New report released today: Washington’s Out-of-State Youth Plead: Let us Come Home Report and Recommendations

Disability Rights Washington (DRW) has completed an investigation of Clarinda Academy, one of the many out-of-state institutions where Washington State has been sending foster youth with behavioral health needs. This investigation report discusses allegations by youth that they are subjected to verbal abuse and inappropriate/excessive physical restraints by staff.  DRW’s investigation found that this is a very restrictive and segregated institution where the policies, training, and oversight do not adequately protect against the risk of abusive restraints. Learn more here: https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/let-us-come-home

Media links:

Seattle Times: Report: Washington foster kids sent to Iowa were abused in facility run ‘like a correctional institution’

InvestigateWest: Washington sent abused, neglected kids to jail-like Iowa group home with “abusive” practices

NW News Network: Report describes ‘abusive restraint practices’ for Washington foster youth sent out of state

KING5: Tacoma foster child sent to out-of-state institution says ‘it was a nightmare’ 

Inlander: A new report reveals dismal conditions in an Iowa institution where Washington state ships foster kids

Edmonds Patch: Wash. Foster Kids Abused At Iowa Institution: Report