Custody

The questions above deal with limitations that a judge can place on a parent if the parent sexually abused “any child.” However, if the abusive parent sexually abused your child specifically, the limitations are much stricter. The judge cannot allow contact between the abusive parent and the child unless the child’s therapist or an evaluator who evaluated the child recommends it. The therapist or evaluator must confirm that the child is ready for contact with the parent and will not be harmed by it.¹

If the judge does order contact because the therapist or evaluator recommended it, the contact must be supervised.² The supervisor must be a neutral and independent adult who is willing and able to protect the child from harm. The judge can revoke approval if the supervisor fails to protect the child or is no longer willing or able to protect the child.³

¹ R.C.W. § 26.09.0001(2)(b)
² R.C.W. § 26.09.0001(4)(c)(iii)
³ R.C.W. § 26.09.0001(4)(c)(i)