Supreme Court rules DCYF must release records in foster abuse cases

(The Center Square) – A group of former foster children in Washington who sued the state for failing to protect them from abuse in foster care won a landmark case before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday that could have far reaching consequences for hundreds of pending cases against the state.

The group of plaintiffs brought negligence suits against the state for failing to protect them from abuse in foster care and sought child welfare records to support their claims.

According to documents from Thursday’s SCOW ruling, plaintiffs alleged that the state failed to carry out its duty.

“As a result, each of them was sexually or physically abused. The plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against the state,” according to court documents.

“In each lawsuit, the plaintiffs seek discovery from the state that not only includes their case files but also other documents relevant to proving that the sta...