Washington’s Hope Cards Program: Increasing Victim Safety and Efficiency in Reporting Protection Order Violations
I often tell my clients to retain court pleadings for their records, but, in protection order matters, I urge my clients to keep multiple hard copies of the order. In the event the restrained party violates a protection order, you will need information about your protection order to report the violation to law enforcement. For this reason, I ask my clients to keep a hard copy in their car, purse/bag, and house. But the days of carrying around your protection orders are no more!
As of January 1, 2025, protected parties can receive what are called “Hope Cards.” These are durable, laminated cards (like a driver’s license) that contains all the information law enforcement needs to understand your protection order. These are even easier to carry around than your old vaccination cards!
A protected person only needs to request a Hope Card from the Clerk’s Office at any time while the order is in effect. Without cost, you will receive an original and duplicate. The card contains the following information:
- The restrained person’s name, date of birth, sex, race, eye color, hair color, height, weight, and other distinguishing features;
- The protected person’s name and date of birth (as well as any minor children subject to the Order); and
- The court, case number, date of issuance and expiration, and any other relevant provisions in the order – including a list of locations the restrained party may not go.
The Hope Cards may also contain a QR code (or something similar) that allows law enforcement to immediately review a digital record of the protection order and case history.
The Washington Legislature’s goal is to increase the effectiveness of law enforcements’ ability to keep protected parties safe. Washington looked to Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, who have had great success with similar programs.
Because the program is new, there may be some kinks to work out, but I will now insist my clients carry their Hope Card (and keep a picture on their phone), instead of carrying around a packet of pleadings.
For more information, see RCW 7.105.352, contact your County Clerk, or contact Beresford Booth at info@beresfordlaw.com or by phone at (425) 776-4100.
