Washington legal term
Foster care in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Foster care” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Foster care” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Foster care" means temporary physical care in a foster family home or group care facility as defined in RCW 74.15.020 and licensed by the department, or other legally authorized care; (15) "Institution" means a juvenile facility established pursuant to chapters 72.05 and 72.16 through 72.20 RCW; (16) "Intensive supervision program" means a parole program that requires intensive supervision and monitoring, offers an array of individualized treatment and transitional services, and emphasizes community involvement and support in order to reduce the likelihood a juvenile offender will commit furt (RCW 13.40.020)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.