Washington is fighting to limit its duty to protect vulnerable adults
At the same time, Adult Protective Services workers say they’re under growing pressure to close investigations quickly.
Latest news (Page 4)
Idaho passes law reforming youth treatment home oversight
The changes come in response to 2023 InvestigateWest series highlighting gaps that put child safety at risk
Southeast Idaho sheriff signs up to help enforce immigration law
While Idaho sheriffs opposed attempts to make ICE cooperation mandatory, nine of the state’s 44 counties have joined the 287(g) program
Parents, advocates say guardians ad litem need more guardrails. These Washington reforms could help
More training and limiting the scope of investigations could improve how domestic violence and child abuse are handled in custody cases
‘I lost it all’: Residents of Oregon homeless camp say Forest Service blew off calls, appointments to reclaim lost property
Former residents of one of Oregon’s largest homeless encampments say they lost cars, work tools, irreplaceable family photos and other items
Idaho Legislature passes bill to expand prison sex abuse law
The bill, inspired by InvestigateWest reporting, was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little
Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
‘I was trying to follow the rules:’ WA asylum seekers detained over questionable violations
Recent court rulings show how ICE is citing missed immigration check-ins — often without evidence — to detain asylum seekers
Idaho lawmakers order investigation of sexual assault in women’s prisons
The independent probe will look into “systemic failures” detailed in InvestigateWest series
Former student files $13.4 million claim against Mercer Island School District over alleged teacher sexual abuse
School leaders received numerous reports that former high school English teacher Curtis Johnston was “dating” a student but failed to intervene, complaint says
Idaho lawmakers move to close gap in prison sex abuse law
The proposal would expand the definition of illegal sexual contact between prison staff and an inmate to include kissing, groping
Bill to establish statewide oversight of jails in Washington dies in Legislature
Washington is one of 12 states without enforceable state standards or oversight — that won’t change in 2026
Free training: How to access police employment & misconduct data in the PNW
If you cover criminal justice in the Pacific Northwest — or want to — we’re hosting a free virtual training that may be useful to you and your newsroom
