WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

How can we help foster kids succeed?

Kids Getting on School BusWashington turns adversity into leadership – again.

Kids aging out of foster care may have experienced years of abuse and trauma in troubled homes. They are more likely to have mental health and drug problems, to be involved in the criminal justice system, and to become homeless.

Only a little over half graduate from high school or get a GED. Foster kids have very low rates of college attendance. These conditions all but sentence them to a life of poverty.

The Braam Settlement (2004) is the result of a landmark class action suit where 13 foster children sought sweeping reform of the foster care system and won.

Since then, the state has been closely monitored by the Braam panel. We’ve made great strides in mental health, prevention of abuse and neglect, and placement stability.

However, the Braam panel expired in June. That sets up a new challenge for the state to continue improvements on its own.

Several new initiatives have set the stage. Early interventions help stabilize struggling families and keep them together. Education liaisons will mentor foster kids through high school graduation.

For kids aging out of foster care, support services will help make a successful transition to adulthood.

Passport to College Promise Scholarship helps foster kids prepare for and succeed in college.

For decades, our state has been recognized as a national leader in social services, health care, and early learning.

These foster care initiatives show we’ve continued that tradition as innovators in child welfare reform.