SEATTLE— Treehouse, a statewide nonprofit which gives youth in foster care a childhood and a future, is asking the legislature to invest in 20 additional caseworkers to help meet the caseload ratios agreed to under the Braam settlement agreement. High caseload sizes lead to poor case management, high staff and foster parent turnover, lower rates of family reunification and increased length of stay in foster care. As a result, Washington children spend more time in foster care than in 46 other states.
“The caseworker is the most critical investment the legislature can make in the success of families and children in the child welfare system,” said Dawn Rains, Treehouse Chief Policy and Strategy Officer. “Smaller caseload sizes will mean more stability for children and youth in foster care and a better opportunity for them to thrive as contributing members of our communities.”
Forty-three percent of DCYF caseworkers have caseload sizes exceeding 20 youth or more, with some as high as 30. Best practice recommends no more than 15.
In addition, Treehouse is advocating to:
Be a voice for youth in foster care: Visit www.treehouseforkids.org/advocate.
About Treehouse
Founded in 1988 by social workers, Treehouse is Washington’s leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of more than 8,000 youth in foster care. We’re committed to youth in care statewide achieving a degree or other career credential, living wage job and stable housing at the same rate as their peers. With fierce optimism, we fight the structural inequities that impact all of us. Learn more at www.treehouseforkids.org.