GAL grievance clarification of Rule Confidentiality

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to RCW Ch. 42.56 (Public Records Act), I hereby request the following records:

Kitsap County Superior Court recently adapted a new policy for handling Grievances filed after a case has been concluded which is different from the policy for handling grievances filed during a pending matter. The new policy is set to take effect on September 1, 2017 and it in part states the following:

(A) Scope. This rule pertains to any grievance which relates to the conduct of
custody investigators in cases which are no longer pending before the
[Superior] Court. [but were heard by the Superior Court] Such grievances will be directed to the Juvenile Court Director and
handled as a personnel matter.

The soon to be implemented procedure indicates a procedure which does not comport with State Rules for a grievance that is filed once a matter has been closed. The deviation from State Rules deems it reasonable for the Public to take an interest and necessitates an explanation:

Considering the ‘new rule’ it is worth considering that the Juvenile Court Director may not be party to Superior Court proceedings involving private citizens and Guardian Ad Litem who may not be affiliated with Juvenile Court.

1) Please provide access to the Documents which address consideration for how the transfer of grievance information to a Court which has no jurisdiction over the litigants or the officials of the court maintains and preserves confidentiality rules.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Penny Allen