General Orders of Division II

2006-1 Privacy of Juveniles Found Dependent Under Chapter 13.34 RCW

GENERAL ORDER 2006-1

IN RE THE WELFARE OF ALL JUVENILES FOUND DEPENDENT UNDER CHAPTER 13.34 RCW (SUPERSEDING GENERAL ORDER 87-1)        

    In 1987, the Department of Social and Health Services moved for this court to recaption all appeals concerning juvenile dependency proceedings under chapter 13.34 RCW.  The Department referred to the policy expressed in that chapter that juvenile dependency records are to be kept confidential and asked that this court routinely recaption each appeal by using the juvenile's initials to serve the overall objective of ensuring confidentiality of the juveniles.  We granted that motion and issued General Order 87-1.  On review of its general orders, and in light of the increased availability of juvenile dependency records on electronic sources, the Court concludes that additional steps are required to ensure confidentiality of the juveniles. Accordingly it is hereby

            ORDERED that General Order 87-1 is superseded.  It is further

            ORDERED that the Clerk shall recaption all appeals from dependency proceedings by using the juveniles' initials in place of their names.  It is further

            ORDERED that in all opinions, orders, and rulings, this Court shall use initials or pseudonyms in place of the juveniles’ names and in place of the juveniles’ parents’ names.  It is further

            ORDERED that in all pleading, motions, and briefs filed with this Court, all parties shall use initials or pseudonyms in place of the juveniles’ names and in place of the juveniles’ parents’ names.