency of T.L.G., 126 Wn.

52014–2021
Coverdell v. Department of Social & Health Services neutral
washctapp · 1984
2 sentences

2011Foster parents generally have neither a right to intervene in dependency proceedings nor a very high likelihood of being granted permissive intervention in such proceedings because “a foster parent’s adversarial participation in a dependency hearing has a tendency to shift the focus of the proceeding from the ability of the natural parent to care for the child to a comparison of the natural parent to the foster parent.” In re Welfare of Coverdell, 39 Wn.

2002App. 887 , 696 P.2d 1241 (1984), a case in which the court concluded that a “foster parent’s adversarial participation in a dependency hearing has a tendency to shift the focus of the proceeding from the ability of the natural parent to care for the child to a comparison of the natural parent to the foster parent.” Id. at 890-91 .

52002–2011
In Re Dependency of TLG green
washctapp · 2005
2 sentences

2021App. 181, 203 , 108 P.3d 156 (2005)).

2016App. 181, 203 , 108 P.3d 156 (2005).

42014–2021
In Re the Welfare of Aschauer green
wash · 1980
2 sentences

2020App. 45, 61 , 323 P.3d 1062 (2014) (quoting RCW 13.34.020). - 10- No. 79941-0-I/li presented to support the trial court’s determination that Foster is an unfit parent.13 E Foster also contends that the Department failed to prove that termination is in F.Y.O.’s best interests. “[TJhe goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his [or her] best interests.” In re Welfare of Aschauer, 93 Wn.2d 689, 695 , 611 P.2d 1245 (1980).

2020App. 45, 61 , 323 P.3d 1062 (2014) (quoting RCW 13.34.020). - 10- No. 79941-0-I/li presented to support the trial court’s determination that Foster is an unfit parent.13 E Foster also contends that the Department failed to prove that termination is in F.Y.O.’s best interests. “[TJhe goal of a dependency hearing is to determine the welfare of the child and his [or her] best interests.” In re Welfare of Aschauer, 93 Wn.2d 689, 695 , 611 P.2d 1245 (1980).

32013–2020
In Re the Welfare of Hansen green
washctapp · 1979
2 sentences

2021Id.

2004App. 27, 36 , 599 P.2d 1304 (1979) (recognizing the due process rights of legal guardians, who had raised child for over eight years and stood in loco parentis to the child, to be given a full and meaningful opportunity to be heard at a dependency hearing under chapter 13.04 RCW), cited with approval in In re Dependency of J.W.H., 147 Wn.2d 687, 700-01 , 57 P.3d 266 (2002).

22004–2021
In Re the Welfare of Warren green
wash · 1952
2 sentences

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Warren, 40 Wash.2d 342, 343 , 243 P.2d 632 (1952).

2011RCW 13.34.110(1); In re Warren, 40 Wash.2d 342, 343 , 243 P.2d 632 (1952).

22011–2011
In re Dependency of A.E.P. green
wash · 1998
2 sentences

2005In re Dependency of A.E.P., 135 Wash.2d 208, 234 , 956 P.2d 297 (1998). ¶ 49 A similar result should follow here. ¶ 50 For these reasons I would reverse the convictions.

2005In re Dependency of A.E.P., 135 Wn.2d 208, 234 , 956 P.2d 297 (1998). ¶49 A similar result should follow here. ¶50 For these reasons I would reverse the convictions.

22005–2005
Matter of Dependency of AEP green
wash · 1998
2 sentences

2005In re Dependency of A.E.P., 135 Wash.2d 208, 234 , 956 P.2d 297 (1998). ¶ 49 A similar result should follow here. ¶ 50 For these reasons I would reverse the convictions.

2005In re Dependency of A.E.P., 135 Wn.2d 208, 234 , 956 P.2d 297 (1998). ¶49 A similar result should follow here. ¶50 For these reasons I would reverse the convictions.

22005–2005
State v. Dupard green
wash · 1980
2 sentences

2000In Williams, State v. Cleveland, 58 Wash.App. 634 , 794 P.2d 546 , review denied, 115 Wash.2d 1029 , 803 P.2d 324 (1990), and State v. Dupard, 93 Wash.2d 268 , 609 P.2d 961 (1980), the courts declined to apply collateral estoppel because issues of fact were previously litigated in a parole board hearing, a dependency hearing, and an administrative hearing respectively.

2000In Williams, State v. Cleveland, 58 Wash.App. 634 , 794 P.2d 546 , review denied, 115 Wash.2d 1029 , 803 P.2d 324 (1990), and State v. Dupard, 93 Wash.2d 268 , 609 P.2d 961 (1980), the courts declined to apply collateral estoppel because issues of fact were previously litigated in a parole board hearing, a dependency hearing, and an administrative hearing respectively.

22000–2000
In Re Ross green
wash · 1954
2 sentences

1970The answer to this question may be found in In re Ross, 45 Wn.2d 654 , 277 P.2d 335 (1954).

1970The answer to this question may be found in In re Ross, 45 Wn.2d 654 , 277 P.2d 335 (1954).

21968–1970
In re the Welfare of B.D.F. green
washctapp · 2005
1 sentence

2025B.D.F., 126 Wn.

12025–2025
In re Dependency of G.J.A. green
wash · 2021
1 sentence

2024We rule, based on RCW 13.38.040(1)(a)(ii) and In re Dependency of G.J.A., 197 Wn.2d 868 , 875, 489 P.3d 631 (2021), that the dependency court must review and find active efforts during every hearing, in which the State seeks to place the Indian child out of the home.

12024–2024
State v. Bays green
washctapp · 1998
1 sentence

2023But “public policy arguments do not control our interpretation of a clear statute.” State v. Bays, 90 Wn.

12023–2023
In re the Welfare of X.T. green
washctapp · 2013
1 sentence

2023In re Welfare of X.T., 174 Wn.

12023–2023
D.P. v. Department of Social & Health Services green
washctapp · 1994
1 sentence

2021Id. at 91 . 6 55550-6-II The rules of evidence apply to a dependency hearing, RCW 13.34.110(1); ER 1101(c)(3); In re Dependency of K.N.J., 171 Wn.2d 568, 579 , 257 P.3d 522 (2011).

12021–2021
Department of Social & Health Services v. E.I. green
washctapp · 2014
12020–2020
In Re the Marriage of Wehr neutral
washctapp · 2011
12016–2016
State v. Gamble green
wash · 2010
12015–2015
State v. Gamble green
wash · 2010
12015–2015
In Re Dependency of Schermer green
wash · 2007
12015–2015
Battle v. Barton green
scotus · 1993
12014–2014
Daniel B. v. Department of Social & Health Services green
washctapp · 1995
12013–2013
In Re the Welfare of Henderson green
washctapp · 1981
12009–2009
Department of Social & Health Services v. S.H. green
washctapp · 1994
12005–2005
Blume v. Department of Social & Health Services green
wash · 2002
12004–2004
In Re Dependency of JWH green
wash · 2002
12004–2004
Lightfoot v. Town of Fairfield green
scotus · 1993
12000–2000
State v. Dickenson green
washctapp · 1987
11997–1997
Burlington Northern Railroad Co. v. Whitt green
scotus · 1991
11997–1997
R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co. v. Prevost green
scotus · 1991
11997–1997
Babcock v. State green
wash · 1991
11996–1996
In Re the Welfare of Myricks green
wash · 1975
11992–1992
In Re the Welfare of Luscier green
wash · 1974
11992–1992
People in Interest of AMD green
colo · 1982
11987–1987
Gibson v. Superior Court for Pierce County green
washctapp · 1971
11981–1981

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.030 (37) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.130 (27) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.020 (25) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.110 (17) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.180 (14) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.190 (13) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.020 (10) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.090 (6) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 2.06.040 (6) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.136 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.063 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 13.04.011 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 123 (1966–2026) PA 71 (1979–2025) WA 67 (1968–2025) AZ 39 (1981–2026) FL 24 (1979–2021) AL 17 (1989–2024) OR 16 (1980–2025) OH 13 (1994–2025) OK 8 (1971–2014) GA 7 (2001–2025) NY 6 (1976–2019) MO 5 (1987–2011) IL 5 (1980–2025) NJ 5 (1978–2018) UT 4 (1999–2002) IN 4 (1956–1999) SC 3 (2006–2014) CO 2 (1978–1983) MD 2 (1984–1997) IA 2 (1971–1971) NC 2 (2009–2009) DC 2 (1989–2003)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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