Washington Lawmakers Demand DCYF Data on Rising Child Abuse Cases
Washington state lawmakers are seeking updated information from the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) regarding critical incidents involving young ones under state supervision. The first quarter of 2025 saw a concerning rise in such incidents, with 27 cases reported, including 16 involving young ones aged 0 to 3. Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane, has criticized DCYF for not releasing current data, questioning what the department is trying to hide from citizens.
DCYF later amended the number of incidents down to 22, reporting that five of the cases were determined not to be parental abuse or neglect. The Senate Human Services Committee received a briefing on the impact of House Bill 1227, also known as the Keeping Families Together Act, which aims to reduce the number of young ones entering foster care by changing how courts make decisions regarding removal. Nearly 60% of young ones are now placed in kin, or relative suitable, placement since the implementation of the law. Critics blame the law for an increasing number of critical incidents involving young ones who have died or nearly died after being left in the care of their parents, despite reports of potential abuse or neglect, often involving drug abuse, to DCYF. Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, has been trying to pass legislation to address the increase in young fatalities within DCYF and will attempt again to find support for House Bill 1092, which he sees as a fix to the Keeping Families Together Act.
The rise in critical incidents involving young ones under DCYF supervision has raised concerns among lawmakers. While the Keeping Families Together Act aims to keep families together, some argue it may be contributing to an increase in young fatalities. Rep. Couture plans to introduce House Bill 1092 as a potential solution, but further investigation and data from DCYF are needed to fully understand the situation and its causes.
