Braam Settlement Agreement

Copies of the Performance Reports, Monitoring Reports, Compliance Plan Reports, and Braam Panel Public Meeting minutes and materials are available below.

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2017 Update

The Braam Semi-Annual Performance Report for the period of July – December 2016 is now available. This report includes performance on the two (2) remaining outcomes: Frequency of Youth on Runaway Status (outcome 20) and Median Number of Days Youth are on Runaway Status (outcome 21). Children's Administration demonstrated improved performance on one of the remaining outcomes.

The next Braam Semi-Annual Performance Report will be released September 30, 2017 and will cover the reporting period of January – June 2017.

Beyond the Agreement

While the Revised Settlement and Exit Agreement expired December 31, 2013, Children's Administration remains committed to monitoring performance and maintaining the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement processes established to achieve the goals of the Revised Settlement and Exit Agreement. The Department has implemented a system which allows us to learn from our results and improve processes and practice where necessary. We have embedded our commitment to achieving the outcomes into our day to day practice.

Background

The Braam vs. State of Washington 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 named plaintiff is Jessica Braam. The lawsuit alleged that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) does not provide constitutionally required care to foster children.

After six years of litigation, a Settlement Agreement was reached and approved by the court in November 2004. The goal of the settlement agreement is to improve the conditions and treatment of children in the custody of the Washington State DSHS Children's Administration (CA), Division of Children and Family Services.

The Braam Oversight Panel was created in 2004 to oversee the Settlement Agreement regarding Washington State's foster care system. It is an independent five member panel of experts from across the nation that were mutually agreed to by the parties.

The Braam Oversight Panel, in collaboration with DSHS/CA and substantial input from the Plaintiffs' attorneys, developed outcomes, benchmarks and action steps. On October 31, 2011, the Department and the Plaintiffs' attorneys agreed to continue to monitor the Department's performance on 21 Outcomes, which include monthly visits, sibling placement, sibling visits, annual mental health and substance abuse screens, and others.

Measuring Progress

The Department issues data twice yearly on its performance in the remaining outcomes in the Revised Settlement and Exit Agreement. These reports are submitted to the Court and Plaintiff’s counsel who continues to monitor the Department’s progress and performance.