Judge Patricia H. Clark was a strong advocate for youth involved in the justice system. As a commissioner for King County Superior Court, Judge Clark handled many cases involving at-risk youth and children in need of services, also known as ARY and CHINS cases. In 1998, she joined the Superior Court bench, where she continued to serve until her retirement in 2013.

During her tenure, Judge Clark left her mark on Juvenile Court, including stints as chief juvenile judge and chief advocate. As mentioned in a 2019 story by Superior Court:

“[Clark] was innovative and worked tirelessly to build bridges with the community, always striving for fairness – telling anyone who would listen that we had to do better by our children.”

Sadly, Judge Clark passed away on Nov. 7, 2015. In recognition of her decades of service and youth advocacy, the King County Council voted to name a new justice facility in Seattle’s Squire Park neighborhood after Judge Clark.

All King County employees and residents are invited to continue to honor her legacy when referring to the facility in one of three ways:

• Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (the official full name of the facility, suitable for all uses)
• Clark Children and Family Justice Center (a shortened reference also suitable for all uses)
• Clark CFJC or CCFJC (suitable for emails, staff memos, or other internal references to the facility, or in any second reference to the facility)