Parent Financial Responsibility

The 2022 Legislature passed SHB 2050, which repealed RCW 13.40.220, Washington State’s Parent Pay Statute, effective June 9, 2022.

On that date, Washington State will no longer require parent payment for the cost of their child’s support, treatment, and confinement in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Juvenile Rehabilitation residential facilities. That law also repeals the ability of courts to order parents or custodial persons to pay or contribute to the payment of the costs of their child’s detention.

SHB 2050 cancels existing debts or other obligations, including interest charges owed by the parents or other legally obligated persons, and terminates all pending actions or proceedings against the parents or other legally obligated persons to recover the debt owed. The law does not apply to money collected or paid to DCYF or the courts before the effective date.

For a copy of the notice and FAQs for parents of youth in JR facilities, please click here.

For more information, contact the DSHS Office of Financial Recovery by calling: 360-664-5700, 1-800-562-6114, or TTY WA 1-800-833-6388.