Settlement AgreementThe Braam v. DSHS lawsuit was filed in August 1998 on behalf of a class of foster children who had three or more placements while in foster care. The lawsuit alleged that DSHS does not provide constitutionally required care to foster children. In December 2001, a Whatcom County jury agreed with the plaintiffs and, in May of 2002, the trial judge issued an injunction requiring several changes in the foster care system. That injunction was put on hold while the state appealed. In December 2003, the Washington Supreme Court reversed the injunction and sent the case back to trial. A settlement agreement was reached in August, prior to trial, and was approved by the court in November 2004.
Revised Braam Implementation Plan Proposal - February 11, 2008 News ReleasesNews Release - December 5, 2007 Progress made in Braam compliance plan - September 15, 2006 DSHS works with Braam Panel to improve the lives of children in foster care - March 28, 2006 December 20, 2005 |