News A foster system paradox: Parents billed for care of their children Studies show charging child support extends family separations and can spur years of debt for parents in poverty. WA is pushing to change the practice. by Claudia Rowe / March 22, 2022
Equity WA officials want to end fees charged to parents for kids' jail time Hundreds of families owe the state a total of $1.1 million in outstanding detention fees, a practice made legal in WA 45 years ago. by Claudia Rowe / February 10, 2022
Opinion In Maple Valley hit-and-run case, revenge isn’t the answer Some want the young teen who killed a man with a car to be tried as an adult. Here's why I think they're wrong. by Claudia Rowe / October 12, 2021 / Updated on Nov. 2, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Opinion Why I’m holding my applause for Washington’s new foster care law It’s laudable that the state law focuses on preventing family separations, but is it enough? by Claudia Rowe / May 11, 2021
Politics WA lawmakers look to keep families together in foster care reform The legislation emerged from meetings of parents, agencies, advocates and others seeking to turn ‘foster care on its head.’ by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / April 9, 2021
Opinion Let’s not squander the chance to reimagine education in Washington state Our state is long overdue for an injection of creative thinking to solve our education woes. by Claudia Rowe / March 18, 2021
Equity After leaving addiction treatment, young adults often face homelessness Washington state lawmakers have pledged to provide support for this at-risk group by the end of the year. by Allegra Abramo Youth Today / July 22, 2020
Equity Washington sees surge of foster kids placed in hotels while they wait for treatment The Legislature may boost funds requested by Gov. Jay Inslee to better address severe behavioral cases. by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / January 30, 2020 / Updated at 10:50 a.m.
Equity Head trauma, painful restraints: WA foster kids face abuse out of state The state removed foster kids from an Iowa facility following reports of abuse, but red flags abound at other group homes. by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / February 5, 2019
Politics Foster kids trapped as WA system collapses Washington kids are being warehoused in hotels and shipped out of state. by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / September 21, 2018