Dependency 101 for Judicial Officers
The Dependency 101 for Judicial Officers Course is designed to facilitate the delivery of quality, interactive, on-demand virtual trainings that examine the information, practices, and skills judicial officers need to effectively preside over child abuse and neglect cases in Washington State. The modules in this course examine the essential principles of dependency court systems and judicial decision-making that ensure safety, due process, timeliness, permanency, and well-being for children and families.
Module 1: Introduction to Child Dependency
Continuing Judicial Credits (CJE) available
Module 2: Definition of Dependency, Pre-filing Requirements & Emergency Orders (Coming Soon)
This module reviews the statutory definition of dependency and the procedural steps that must be satisfied before a petition comes before the court. Judicial officers will examine the legal standards that guide filing decisions, the evidence required to establish dependency, and how pre-filing practices affect the court’s role at the initial hearing.
Module 3: Shelter Care
When a child has been removed from their home due to allegations of abuse and/or neglect, state law requires that, within 72 hours, a Shelter Care Hearing be held to determine whether it is necessary for the child to remain outside of their home. This module provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the Shelter Care process in Washington State. Shelter Care Hearings are a crucial component of the dependency court process that helps protect the safety of children while also ensuring that children are not unnecessarily removed from their home.
Estimated Length: 60 minutes
Continuing Judicial Credits (CJE) available
Module 4: Fact-Finding
Fact-finding hearings are a crucial component of administrative and judicial processes, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate and verified information. This module provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and conducting fact-finding hearings in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the fact-finding hearing process in Washington State and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound hearings.
Estimated Length: 60 minutes
Continuing Judicial Credits (CJE) available
Module 5: Disposition Hearing
The Disposition Hearing is critical stage in child dependency case that lays the foundation for reunification, or alternative permanency plan if reunification is not in a child’s best interest. This module provides an overview of the Disposition Hearing law and process in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the Disposition Hearing process and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound dependency Disposition Hearings.
Estimated Length: 60 minutes
Continuing Judicial Credits (CJE) available
Module 6: Review Hearings (Coming Soon)
Review hearings in child dependency cases are essential for monitoring the progress of the case and ensuring the child’s needs are being met while the family works toward achieving the court-ordered goals. This module provides an overview of the law and process for Review Hearings in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the Review Hearing process and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound dependency Review Hearings.
Module 7: Permanency Planning Hearing (Coming Soon)
A Permanency Planning Hearing in child dependency cases is a pivotal step in determining a long-term solution for a child who has been removed from their home due to safety concerns. This module provides an overview of the law and process for Permanency Planning Hearings in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the Review Hearing process and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound dependency Permanency Planning Hearings.
Module 8: Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) (Coming Soon)
Termination of parental rights (TPR) is a legal process through which a parent’s legal rights and responsibilities toward their child are permanently severed. This process usually occurs in the context of child dependency cases or when a parent voluntarily relinquishes their rights. This module provides an overview of the law and process for TPR proceedings in Washington State. By the end of this module, participants will have gained a basic understanding of the TPR process and will be better equipped to conduct effective and legally sound TPR Hearings.