Recent H.B.H. Washington Supreme Court Decision

Olympia — Today, the Washington Supreme Court ruled against the former Children’s Administration under the Department of Social and Health Services, now the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). In the H.B.H. case, five young girls were initially placed in foster care with Scott and Drew Ann Hamrick in the late 1990s and were later adopted by the Hamricks, after which the girls alleged they were neglected and abused for several years by the Hamricks. Scott Hamrick committed suicide during the criminal investigation. Drew Ann Hamrick was eventually charged and convicted of crimes related to the abuse. This ruling is being assessed and will inform DCYF’s practice going forward as the State of Washington increases its efforts to bring more focus to the needs of children, youth, and families.

“Under my leadership, our commitment is to strengthen the way we respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect in child welfare cases. We intend to improve the quality of care for the children we serve by reviewing and reforming all aspects of how this agency operates,” said Ross Hunter, Secretary for Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

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