Washington State Foster Care Placement Exceptions For Hotel Rooms Or Offices Up 23% During 2020

Between 2019 and 2020, the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) sought 23% more placement exceptions to temporarily house children in hotel rooms, a DCYF office, or other atypical placement until a family foster home or other foster care placement was available. During 2019, DCYF sought placement exceptions for 1,513 nights. During 2020, DCYF sought exceptions for 1,863 nights.

The trend in DCYF placement exceptions was noted by the Washington Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds in its annual report. This report provides an account of OFCO’s complaint investigation activities from September 1 . . .