In 1993, a 13-year-old runaway named Rebecca Hedman ("Becca") was murdered in Spokane, Washington, far from her home in Tacoma. A group of parents and legislators came together and successfully pushed for legislation (passed in 1995) that was designed to prevent situations like Becca's from happening again. The so-called "Becca Bill" addresses several areas of public policy, including those affecting truant, at-risk, and runaway youth.
Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court operates and manages three programs -- Truancy, At-Risk Youth, and Child in Need of Services -- as part of its obligation to provide court services under the Becca Bill. These programs are designed to support families and school districts and to help them meet their statutory and court-ordered obligations when filing Becca petitions.
The law is changing in these areas so please make sure to find out the most current status by checking laws in this area.
Below is more information about the current programs: