Tracy Ellis: It’s the Elephant in the Dome, the official podcast of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus. I’m Tracy Ellis, and I’m here with Senate Republican Leader John Braun. We’ve been talking a lot recently about the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Senator, I know you’ve been very concerned about these massive, expensive lawsuits. Beyond the money, what is causing them? In some cases, children are dying, and it seems to continue. What can be done about it?
Sen. John Braun: I think an investigation is absolutely necessary. DCYF has several lines of business—Child Protective Services, foster care, juvenile rehabilitation—and we see problems in every area. We are now sadly paying $500 million per year in tort claims. While the cost is staggering, the bigger deal is the harm done to vulnerable people in our care, often leading to severe injury or death because the state hasn’t done its job.
Tracy Ellis: You’ve mentioned a specific policy regarding Child Protective Services. How has that contributed to the problem?
Sen. John Braun: A few years ago, the legislature passed the “Keeping Families Together Act.” The motive was good: if it’s safe, keeping children with their families often leads to better long-term success. However, the agency’s view of what is “safe” differs from reality. They are knowingly keeping children in homes with patterns of abuse and evident substance abuse, creating a high risk of physical and mental damage.
Tracy Ellis: There are also issues with overpayments and potential fraud, right?
Sen. John Braun: Yes. A recent state audit showed a concerning pattern of overpayment. We don’t know if it’s fraudulent yet, but it demands further investigation. Whether it’s criminal behavior or just poor governance, the people deserve to know what’s happening.
Tracy Ellis: You pointed to New Mexico as an example. What is happening there?
Sen. John Braun: New Mexico has a similar agency and a similar political landscape where Democrats control every branch of government. Yet, their Democratic Attorney General has launched an investigation into his own administration because “enough is enough.” Our Attorney General could absolutely do the same here.
Tracy Ellis: Can the Washington State Legislature conduct its own investigation?
Sen. John Braun: Absolutely. That would be my preferred option. We did this years ago when Republicans held the majority; we held oversight hearings regarding the Department of Corrections that led to a detailed report and legislation. Senator Chris Gildon has promoted a bill to require these hearings, but so far, the majority has “circled the wagons” to avoid self-examination.
Tracy Ellis: Is it politics or indifference?
Sen. John Braun: It’s hard to believe they are indifferent to these heart-wrenching cases, but we continue to see inaction. Republicans have introduced legislation to make the agency more proactive when substance abuse or a history of abuse is present, but the current administration claims their hands are tied by the law.
Tracy Ellis: Why is the “Keeping Families Together” ideology so dominant?
Sen. John Braun: It stems from failures in our foster care system. Data suggests kids do better if kept with parents rather than being bounced around in foster care—especially when the issue is strictly economic poverty. I agree with that. But the agency has taken a “one size fits all” approach, keeping children in homes regardless of the risk of harm. When a policy is clearly failing, you have to be willing to adjust.
Tracy Ellis: You recently wrote to the Governor regarding this?
Sen. John Braun: I’ve sent a couple of letters. While they focused more on potential fraud in the child care system, it’s the same agency. We need more transparent action. Even if they are working behind the scenes, the public can’t see it. They need to act publicly so Washingtonians feel the state is actually looking after the people in its care.
Tracy Ellis: That’s Senate Republican Leader John Braun. I’m Tracy Ellis. This is the Elephant in the Dome. Please subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel.