Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 26-413, authorizing approval of Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement PS-HS-25-32 with TMD Law, PLLC, for CASA Attorney Services
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DEPARTMENT: Human Services
ORIGINATOR: Zachary Anderson
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved Lacey Harper 10/13/26
PURPOSE: To amend professional services contract PS-HS-25-32 to increase the contract maximum from $50,000 to $200,000 effective for the current contract term, January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
BACKGROUND: Professional Services Contract PS-HS-25-32 was executed on January 14, 2026, with a qualified attorney to provide legal representation and independent legal counsel for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers in dependency and termination of parental rights cases under Chapter 13.34 RCW.
Every day in Snohomish County, children enter the court system through no fault of their own, separated from their families due to abuse or neglect. The Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates who champion the best interests of these vulnerable children throughout the dependency court process.
Under Washington State law (RCW 13.34.100), courts are mandated to appoint a guardian ad litem for children in dependency matters. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of children navigating the complex dependency system, often becoming the one constant presence in a child's life during periods of uncertainty and transition.
To fulfill their critical advocacy role, CASA volunteers require professional legal representation and counsel. This contract provides essential legal services including representation at hearings and reviews, legal consultation, research and pleadings, training, discovery assistance, and public records response.
The CASA Program maintains attorney contracts to ensure volunteers have access to qualified legal counsel. This co...
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