Lives Lost, Billions Paid: The Costly Toll of State Negligence
Mismanagement by state agencies has played a role in the deaths and near-deaths of many Washington children, and put other residents at risk. Those stories are documented here.
Notable Child Fatalities and Near-Fatalities
An alarming number of children have experienced fatal or near-fatal injuries, predominantly from opioid overdoses. These have frequently occurred in families with repeated allegations of abuse or neglect.
WASHINGTON STATE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S OMBUDS
WASHINGTON STATE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S OMBUDS
Repeated Reports Ignored Before Child’s Death
Before law enforcement stepped in, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families had already received several reports tied to the boy’s father. Some were serious enough to warrant an investigation. Yet no action was taken. The boy was living in a crowded home with his father, half-siblings, and other adults and children.
Agency Closed Case Days Before Fatal Abuse
A 15-month-old boy was found unresponsive while napping beside his father. Drug paraphernalia was discovered on the bed, and tests later showed fentanyl in the child’s system. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families had previously investigated and closed the file.
One Child Dead, Another Barely Survived
A mother called 9-1-1 believing her baby had died. Police found her seven-month-old dead and her two-year-old near death. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families had received seven prior reports about the family, including concerns about neglect and unsafe living conditions. At the time of the incident, the family already had an open case.
Opioid Exposure Leads to Child’s Death
A young child died from ingesting buprenorphine—a powerful opioid. At the time, the family had an open case due to domestic violence and substance use. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families had received several prior reports about the family, most of which met the threshold for investigation.
Fentanyl Claims Young Life
A young child died after ingesting fentanyl. Before the child’s death, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families had received several reports about the family—but only one led to a formal investigation. Just three months prior to the death, DCYF had closed the family’s case after a caseworker reported no concerns.
Significant Legal Outcomes and Settlements
A surge in lawsuits alleging various forms of misconduct has forced Washington state government to make more and larger payouts. This has become the fastest-growing part of the state operating budget.
State Lawsuit Payouts 1975-2025
Preventable Tragedy at Green Hill: The Case of a Teen Resident
A $12 million settlement followed a teen’s near-fatal fentanyl overdose at Green Hill School, allegedly due to staff negligence and lax security. The incident underscores systemic failures in juvenile rehabilitation and the costly consequences of state mismanagement. Dozens of related claims remain open.
$7.5M Settlement Over Unsafe Water at McNeil Island Facility
The state settled a $7.5 million lawsuit with 200+ residents of the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, who alleged years of discolored, unsafe water. Though the state denied wrongdoing, it cited costly litigation risks. Eligible residents receive $263 per month spent at the facility.
State Settles $17M Lawsuit Over Toddler’s Death
Washington paid $17 million to settle a lawsuit over the death of 2-year-old Jose Fernandez Armas, who was fatally abused days after the Department of Children, Youth, and Families closed an investigation into reported bruises. The agency admitted its inquiry was incomplete. The payout followed a court motion stating, “The State failed Jose.”
State Ignored Warnings Before Boy's Death; State Pays $14M
Four-year-old Kennan Ford died from severe head trauma after alleged abuse by his mother and her boyfriend. Child Protective Services had received multiple reports but failed to intervene. The state later paid $14 million as part of a lawsuit over its inaction.
Agency Failures Lead to Child’s Death and $18.5M Payout
The state paid $18.5 million as part of a lawsuit after a child died from repeated abuse while in the care of his biological mother. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families failed to investigate warnings or monitor the home, despite knowing a dangerous individual lived there. The agency’s negligence led to the child’s death.
