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
Inside Crosscut We're closing Crosscut's comment section. Here's why — and what's next With the rise of social platforms and an uptick in threatening comments, the newsroom is taking reader engagement in a different direction. by Ana Sofia Knauf & Anne Christnovich & Mohammed Kloub / December 19, 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
Inside Crosscut Reopening WA: Ask Gov. Inslee about our pandemic response Crosscut is hosting a free Q&A with the governor. We want your questions to guide the conversation. by Anne Christnovich / May 27, 2020
Inside Crosscut Join Soledad O’Brien for a virtual talk on homelessness and COVID-19 Crosscut is collecting questions from readers to help shape a conversation between Soledad O’Brien and Miles O’Brien about homelessness and coronavirus in Seattle. by Anne Christnovich / May 1, 2020
Inside Crosscut What can Congress do for WA in 2020? Ask Sen. Patty Murray The state’s senior senator is sitting down with Crosscut for a free virtual conversation on June 15. by Anne Christnovich / June 10, 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
Inside Crosscut What we’re doing to improve trust in our journalism in 2020 We’re opening up our reporting process to our readers as part of a larger effort to be more transparent and inclusive. by Anne Christnovich / July 7, 2020