In time of test, family is best.  ~Burmese Proverb

LEGAL

Not everyone is entitled to "free" services.  You won't obtain any services unless you are a "party to the case."  This is unfair when it takes legal action to become a party.

Check to see if you qualify as a De Facto Parent.  If your grandchildren/niece/nephew lived with you and you played a parental role with the parents permission, then you might be eligible.  If you can qualify, then you can become a party to the case.

Warning: That might mean paying child support if the parents aren't.  This isn't always the case, however.

Legal help and considerations:

http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/federal/federalchildlaws.cfm

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/cguide.htm

http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/WA/index.cfm

http://www.nwjustice.org/links/courtforms.html

http://www.wsba.org/Lawyers/groups/probono/default.htm

http://www.waappleseed.org/cat_index_50.shtml

http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/guide/legal/organizations/washington/index.html

http://www.legalwa.org/

http://www.eaglelawoffices.com/seattle-family-law/visitation_law_washington.html

http://www.tomweaverlaw.com/CM/FamilyLawOverview/Dependencies-Terminations-of-Rights.asp  CHECK THIS OUT

Also, look up attorney Gary Preble in Washington State. He is expensive but has a good track record.

Radio broadcasts online for family rights: http://justiceforallamericans.com/family_rights_radio.htm

GRANDPARENT AND EXTENDED FAMILY SUPPORT

http://www.grandparentagain.com/community/support_washington.html

http://www.grandparentsrightsofwashington.org/  

http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/kinshipcare/

http://home1.gte.net/res02wo7/links.htm (good resource site)

https://www.cwla.org/programs/kinship/2005statefactsheets/washington.pdf

The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family.  ~Lee Iacocca

PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS

http://kidjacked.com/

http://citizensforparentalrights.org/

http://www.opd.wa.gov/

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_you_lose_parental_rights_in_Washington_State_because_you_are_in_prison

http://wnla.tripod.com/id67.html

http://www.nwwlc.org/publications/family/ParentsRightsDependency.pdf  IMPORTANT

http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Parents/waparent.html

http://www.fightcps.com

http://www.familyrightsassociation.com

OTHER

http://www.washingtonstatecasa.org/CASA/outcomes.htm

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/termination_of_parental_rights/index.html

http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/articles.cfm?issue_id=2004-03&article_id=782

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/nov/05110401.html

I don't have to look up my family tree, because I know that I'm the sap.  ~Fred Allen

Back to homepage.....                       washingtonstateextendedfamilies@live.com

To ask for help or file a complaint:

Ombudsman Program: http://www.governor.wa.gov/ofco/    They can investigate your claim to see if what is done is legal

Constituant Services: 

http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/legrel/constituantservices/

  They act as a mediator but will usually side with CPS

Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings: www.oah.wa.gov/ Where you are most likely to get an objective fair hearing

To file a complaint regarding a judge you may do so at the Commission on Judicial Conduct or CJC as it is referred to. www.cjc.state.wa.us/