Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: dependancy court

It depends. If the court order identifies a particular program, you have no choice. Otherwise, if you want the government to pay for it, you will be limited to the ones they choose. This is nice as far as payment, but it can be problematic because the state has its hired guns who depend on the state for their income.

I would call the local DSHS office--not necessarily CPS--(or have someone else call for you so they don't recognize your voice) and ask what treatment programs have contracts with the state. If one of those is ok with you, choose it.

You need to have your attorney backing you up. Don't appear uncooperative because they will hold that against you. But at the same time be firm that you will choose your treatment program.

Remember that the caseworker doesn't own you. But also don't forget that she has your kids. Go to my website and look at the rattlesnake page. Also read my letter to the Maine newspaper.