Section 388-826-0040. What is a voluntary placement agreement?

It is a mutually voluntary and written document between the parent and the department. It must be signed by the child's parent and the DSHS/DDD representative to be in effect. An agreement regarding a Native American child is not valid unless executed in writing before the court and filed with the court as provided in RCW 13.34.130. Any party to the voluntary placement agreement may terminate the agreement at any time. When one party ends the agreement, per the VPA, the voluntary agreement is ended.

The agreement authorizes DSHS/DDD to facilitate a placement for the child who is under eighteen years of age in a licensed facility. Under the term of the agreement, the parent retains legal custody. DSHS/DDD is responsible for the child's placement and care. The agreement shall at a minimum specify the legal status of the child and the rights and obligations of the parent or legal guardian, the child, and the department while the child is in placement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.13.350. WSR 02-22-057, § 388-826-0040, filed 10/31/02, effective 12/1/02.]

RCW 74.13.350. WSR 02-22-057, § 388-826-0040, filed 10/31/02, effective 12/1/02.