OLYMPIA -- The state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has issued astatus report hyperlink, responding to recommendations to improve child safety following the tragic death of 4-year-old Sirita Sotelo.

Sotelo was beaten to death by her stepmother in their Lake Stevens home on Jan. 21, 2005. Heather Ewell, the stepmother, is serving eight and a half years in prison.

Several attempts were made to reunite the child with her natural mother. When that failed, Sotelo was placed in foster care until her father came forward to make a home for her. She was placed with her father and stepmother in November 2003.

The changes were suggested in child fatality reviews conducted externally by the stateOffice of the Family and Children's Ombudsman (hyperlink) and internally byDSHS Children's Administration (CA) staff.

"While some recommendations focus directly on issues in Region 3 (Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties), many reflect needed improvements that are under way statewide," said Randy Hart, region 3 administrator.

"Social work practice in Washington is under critical evaluation by the Children's Administration. We need to be consistent in the services we provide and the decisions we make regarding the needs of children and families we serve."

Highlights of improvements underway statewide and those specific to Region 3 include:

• A new visitation policy that clearly states that children under the department's care who remain in their own homes must be visited every 30 days – even if the children are placed with non-abusive parents, as was the case with Sirita Sotelo. The 30-day policy was mandated by Gov. Chris Gregoire, who told the department to see abused and neglected children more quickly and more often.
• A redesign of Child Protective Services (CPS) and Child Welfare Services (CWS), which realigns and separates roles. This allows CPS to focus on investigating and assessing risk of abuse or neglect, while CWS works to get children and families essential services. The redesign also will result in better assessments of non-parent adult caregivers and better follow through on services to children and families where children have been returned home.
• A new process has been developed allowing local children's services offices to submit background checks electronically. Results can be communicated within minutes.
• A new statewide investigative training program has been implemented. Additional, mandatory training for Region 3 staff includes clear expectations for quality documentation and critical thinking.
• Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDPs) are being placed in selective offices to assist clients needing substance abuse evaluations and treatment.
• Region 3 has received more funds to hire more employees.