In a Dependency, Absent a Showing of Actual Harm, DSHS Is Required to Provide Therapeutic Visitation Between the Children and the Mother

A new case from division three, in re Dependency of Tyler L. and Brenden B, No. 27033-5-III and No. 27034-3-III, found that the trial court’s failure to order therapeutic visitation between the children and their mother was an abuse of discretion.
Absent a showing of actual harm, the court reasoned, DSHS was required to provide therapeutic visitation services. Such services would assist with the child’s attachment disorder, help both children deal with stress generated by the visits, and help remedy parental deficiencies.