Loss of Trust: A Crisis of Confidence in the Child Welfare System in Colville
May 2009 In June 2008, concerns expressed by a state legislator and the Stevens County prosecutor prompted the Washington Department of Social and Health Services to ask the Washington Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman to examine child welfare practice in Colville, Washington. Between June 2008 and May 2009, the ombudsman spoke with child welfare participants and stakeholders. They included parents, DSHS social workers, CASA volunteers, foster parents, relative care givers, service providers, attorneys, and court administrators. The ombudsman also investigated 62 case-specific complaints. Of the 62 complaints, 44 are closed including 16 with adverse findings and . . .
