# RCW 13.34.020: RCW 13.34.020: Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured—Rights of child

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S020

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 13.34.020
- **Heading:** RCW 13.34.020: Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured—Rights of child
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 020

## Text

The legislature declares that the family unit is a fundamental resource of American life which should be nurtured. Toward the continuance of this principle, the legislature declares that the family unit should remain intact unless a child's right to conditions of basic nurture, health, or safety is jeopardized. When the rights of basic nurture, physical and mental health, and safety of the child and the legal rights of the parents are in conflict, the rights and safety of the child should prevail. In making reasonable efforts under this chapter, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern. The right of a child to basic nurturing includes the right to a safe, stable, and permanent home and a speedy resolution of any proceeding under this chapter.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 13.34.010 RCW 13.34.010: Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S010.md)
- [RCW 13.34.020 RCW 13.34.020: Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured—Rights of child.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S020.md)
- [RCW 13.34.025 RCW 13.34.025: Child dependency cases—Coordination of services—Remedial services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S025.md)
- [RCW 13.34.030 RCW 13.34.030: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S030.md)
- [RCW 13.34.035 RCW 13.34.035: Standard court forms—Rules—Administrative office of the courts to develop and establish—Failure to use or follow—Distribution.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S035.md)
- [RCW 13.34.040 RCW 13.34.040: Petition to court to deal with dependent child—Application of federal Indian child welfare act.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S040.md)
- [RCW 13.34.045 RCW 13.34.045: Educational liaison—Identification.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S045.md)
- [RCW 13.34.046 RCW 13.34.046: Educational liaison—Responsibilities—Background checks.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S046.md)
- [RCW 13.34.050 RCW 13.34.050: Court order to take child into custody, when—Hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S050.md)
- [RCW 13.34.055 RCW 13.34.055: Custody by law enforcement officer—Release from liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S055.md)
- [RCW 13.34.060 RCW 13.34.060: Shelter care—Placement—Custody—Duties of parties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S060.md)
- [RCW 13.34.062 RCW 13.34.062: Shelter care—Notice of custody and rights.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S062.md)
- [RCW 13.34.065 RCW 13.34.065: Shelter care—Hearing—Recommendation as to further need—Release.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S065.md)
- [RCW 13.34.067 RCW 13.34.067: Shelter care—Case conference—Service agreement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S067.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.