Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Considerations. (Contingent effective date.)
RCW 71.34.706
in effect(1) Whenever a designated crisis responder or professional person is conducting an evaluation under this chapter, the designated crisis responder or professional person must consider all reasonably available information from credible witnesses and records regarding: (a) Historical behavior, including history of one or more violent acts; and (b) Prior commitments under this chapter. (2) Credible witnesses may include family members, landlords, neighbors, teachers, school personnel, or others with significant contact and history of involvement with the minor. If the designated crisis responder relies upon information from a credible witness in reaching his or her decision to detain the minor, then he or she must provide contact information for any such witness to the prosecutor. The designated crisis responder or prosecutor shall provide notice of the date, time, and location of the probable cause hearing to such a witness. (3) Symptoms and behavior of the minor which standing alone would not justify civil commitment may support a finding of grave disability or likelihood of serious harm, when: (a) Such symptoms or behavior are closely associated with symptoms or behavior which preceded and led to a past incident of involuntary hospitalization, severe deterioration from safe behavior, or one or more violent acts; (b) These symptoms or behavior represent a marked and concerning change in the baseline behavior of the minor; and (c) Without treatment, the continued deterioration of the minor is probable.
(1) Whenever a designated crisis responder or professional person is conducting an evaluation under this chapter, the designated crisis responder or professional person must consider all reasonably available information from credible witnesses and records regarding:
(a) Historical behavior, including history of one or more violent acts; and
(b) Prior commitments under this chapter.
(2) Credible witnesses may include family members, landlords, neighbors, teachers, school personnel, or others with significant contact and history of involvement with the minor. If the designated crisis responder relies upon information from a credible witness in reaching his or her decision to detain the minor, then he or she must provide contact information for any such witness to the prosecutor. The designated crisis responder or prosecutor shall provide notice of the date, time, and location of the probable cause hearing to such a witness.
(3) Symptoms and behavior of the minor which standing alone would not justify civil commitment may support a finding of grave disability or likelihood of serious harm, when:
(a) Such symptoms or behavior are closely associated with symptoms or behavior which preceded and led to a past incident of involuntary hospitalization, severe deterioration from safe behavior, or one or more violent acts;
(b) These symptoms or behavior represent a marked and concerning change in the baseline behavior of the minor; and
(c) Without treatment, the continued deterioration of the minor is probable.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=71.34&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026