Spokane prosecutors are suddenly declining to charge more felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues
As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions
Youth
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.
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
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
In care facilities, Idaho kids are under less abuse oversight, watchdog government report finds
Report by Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations came in response to news articles by InvestigateWest that uncovered abuse allegations
Spokane hospital where 12-year-old died endangered other suicidal patients, investigators find
State health records show repeated safety violations at Providence Sacred Heart hospital
Lawsuit blames Spokane hospital for 12-year-old's suicide
The suit says door alarms, inadequate policy and “violations of the standard of care” led to Sarah Niyimbona’s death in April
WA health department investigating Spokane hospital after girl’s suicide sparked public outcry
State regulatory officials, elected leaders learned of tragedy from InvestigateWest report
A 12-year-old killed herself at a Spokane hospital that recently closed its youth psychiatric unit
Workers say girl’s death is an example of what they feared from Providence closing the unit
Oregon bill to pay parent caregivers advances to budget committee
The bipartisan bill, supported by families of children with intensive medical needs, has a lower projected cost than in previous years
Former staff at Spokane youth psychiatric unit blame Providence for closure
As youth mental health worsens in Eastern Washington, the decision shrinks available acute services
Audit of Oregon early learning department highlights ongoing need for equity training, oversight
Findings align with concerns from current and former staff in recent InvestigateWest report
Providence’s medically fragile children’s center will offer respite care to first child amid leadership shakeup, staff concerns
Nurses say they’re still struggling to prevent the spread of infection among young residents