Washington § 13.34.020 - Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured — Rights of child.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.020 — Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured — Rights of child., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13.34.020. Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured — Rights of child.

The legislature declares that the family unit is a fundamental resource of American life which should be nurtured. Toward the continuance of this principle, the legislature declares that the family unit should remain intact unless a child's right to conditions of basic nurture, health, or safety is jeopardized. When the rights of basic nurture, physical and mental health, and safety of the child and the legal rights of the parents are in conflict, the rights and safety of the child should prevail. In making reasonable efforts under this chapter, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern. The right of a child to basic nurturing includes the right to a safe, stable, and permanent home and a speedy resolution of any proceeding under this chapter.
[ 1998 c 314 s 1; 1990 c 284 s 31; 1987 c 524 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 291 s 30.]

Notes

Finding—Effective date—1990 c 284: See notes following RCW 74.13.250.
Effective dates—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 13.04.005.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 13.34.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.020 cover?

Section 13.34.020 ("Legislative declaration of family unit as resource to be nurtured — Rights of child.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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