Equity How programs for homeless youth pivoted in the pandemic Upended by COVID-19, some service providers went online, took to the road or otherwise found new ways to aid homeless youth and young adults. by Allegra Abramo & Sam Leeds Youth Today / February 7, 2022
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 Foster parents say ‘retaliation’ by caseworkers means fewer families to help kids in need Records portray a culture of fear, even as Washington state attempts to respond to a flood of new cases. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / January 15, 2020
Equity In Washington’s foster care system, aging out often means ending up in prison When state support ends, many leaving the foster system find themselves on their own with no job skills or support system. by Allegra Abramo Youth Today / December 17, 2019
Politics New WA state budget won’t solve problem of foster kids in crisis The state Legislature approved nearly $16 million in new funding last week, but the effort may come up short in fixing an overwhelmed system. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / March 19, 2020
News WA advocates call for freezing foster care ‘age-out’ during pandemic Young adults aging out of foster care face unique challenges in normal times, say advocates. Now, they face even greater risks. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / June 3, 2020
News Birth parents fight to visit kids in foster system during pandemic Seeing their children in person may put parents, as well as foster families and social workers, at risk, but can the state stop them? by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 22, 2020 / Updated on Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m.
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
News Pandemic pushes WA foster care group homes into lose-lose dilemmas With one group home losing a state contract after turning away infected youth, operators at other homes fear state retaliation. by Rachel Nielsen & Robert McClure InvestigateWest / August 14, 2020 / Updated at 5:53 p.m. Aug. 14
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