13.32A.044 - Multidisciplinary team -- Purpose -- Authority.

Multidisciplinary team — Purpose — Authority.

(1) The purpose of the multidisciplinary team is to assist in a coordinated referral of the family to available social and health-related services.

     (2) The team shall have the authority to evaluate the juvenile, and family members, if appropriate and agreed to by the parent, and shall:

     (a) With parental input, develop a plan of appropriate available services and assist the family in obtaining those services;

     (b) Make a referral to the designated chemical dependency specialist or the county designated mental health professional, if appropriate;

     (c) Recommend no further intervention because the juvenile and his or her family have resolved the problem causing the family conflict; or

     (d) With the parent's consent, work with them to achieve reconciliation of the child and family.

     (3) At the first meeting of the multidisciplinary team, it shall choose a member to coordinate the team's efforts. The parent member of the multidisciplinary team must agree with the choice of coordinator. The team shall meet or communicate as often as necessary to assist the family.

     (4) The coordinator of the multidisciplinary team may assist in filing a child in need of services petition when requested by the parent or child or an at-risk youth petition when requested by the parent. The multidisciplinary team shall have no standing as a party in any action under this title.

     (5) If the administrator is unable to contact the child's parent, the multidisciplinary team may be used for assistance. If the parent has not been contacted within five days the administrator shall contact the department and request the case be reviewed for a dependency filing under chapter 13.34 RCW.

[2000 c 123 § 5; 1995 c 312 § 14.]

Notes: Short title -- 1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.