LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT RCW 13.32A.010: The legislature recognizes there is a need for services and assistance for the parents and children who are in conflict. These conflicts are manifested by children who exhibit various behaviors including, Running away, substance abuse, serious acting out problems, mental health needs and other behaviors that endanger themselves or others. 

DEFINITIONS RCW 13.32A.030: "At-risk youth" means any juvenile who is absent from home for at least seventy-two consecutive hours without consent of the parent. Who is beyond the control of the parent such that the childís behavior endangers the health, safety or welfare of the child or any other person. Who has a substance abuse problem for which there are no criminal charges pending related to the substance abuse.

OFFICER TAKING A CHILD INTO CUSTODY RCW 13.32A.050: A law enforcement officer shall take a child into custody: If informed by the parent the child is absent from parental custody without consent. If a law enforcement officer reasonably believes the location, time of day, or other circumstances constitute a danger to the child. If the law enforcement has been notified that the child has runaway from placement.

UNLAWFUL HARBORING OF A MINOR RCW 13.32A.080: This is a gross misdemeanor in which a person provides shelter to a minor without the consent of a parent of the minor and after knowing the minor is away from home without the parents consent.

DUTY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO IDENTIFY RUNAWAYS RCW 13.32A.086: Whenever a law enforcement agency receives information from a parent about a juvenile who is away from home without the parents consent, shall take a report and file the information.

AT-RISK YOUTH-PETITION BY THE PARENT RCW 13.32A.191: The parent of a child alleged to be "at-risk" may file a petition with the juvenile court. The juvenile court in Pierce County is located at Remann Hall.