# RCW 13.34.050: RCW 13.34.050: Court order to take child into custody, when—Hearing

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T13_C34_S050

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 13.34.050
- **Heading:** RCW 13.34.050: Court order to take child into custody, when—Hearing
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 13 / Chapter 34 / Section 050

## Text

(1) The court may enter an order directing a law enforcement officer, probation counselor, or child protective services official to take a child into custody if: (a) A petition is filed with the juvenile court with sufficient corroborating evidence to establish that the child is dependent; (b) an affidavit or declaration is filed by the department in support of the petition setting forth specific factual information evidencing insufficient time to serve a parent with a dependency petition and hold a hearing prior to removal; and (c) the allegations contained in the petition, if true, establish that there are reasonable grounds to believe that removal is necessary to prevent imminent physical harm to the child due to child abuse or neglect, including that which results from sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, a pattern of severe neglect, or a high-potency synthetic opioid. The court shall give great weight to the lethality of high-potency synthetic opioids and public health guidance from the department of health related to high-potency synthetic opioids in determining whether removal is necessary to prevent imminent physical harm to the child due to child abuse or neglect. (2) Any petition that does not have the necessary affidavit or declaration demonstrating a risk of imminent harm requires that the parents are provided notice and an opportunity to be heard before the order may be entered. (3) The petition and supporting documentation must be served on the parent, and if the child is in custody at the time the child is removed, on the entity with custody other than the parent. If the court orders that a child be taken into custody under subsection (1) of this section, the petition and supporting documentation must be served on the parent at the time of the child's removal unless, after diligent efforts, the parents cannot be located at the time of removal. If the parent is not served at the time of removal, the department shall make diligent efforts to personally serve the parent. Failure to effect service does not invalidate the petition if service was attempted and the parent could not be found.

## 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_S050. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.