OFCO in the News

Documents: Teen was abused, tortured before her death - Elisa Jaffe & Staff, KOMO News

October 24, 2012

Report recommends changes to protect adopted children in state from abuse - Maria Arcega-Dunn, Q13 - Fox Newss

October 23, 2012

Report is 'call to arms' on Washington's adoption system - John Langeler, KING 5 News

October 23, 2012

Report links rash of abuse, state adoption policy flaws - Paris Achen, The Columbian

October 23, 2012

KCPQ 13Fox News Report: Controversial Book on Child Discipline Linked to Child Deaths - Q13 - Fox News

March 14, 2012

Don't shortchange state's vulnerable children and families - Jim Theofelis, special to the Seattle Times
Correction: This article states that "OFCO has a current annual budget of approximately $1.3 million." This is incorrect, OFCO's two year biennial budget is $1.3 million.

March 12, 2012

Proposed legislation would require more adults to report child abuse - Stephanie Kim, The Seattle Times

January 31, 2012

Work group to address child abuse in adoptive homes - Barbara LaBoe, The Daily News Online

January 29, 2012

State reviewing adoption placement after child starvation cases - Q13 - Fox News

January 25, 2012

State officials investigating several cases of abuse of adopted children - Barbara LaBoe, The Daily News

January 14, 2012

Adoptions, parental rights loophole puts families in flux - Kevin Graman, The Spokesman-Review

March 20, 2011

Fatal fire at Arlington foster home forces changes to state policy - Diana Hefley, The Herald

March 18, 2011

Legislators consider creating a state Indian Child Welfare Act - TVW

March 10, 2011

CPS asks Olympia for help to change way it investigates death of children - Komo News

February 4, 2011

A Child Left Behind - Vernal Coleman, The Seattle Weekly

October 20, 2009

Our View: Is it just Colville with child welfare office problems? - The Spokesman Review

May 10, 2009

Reports fault Colville child services - Kevin Graman, The Spokesman Review

May 7, 2009

Following 10-month review of child welfare practice in Colville, Washington, Ombudsman releases report to Governor and Legislature finding widespread crisis of confidence by community in child welfare system and significant erosion of trust that adversely affects decision-making and puts children and families at risk of harm.

May 6, 2009

Report says DSHS complaints hit 'all-time high' - Rebecca Nappi, The Spokesman Review

January 23, 2009

Foster-care system still struggling - Maureen O'Hagan, Seattle Times

August 10, 2008

In the year of its 10th anniversary, Ombudsman releases annual report to Governor and Legislature recommending improved case practice for Native children, better access to in-patient treatment and services for children with special needs, and manageable workloads.

November 29, 2007

Ombudsman releases annual report to Governor and Legislature with recommendations to reduce child fatalities and address shortcomings in the child protection system

May 30, 2006

Following Independent Case Review of Sirita Sotelo Fatality, Ombudsman Calls for Improvements to Case Management and Support Services after a Child is Returned Home

August 26, 2005

Ombudsman Finds Inadequate CPS Child Abuse Investigations and Interventions Following Independent Case Review of Justice and Raiden Robinson Fatalities and Calls for Improvements

April 12, 2005

State’s first Family and Children’s Ombudsman is leaving her post

July 2, 2002

Ombudsman calls for further safety improvements following independent review of the Washington School for the Deaf

November 28, 2001

Family & Children's Ombudsman urges state and community leaders to take coordinated action on chronic child neglect

February 7, 2000

Family & Children's Ombudsman reports that school districts' child abuse reporting policies may violate state law

June 10, 1999

State Ombudsman reports that about one-third of Washington's children involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings do not have an advocate to represent them in court

January 27, 1999

Ombudsman calls for improvements in child abuse investigations following independent review of 1994-95 Wenatchee child sexual abuse cases

December 23, 1998

Independent Ombudsman's office submits 1st annual report with recommendations to Governor and Legislature

January 22, 1998

Independent Ombudsman's office to conduct targeted review of Wenatchee child sex abuse investigations

October 23, 1997