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
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
Opinion I managed public emergencies for years. Trump is unfit to lead on COVID-19. From spreading misinformation to doubting experts, the President's actions put Americans at risk. by Eric Holdeman / March 11, 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.
Equity WA officials want to end fees charged to parents for kids' jail time Hundreds of families owe the state a total of $1.1 million in outstanding detention fees, a practice made legal in WA 45 years ago. by Claudia Rowe / February 10, 2022
News Abused in foster care, convicted of murder and a complex story of second chances Arthur Longworth became a model of redemption. Despite earning policy and legal support, it was still incredibly difficult to get him out of prison. by Claudia Rowe / April 20, 2022
Opinion Why I’m holding my applause for Washington’s new foster care law It’s laudable that the state law focuses on preventing family separations, but is it enough? by Claudia Rowe / May 11, 2021
Opinion WA still holds teens in solitary confinement — and worse, suit says A lawsuit claims three teenagers were handcuffed while in isolation, violating the state’s own policies and raising profound moral questions. by Claudia Rowe / April 22, 2021
Inside Crosscut Columnist Claudia Rowe on neutrality and what kids tell us about WA The longtime education reporter explains how decades of covering schools shaped the perspective she brings to her new column. by Claudia Rowe / April 6, 2021