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
News Medical students feel sidelined in fight against COVID-19: ‘We want to help’ Experts are predicting an imminent shortage of health care workers, but med schools worry about the lack of protective gear and testing. by Jen Dev / March 31, 2020
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.
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
Support for The New Normal is provided by Comcast. The New Normal: An Issaquah church adapts to the pandemic Faith-based institutions like St. Joseph's have been finding creative new ways to worship together while staying safe and healthy. by Jen Dev / July 13, 2020
Inside Crosscut What a Seattle teen’s story taught us about life in a pandemic In Crosscut's latest documentary, a high schooler shows the obstacles low-income students are quietly facing. by Jen Dev / December 8, 2020
News WA misses deadline to bring foster kids back from out-of-state homes Following reports of abuse, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it would bring back nearly 100 Washington youth by the end of September. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / December 2, 2020 / Updated Dec. 4 at 12:40 p.m.
News Making the leap from high school to college during COVID Franklin high school senior Jackie navigates a tumultuous year in education. Watch the new documentary by Crosscut now. by Jen Dev / November 18, 2020