How are teenagers admitted to the Secure Crisis Inpatient Center?
Youth are admitted to the Secure Crisis Inpatient Center ONLY by law enforcement personnel under the following circumstances:
Runaway Youth:
The teenager is apprehended by police
AND
no criminal charges or warrants are in effect
BUT
A runaway report has been filed
AND
The law enforcement officer has been unsuccessful at returning the teenager to home, either because the parent(s) or guardian(s) are not available, or are unwilling to receive the teen.
AND
The teen is deemed to be at high risk to run away from a less secure setting.
Dangerous Situation:
The teenager is apprehended by the police
AND
no criminal charges or warrants are in effect
BUT
the teenager is in a dangerous situation
AND
the parent(s) or guardian(s) are unavailable or unwilling to receive the teen
AND
The teen is deemed to be at high risk to run away from a less secure setting.
What if a teen or the parent wants the teen to be admitted?
If the teen and parents are willing participants, contact the Regional Crisis Inpatient Center at 509-624-2868 – Teens may be admitted to this center as a safe place away from crises at home, and a place to initiate or work on family reconciliation. This is a non-secure, voluntary program
If the parent wants the admission, but the teen is unwilling:
What is the “Becca Bill”?
The Runaway Youth Act, (commonly known as the Becca Bill), made changes to a number of existing laws and regulations to allow parents, teens, and law enforcement personnel to respond to a teen who is in danger, or who has run away from home, or whose behavior is causing serious problems. Several provisions of this legislation include:
All CHINS or ARY petitions must be filed with DSHS and the local Juvenile Court. DSHS will provide Family Reconciliation Services to assess and devise a plan for the teen and the family. The Juvenile Court will hear the petition and oversee the caarrying out of the services that are recommended.
For more information you may call: