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.
Criminal Justice
Idaho’s efforts to confront prison sexual abuse hampered by Trump cuts
Cuts to Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center result in less state support for training, guidance and grants
Budget cuts threaten Oregon program for helping people get jobs after prison
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars and support for people after release
Most children charged as adults in Washington are youth of color
More than 80% of children charged as adults in state court are not white, data shows
Idaho prison system calls for strengthened sexual abuse law in response to InvestigateWest series
The Department of Correction also plans to update its staff sexual misconduct policy and better educate inmates on their rights
Idaho prison system reopens sexual abuse case, reverses finding after InvestigateWest reporting
Woman whose allegations sparked others to speak up says Idaho still must do more to create "just and humane" system
7 reforms Idaho could make to address sexual abuse by prison staff
Independent oversight, policy changes in other states show steps to protect Idaho inmates at risk of victimization
Native American kids less likely than others in WA to be offered second chance in juvenile court, data shows
Lawmakers and researchers push for new tracking measures as racial disparities and decentralized practices shape youth justice outcomes
‘Make it make sense’: Advocates stunned as WA lawmaker helps slash funds for groups clearing old drug convictions
After being fired from the legal aid group she once led, Rep. Tarra Simmons supported state cuts that crippled similar organizations
Native American children significantly more likely to be arrested, detained in Washington
Before and after trial and even for low-level, nonviolent crimes, Native American youths are locked up at higher rates
Idaho leaders urged to address systemic failures following prison abuse reports
InvestigateWest reporters uncovered years of sexual abuse by women’s prison guards prompting calls for independent investigation