Record deaths in WA child welfare system have Legislature's attention
Child deaths and critical injuries in Washington’s child welfare system hit a record high in 2025.
State lawmakers are looking for solutions, and Democrats and Republicans each have proposals. They would increase court oversight in certain child welfare cases, keep investigations open longer and encourage keeping children at home while requiring services. Lawmakers are also looking at adding money for caseworkers and other supports.
In 2025, 22 children enmeshed in child welfare died and 35 more nearly died, state officials told lawmakers last Wednesday. About half of these incidents involved opioids. Children ages 0 to 3 are most likely to be hurt. These cases cover deaths and injuries related to maltreatment where families have been involved in the child welfare system in the past year.
The total of 57 is an increase over 49, 50 and 43, respectively, in the past three years.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/02/record-deaths-in-wa-child-welfare-system-have-legislatures-attention/