Truancy and at-risk youth programs

Learn more about the processes and services available to children and their families for needed services and support.

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 Becca Bill addresses several areas of public policy, including those affecting truant, at-risk, and runaway youth.

King County Superior Court operates and manages three programs -- At-Risk Youth, Child in Need of Services, and Truancy -- 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.

Learn more about BECCA services below:

** New:  Pre-Petition Case Management Support Services and Family Mediation