DSHS working with State Patrol to investigate abuse

OLYMPIA -- Washington State Patrol (WSP) on Tuesday arrested two employees of the Rainier School for the developmentally disabled following allegations that the employees physically abused residents during an outing at a camp adjacent to the school grounds. The facility is located in Buckley.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is prepared to take immediate disciplinary action when charges are filed.

"Safety is our number one priority and any abuse, neglect or otherwise inappropriate behavior in our institutions is not tolerated," said Robin Arnold-Williams, secretary of DSHS. "Families place their trust in us to care for residents living at Rainier and we must not let them down."

The department became aware of the alleged abuse after an anonymous person videotaped Rainer workers and residents during the outing. It does not appear that any of residents were physically injured.

This investigation is a joint effort of DSHS and the WSP.

"We appreciate the cooperation we got from DSHS as we investigated this case," said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. "We only become aware of this matter because DSHS officials contacted us after viewing a very troubling videotape."