Washington legal term
Responsible adult in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Responsible adult” 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 “Responsible adult” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Responsible adult" means a person specifically authorized by the department who is over the age of 21 and: (i) Has a familial, kinship, or caretaker relationship to a minor; (ii) Is an educational, medical, legal, social service, or Washington state licensed mental health professional who provides support directly to a minor in a professional capacity; or (iii) Is an employee of a government entity and provides support to a minor in a professional capacity. (RCW 46.20.075)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.