Contact: Sherry Hill, (360) 902-7892 , sherry.hill@dshs.wa.gov
Contact: Thomas Shapley, (360) 902-8007, thomas.shapley@dshs.wa.gov

February 23, 2012
DSHS names members of Powell Child Fatality Review Team

Olympia – The Department of Social and Health Services has selected members to serve on the Child Fatality Review Team regarding the deaths of Charlie and Braden Powell, who died on February 5, 2012. Team members are selected for their areas of expertise, similar to the disciplines involved in the case being reviewed. No members of the Review Team were involved in the Powell case.

Team members include:

Children's Administration is required by law to conduct a fatality review when a child death or near-death injury is suspected to be caused by abuse or neglect, and the child has received services from Children's Administration in the previous 12 months. The child fatality review is conducted to honor each child by examining each child's case to identify trends, evaluate training, policies and social work practice to improve future practice. There will be a thorough review regarding Charlie's and Braden’s deaths and we will publish the findings of that review when it has been completed.

In its limited purpose, the Child Fatality Review of a case in which a child has died as a result of abuse and/or neglect or under suspicious circumstances is to evaluate the Department's delivery of services to the family, as well as the larger system response to the identified needs of the family. This evaluation or review of the Department's services and community response to concerns about child abuse and neglect issues in this family will help to identify possible areas for improvement through education, training, policy and legislative changes.

"We welcome this transparent process and appreciate that the highly respected individuals on this review panel are willing to contribute their time, wisdom and expertise to ensure accountability and the quality of child welfare in this state," said DSHS Children's Administration Assistant Secretary Denise Revels Robinson. "This review will inform us about systemic issues, and the practice and decision-making of all of the professionals involved with the case."

The team will meet April 26 and 27 to conduct the review. The Review Team will be co-facilitated by a neutral, outside party.

The Department is required by law to complete the review within 180 days following the death of a child by abuse or neglect. The process is starting early so that the review can be finalized prior to the deadline and to allow the team to conduct a thorough, thoughtful review. The Department will make the Child Fatality Review report available upon completion to appropriate committees of the Legislature and on the Department website at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/pubs/fatalityreports.asp.

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