In re the Interest of J.L.

*440¶1

Quinn-Brintnall, J.

Effectively addressing the problem of at-risk youth and school attendance is a major and complex dilemma facing schools and the juvenile courts. In an attempt to protect and guide children, our legislature mandates school attendance for children age 8 through 17. RCW 28A.225.010(1). We do not question the rehabilitative motives underlying statutes purporting to authorize juvenile court orders to detain truant juveniles. Nevertheless, due process prohibits incarceration without due process of law. Incarcerating truants is a punishment that may not be constitutionally…