Olympia, Washington — Child deaths and critical injuries tied to Washington’s child welfare system reached a record high in 2025, prompting renewed legislative scrutiny and bipartisan proposals aimed at improving oversight and prevention.
State officials told lawmakers that 22 children involved with the child welfare system died last year, while 35 others narrowly survived critical incidents, bringing the total to 57 cases. About half involved opioids, and children ages 0 to 3 were the most vulnerable. The figure marks an increase from the previous three years, when totals ranged from 43 to 50 cases annually.
Lawmakers from both parties are weighing policy changes rather than a full repeal of the 2021 Keeping Families Together Act, which raised the threshold for removing children from their homes. Republicans argue the law contributed to higher risks by limiting removals, while Democrats say the intent was to prevent unnecessary family separations driven by poverty rather than abuse. The law was modified in 2024 to give courts greater latitude when opioids are involved, leading to a rise in removals.
Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget includes funding for additional caseworkers, expanded substance-use treatment programs, and prevention efforts targeting families with young children. The Department of Children, Youth and Families has also added mandatory safety reviews in opioid-related cases involving toddlers and expanded training for caseworkers.
Several bills under consideration would increase court oversight, extend investigation timelines in high-risk cases, and clarify standards for removing children from dangerous environments, reflecting growing concern across the Legislature about child safety outcomes.
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