Shelly Maluo, Juvenile Court Administrator

5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
Information Telephone: 253-798-7900

Adoptions | Court Services | Detention & Facilities Services | Diversion |
Probation & Community Services | Volunteer Opportunities

Pierce County Adoption Services is responsible for processing all adoptions regarding minor children in this county. The Pierce County Adoption Investigator is appointed by court order in every adoption. This department is charged with docketing, reviewing, making a recommendation and keeping statistics on all adoptions. A file is made on every adoption.

Independent/Private/Newborn Adoption: This department provides pre-placement adoption investigations for private adoptions as well as post placement services to facilitate finalization. If a family has used a private social worker to complete a homestudy, the report is submitted to this department for approval and is then routed to court. This office coordinates information with the attorney, family, birth parents and Court.

Stepparent/Relative Adoptions: All stepparent and relative adoptions are referred to this office for adoption investigations and court reports. Relative reports are completed as a full homestudy and post placement report combination because usually the child has been in the home for months or years. Stepparent adoptions are done as a post placement report.

Agency Adoptions: All agencies submit their preplacement and post placement reports to this department prior to finalization of the adoption. The reports are docketed, reviewed and sent to the court with approval. This process is the same for foreign re-adoptions.

Pierce County Adoptions charges a fee for all homestudies/reports. The process starts when we receive the Referral Contract, the fee, and the legal pleadings from the Petitioner. An adoption packet is sent to the Petitioner to begin the homestudy. (There is no fee for processing agency reports.) The Petitioner or an attorney provides legal pleadings.

This department also works with Confidential Intermediaries doing adoptive searches (with court orders) and adoptees requesting Non-Identifying Information. There is no fee for this service.

Pierce County Adoptions is located at the Juvenile Court building. The Adoption Investigator is Joni Irvin and her secretary is Lisa Tennison. To reach this office Contact: Joni Irvin, Adoption Investigator, Pierce County Juvenile Court, 5501 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, WA 98406, phone (253) 798-7978.

Juvenile Court

is where a Judge decides what happens to juveniles accused of breaking the law, or whose parents can not care for them, or whose behavior makes them 'at risk' or in need of services.

In Pierce County, the Juvenile Court is located at Remann Hall, the juvenile detention facility. There are four courtrooms located within the facility to hear the below listed cases:

• OFFENDER - Cases resulting from a complaint filed against a juvenile accused of breaking the law. This criminal act may be a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor offense.
  
  
• DEPENDENCY RCW 13.34 - Petitions are filed regarding the welfare of a child under RCW 13.34.030(2), where a complaint has been filed and investigated usually by Child Protective Services (CPS), stating that a child has:
  
  1) Been abandoned,
  2) Been abused or neglected,
  3) No parent, guardian, or custodian willing and capable of adequately caring for the child.
  
  
• AT RISK YOUTH (ARY) RCW 13.32A - This proceeding is for parents to obtain the assistance and support of the Juvenile Court in maintaining parental authority and responsibility for their child. An at-risk youth is defined as a child under age 18 who:
  1) Is absent from home at least 72 consecutive hours without parents consent, or
  2) Is beyond parental control such that the child's behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or
  3) Has a substance abuse problem for which there are no pending criminal charges.
  
  A verification of family assessment must be obtained from Family Reconciliation Services at 1949 South State Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 or 1-800-422-7517. A packet explaining this law and containing the forms necessary for filing are available free via download or at Remann Hall, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Effective 7-23-95)
  
  
• CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES (CHINS) RCW 13.32A - This proceeding is for a child under age 18 who has been assessed by Family Reconciliation Services to be:
  
  1) Beyond parental control such that his/her behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or
  2) Has been reported to law enforcement as a runaway for more than 24 consecutive hours or reported as absent from a Court ordered placement on two or more occasions and has a serious substance abuse problem or has exhibited behaviors that create a risk of harm to the child or others; or
  3) Is in need of necessary services, lacks access or has declined to use the services, and whose parents have made unsuccessful efforts to maintain the family structure or whose parents are unwilling or unable to continue efforts to maintain the family structure.
  
  A verification of family assessment must be done by the Family Reconciliation Services at 1949 South State Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 or Pierce County daytime Intake 253-983-6100 or 1-800-422-7517. After 4:30 PM, weekends and Holidays - Central Intake at 1-800-562-5624.
  
  A packet explaining this law and containing the forms to be filed with the Clerk Office are available free via download or at Remann Hall, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Effective 7-23-95)
  
  
• TRUANCY RCW 13.32A - Upon a child's fifth unexcused absence in a month, or upon a tenth unexcused absence in a year, the school district shall file a truancy petition in Juvenile Court. The petition can allege violations of truancy laws by the parent, child, or both. (Effective 9-1-95)
  
  
• CURFEW VIOLATIONS - City of Tacoma Ordinance No. 25629 - Prohibits minors 17 years of age and under from being out in a public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city, between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. (Effective 1-1-95)
  
  
• EMANCIPATION OF MINOR RCW 13.64 - Any minor who is 16 years of age and a resident of the state, may petition the court for a Declaration of Emancipation. This is a civil motion and requires a $50.00 filing fee. The petition is filed with the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office and the hearing is held at Juvenile Court. A packet of Emancipation Petition to be filed with the Clerk Office is available free via download or at Remann Hall, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, Wa 98406, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. explaining this law and containing forms necessary for filing. (Effective 1-1-94)
  
  
• MOTION / DECLARATION FOR ORDER REINSTATING DRIVING PRIVILEGE - For further information see Diversion. A packet of Motion/Declaration for Order Reinstating Privilege to be filed with the Clerk Office is available free via download or at Remann Hall, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, Wa 98406, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. explaining this law and containing forms necessary for filing.

To ask questions about hearing dates, please call 253-798-7900 and press option number 1 or dial extension 5815. For questions regarding paying court ordered costs or inquiring about restitution payments, please call 253-798-7914.

To make inquiries about court records please call 253-798-7915.

For inquiries about at risk youth, youth in need of services, or emancipation, please call 253-798-7913.

The Probation and Community Services department is responsible for the screening of all Juvenile Court referrals, making recommendations to the Court regarding the need for detention or shelter care, the preparation of predisposition reports, and for the direct supervision of youthful offenders.

Probation staff assigned to this department work with individual youth and families to provide the community of Pierce County with relevant rehabilitative juvenile probation services and programs consistent with community standards and public safety.

In addition, this department provides Guardian ad litem services for dependent children advocating for a child's present and long-term best interest. Throughout the Juvenile Court process, juveniles and their caretakers are treated with dignity and respect at all times in anticipation of their becoming sustaining, productive members of this community. Programs within this department are listed below:

Intake/Investigation

The Intake/Investigation Unit is the ''front line'' of the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Most cases begin their journey through the Juvenile Justice System in this Unit.

The Probation Officers in this Unit have the responsibility for youth who are not already on probation and who are in detention at Remann Hall. The Probation Officers must evaluate each youth's situation in regard to release or continued detention prior to the first appearance in Court. To complete this investigation, it is necessary to make contact with parents, schools, community agencies, and any other source that may have knowledge of the youth. This is all accomplished in a short period of time, as each detained youth must appear in Court within 24 hours of their entry into detention. Intake Probation Officers provide the judge with a written recommendation as to detention or release, based on the gathered information.

Intake Probation Officers transfer the case to the Community Supervision Unit after arraignment for completion of a risk assessment, Report to Court, and Court appearance for disposition. The exception to the transfer directly after arraignment, are those cases that are determined to be potential 'low risk' youth. When a youth is identified as a potential 'low risk' to reoffend, based on the initial interview, the Intake Probation Officer completes a pre-screen Risk Assessment, a short Report to Court and the disposition process. The case is then transferred to the Low Risk caseload. Intake Probation Officers do not carry a probation caseload.

Intake Probation Officers deal with detained 'Out of State' runaway youth, arranging with other jurisdictions the transportation of these youth to the state of legal residence. Probation Officers in the Intake Unit also work with other counties in the State of Washington, regarding warrants and transportation.

All of the commitment, decline, and mandatory adult jurisdiction cases are taken through disposition in the Intake Unit.

Community Supervision

This unit provides community supervision to moderate and high risk youth who are placed on probation by the court. The needs of the youth and family are determined by a risk assessment process which is administered to every youth prior to being placed on probation. The risk assessment process enables the Probation Officer, the youth and family to focus on certain domains in their life that contribute to the offending behavior. The youth and family are referred to services to address these areas. While providing case management services to the families, Probation Officers are also responsible for ensuring accountability and community safety.

CDDA Program (Chemical Dependency Disposition Alternative)

To those youth granted the opportunity to participate, this program provides community based treatment and supervision services in a specialized caseload consisting of chemically dependent or chemically abusing teenagers. Whether a youth is involved in a suspended commitment or local sanctions disposition, the framework of the program involves treatment and lifestyle change to promote a clean and sober environment. Using contracted service providers; an evaluation determines the level of treatment, which includes both intensive outpatient and/or inpatient drug/alcohol treatment. This is further supplemented with AA/NA meetings and sponsors. Quarterly reviews, which are held in open court, involve the treatment providers reports and are used to discuss progress and recommendations for a continuation of services. Depending upon a youth's compliance and accountability towards the program criteria, they may successfully graduate, complete or face revocation from the program.

SSODA Program (Special Sex Offender Disposition Alternative)

This program is limited to the first time adjudicated sex offender. The offenders are assessed to determine amenability to treatment and risk to the community. If the Court determines that community based treatment is appropriate, offense specific treatment, intensive counseling, and close monitoring is provided by probation counselors assigned to this unit. The goal of this program is to target first time sex offenders and aggressively pursue treatment. Youth failing to meet stringent requirements of supervision have their commitment revoked.

COMMUNITY JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (CJAA)

The Community Juvenile Accountability Act was enacted for the primary purpose of providing interventions that were research proven to be effective in reducing recidivism among juvenile offenders.

The CJAA programs that the Pierce County Juvenile Court uses are
Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Aggression Replacement Training (ART).

A juvenile's eligibility for any of these programs is determined through the risk assessment process.

Additional specialized programs within the Community Supervision Unit include CDDA and SSODA.

Dependency Services

This unit provides Guardian ad litem services to dependent children under the age of eighteen years who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected and/or have no parent(s) willing or capable to adequately care for the child. A Guardian ad litem advocates for the interests of the child, monitors all Court orders to insure compliance, and brings to the Court's attention any change in circumstances that may require modification of the Court Order. The Guardian ad litem, through his/her attorney, may subpoena, examine witnesses, cross examine witnesses, and bring motions to ensure that the best interests of the child will be protected by the Court.

Detention and Facilities Services is responsible for the welfare, safety, and security of residents, including their medical, mental health, and nutritional needs. In addition, our RHADD Program provides State certified intensive outpatient drug and alcohol programs for qualified youth. Facilities Services provides the maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

Youth are detained for offenses committed which vary from property crimes to crimes against people, including murder, rape, assault, and robbery. Many juvenile offenders have a multitude of problems which include drug and alcohol abuse, anger management problems, inadequate social skills, poor academic skills, little or no work skills, and/or dysfunctional family relationships, etc.

It is our mission to house juvenile offenders in a safe, secure, and humane living environment where they are cared for and supervised by professional, well trained staff. We believe that detention, while providing community protection, can also provide residents with an opportunity for constructive and positive change.

While in detention, youth receive the benefit of:

• 1. School programming, including special education assessments and programming;
• 2. Access to State certified intensive chemical dependency outpatient counseling, drug & alcohol screenings, and an AA program offered once a week;
• 3. Suicide risk assessments, along with stabilization therapy;
• 4. Medical screenings, assessments, and treatment.
• 5. Other programs for detained youth include access to religious services, stuctured learning regarding a variety of topics dealing with societal issues, HIV/STD education classess and a structured gymnasium program.

Attorneys, caseworkers, and parents may visit detained youth. However, the detainee has the right to refuse any visit not required by the court order. Children under the age seven of may visit with their parents but it is strongly suggested that other arrangements be made for their supervision. All other visitors are exceptions to policy and must have prior permission, initiated through the Probation Officer and approved by detention administration. Good cause must be established for these exceptions. All visitors must be at least 18 years of age or older.

Visitors who cannot supply positive identification or who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied the opportunity to visit.

Use of tobacco products in the visitation area is prohibited. Food and beverages are not permitted in visiting areas. Anything brought into detention for the juveniles must be cleared with detention staff. Intoxicants, unlawful drugs, or any object, which could be used as a weapon or as part of an escape attempt, are not permitted in the visitation area.

Profane and/or threatening behavior and behavior which is disruptive to others is not permitted and will result in the termination of the visit and the possible loss of visiting privileges. Detention shift supervisors have the authority to veto or terminate any visit if the visit compromises the safety and security of the facility, detainee, or staff.

Visiting hours: (one per day) Mon-Fri: 6-7PM or 7-8PM, Sat & Sun & Holidays: 9-10AM or 10-11AM or 6-7PM or 7-8PM. Visitors must sign in no later than 10 minutes prior to the hour they wish to visit in. Visitors requesting visits outside of normal visiting time must obtain written approval from their child?s Probation Officer. Visitors will sign in and sign out of the registry indicating that they understand and agree to abide by all of the visitation rules. Visitors must store all belongings in a locker located in the lobby. Visitors may have to satisfactorily pass through a metal detector and may be searched if detention staff have reason to believe they are in possession of weapons or contraband. A maximum of three visitors per visit is allowed. If the number of visitors exceeds the visiting rooms available, visitors will be allowed to visit as soon as room becomes free. No personal items may be brought into visiting for youth.

Office Location: 950 South Fawcett, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402
Mailing Address: 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
Office Hours: Monday ? Friday, 8:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (253) 798-7981

First-time juvenile offenders referred by police for a misdemeanor offense have the opportunity to have their cases handled through Diversion, rather than Court. To be eligible for Diversion, the juvenile must not have a record of prior serious offenses. Typically, these cases involve youth ages 8 to 17 who are alleged to have committed offenses such as shoplifting and other thefts, possession of alcohol or marijuana, minor assault or harassment, malicious mischief, trespassing, and traffic offenses (for youth 15 years of age and under).

The juvenile and his/her parent or guardian meets with a Community Accountability Board and/or Diversion staff. They do not go before a judge or have a Court hearing. The records are confidential and legal representation is not required. However, the juvenile does have the right to speak with an attorney prior to accepting Diversion and may also choose to contest the alleged offense and have the matter referred to Court. A juvenile will not have to pay for an attorney if they cannot afford one.

The juvenile will receive notification by mail scheduling their Diversion appointment approximately two weeks prior to the appointment date.

A Community Accountability Board is made up of trained volunteers from the local community. These citizen volunteers meet with the youth and his/her parents or guardian, discuss the offense, and gather other pertinent information. The Board members then determine the terms and conditions of the youth?s Diversion Agreement.

A Diversion Agreement is a written contract. It may include restitution for injury/loss/damage to a victim, a fine of up to $100.00, participation in various programs such as community service, personal counseling, and informational sessions, required school attendance, observation of a curfew, restrictions from certain areas, or no contact with a victim. The Diversion office then follows up with the youth to ensure they complete the Diversion Agreement.

Diversion is a means to deal with local problems by utilizing local volunteers who represent the community?s best interest. Diversion is considerably less expensive than formal court processing. The Diversion Program works with community service organizations, counseling services, the police, the schools, the juveniles themselves, and their families thus providing a community response to juvenile crime. In short, Diversion allows the community to assume responsibility for its juvenile crime problems, and makes the youth accountable to the community for his or her behavior.

Diverting a substantial number of juvenile offenders also allows the Court to spend the necessary time and resources on the more serious and chronic offenders in the system.

Diversion programs and Courts are required to notify the department of licensing (DOL) to revoke a juvenile?s driving privilege for any youth age 13 years or older who enters into a Diversion Agreement or is adjudicated or convicted of a drug or alcohol related offense. The revocation is for one year or until age 17, whichever is longer. Two or more offenses require a two year revocation or until age 18, whichever is longer.

However, early reinstatement of driving privileges is possible if a juvenile successfully completes their Diversion requirements. For a first offense, early reinstatement is possible 90 days after their 16th birthday or 90 days after the Diversion Agreement was signed. On a second offense, early reinstatement is possible one year after the Diversion Agreement was signed, or at age 17, whichever is longer. A juvenile also cannot apply for a learner?s permit until their driving privilege has been reinstated.

When the revocation time is up DOL will notify the juvenile. They will be required to take the written and driving test again and pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the licensing fees.

As required by RCW 13.04.155, whenever any juvenile enrolled in a common school enters into a Diversion Agreement, is convicted in adult criminal court, or adjudicated in juvenile court for the following offenses, the principal of the student?s school must be notified, after first notifying the parent or legal guardian that such notification will be made:

• a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030;
• a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030;
• inhaling toxic fumes under in RCW 9.47A;
• a controlled substances violation under RCW 69.50;
• a liquor violation under RCW 66.44.270;
• and any crime under RCW chapters 9.41, 9A.36, 9A.40, 9A.46, and 9A.48.

(This notification, and a detailed listing of the actual offenses, is included along with the appointment letter when the juvenile is scheduled for their Diversion appointment.)

Any information received by a principal or school personnel under this section is confidential and may not be further disseminated except as provided by law.

Youth may be required to perform community service work by the Juvenile Court or the Diversion Program. The individual agency has to be a non-profit business, this means they cannot make money from your service to their business. The most common businesses are your local police, fire departments, libraries, schools, hospitals, food banks, and/or churches. There are also supervised community service work crews assigned through the Diversion Program.

At individual work sites it is important to have your assigned supervisor keep a written log of the dates and times you attended your hours because you will need to provide the Diversion Program with written documentation of completion.

It is also important to select a site that meets your needs. You may want to inquire as to how many hours you may work in any given day and how soon you would be able to start and complete. You will want to let the work site know that you have a timeline to report back to the Diversion Program.

If you have questions you may contact the Juvenile Court Community Service Program at 798-7986.

CAN DIVERSION RECORDS BE SEALED? Yes.

The Court can grant the Motion to Seal a Diversion Record if the person has completed their Diversion Agreement and

• has spent 2 consecutive years in the community without committing any offenses or crime that subsequently results in conviction or diversion; and
• has no criminal proceeding pending against them; and
• has no Diversion pending; and
• full restitution has been paid.

Youth/parents must contact the Diversion Program to get the paperwork process started. Records are not sealed automatically, it must be requested.

CAN DIVERSION RECORDS BE DESTROYED? Yes.

A person 18 years of age or older whose criminal history consists of only 1 Diversion referral may request that the court order the records in that case be destroyed. The court shall grant the request if 2 years has elapsed since completion of the Diversion Agreement.

A person 23 years of age or older whose criminal history consists of only referrals for Diversion may request that the court order the records in those cases be destroyed. The court shall grant the request if the court finds that all Diversion Agreements have been successfully completed and no proceeding is pending against the person seeking the conviction of a criminal offense.

Youth/parents must contact the Diversion Program to get the paperwork process started. Records are not destroyed automatically, it must be requested.

If you have questions you may contact the Diversion office at 253-798-7640.

RELATED RCW?S

RCW 13.40.020, RCW 13.40.080, RCW 13.50.050, and RCW 13.04.155.

Each year approximately 12,000 youngsters come to the attention of the Pierce County Juvenile Court (Remann Hall). Whatever their problems and whatever the solutions, these kids need help - assistance that staff cannot always give without a lending hand.

Volunteers extend, enhance, and add a creative dimension to the service of the Court. Not only do the youngsters benefit, but those who volunteer often reap rewards that are more valuable than money can buy. Whether it be as a friend, mentor, helper, advisor, advocate, or teacher, volunteers add a creative dimension to the children's services at Remann Hall. The extra programs that volunteers provide take extra special people. There are 350 of these kind of people who invest themselves in the future of Court referred youth.

Volunteer positions: see detailed job listing and descriptions to find your niche. Feel free to fill out Volunteer Website Registration form and return to Lin Spellman.

Volunteers make a real difference, because they definitely care about the problems of youth in Pierce County. The benefits they gain are definitely equal to those they give.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Lin Spellman at 253-798-3837 or by email lspellm@co.pierce.wa.us

NOTE: Area Code 253 applies to all agency listed telephone numbers.

INFORMATION: 253-798-7900

Shelly Maluo - Administrator

TJ Bohl - Asst. Administrator

ADOPTION:798-7976

CLERKS:798-5815

DIVERSION: 798-7981

TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL: 571-1000

VOLUNTEER SERVICES: 798-3837

PROBATION:

Dependency Services

798-7948 Lowery, Julie: Sup.

798-7929 Appling, Carrie

798-7930 Bridges, Janice (CASA)

798-7928 Delgado, Jesse

798-7957 Dunne-Murphy, Julie

798-7888 Jensen, Erik

798-7938 Kellogg, Laura (CASA)

798-7891 Shagren, Mark

798-7926 Wea, Edwin

Intake/Investigation/BECCA

798-7920 Balazic, Arlene: Sup.

798-7922 Caro, Jessie

798-7960 Fong, Diana (Low Risk)

798-7944 Isakson, Pam (BECCA)

798-7946 Joseph, Yolanda

798-7952 Mednansky, Sally

798-7917 Robinson, Marty (BECCA)

798-7940 Varela, Tara

Field Probation Unit I

798-4885 Bogardus, Todd:Sup.

798-7921 Bowden, Edward

798-7983 Delano, Michelle

798-7953 Gough, Karen

798-7937 Hendley, Ann

798-7897 Holand, Kathleen

798-7947 Labrecque, Jill

798-7899 Lorenz, Tracy

798-3343 Salas, Marco

798-7995 Schaad, Joy

798-7961 Williams, Kevin

Field Probation Unit II

798-7967 Vicki Turner: Sup.

798-7924 Chapel, James

798-7896 Davis, Christal

798-7934 Downey-Chamberlin, Kelly

798-7987 Gillam, John

798-7939 Heppell, Kathleen (CDDA)

798-7950 Mays, Shell

798-7964 Melzo, Dawn

798-7955 Moore, John (SSODA)

798-7932 Oliversen, Kris

798-4843 Pickett, Eric

798-4852 Sauve, Shara

798-7936 Strozier, Vickie

798-7964 Thompson, Angela

798-7969 Wilson, Toni

Alternative Detention Services

798-3358 Borner, Tina: Sup.

798-3355 Anderson, Marin

798-7341 Reichelp, Donita

Address:

5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
Information Telephone: 798-7900

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