An Idaho law targeted fentanyl dealers. Prosecutors are using it to charge users, too
An InvestigateWest review found at least 30 people charged with trafficking without evidence of selling or distribution. They face mandatory minimum prison terms.
Foster Care
Kids in Oregon’s rural counties more likely to spend time in foster care
Advocates and experts say that reflects the challenges rural families have getting health and social safety net services
A girl caught in a custody battle said she was raped. The court-appointed investigator didn’t believe her.
Though a Washington state judge said a guardian ad litem failed to do her job, by then, the child’s mother says, the damage had already been done.
Watchdog: Idaho regulators still fail to penalize youth facilities where kids are at risk
Prompted by InvestigateWest reporting, state officials tout changes but say enforcement of violations by youth homes remains a challenge
A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved
Mother filed a lawsuit alleging that the guardian ad litem and her abuser’s attorney colluded to flip the narrative against her
Washington bill aims to give judges more guidance in high-conflict custody cases
Supporters say it will help prevent dangerous parents from getting custody. Opponents fear it will do the opposite
Ending practice of bunking Oregon foster children in hotels will require widespread reforms
Lawmakers heard recommendations from a court-appointed expert on how to address the practice
Oregon pays nonprofit significantly more than foster parents to house vulnerable children in unregulated homes
State child welfare officials signed a contract with a religious nonprofit, paying it more than 100 times the amount they pay foster parents to care for vulnerable children.
WA foster parents say the state still hasn't fixed overly punitive investigations driving them out of foster care
A foster mother says she paid a high price for an overturned finding of abuse
A foster system paradox: Parents billed for care of their children
Studies show charging child support extends family separations and can spur years of debt for parents in poverty. WA is pushing to change the practice.
Can a court victory provide refuge for foster youth?
Those on both sides of a federal lawsuit see daunting obstacles to providing safer, healthier places for kids to spend their nights.
Washington agrees to end foster youth placements in hotels, offices and cars
The state has until Nov. 1 to implement an alternative plan to house foster youth.