June 7, 2017
Contact:
Norah West
DSHS Office of Communications
(360) 902-7833
norah.west@dshs.wa.gov
DSHS reaches settlement in abuse case
OLYMPIA—The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) recently settled a lawsuit involving the abuse of
an infant by his biological father that resulted in permanent physical harm to the child. DSHS initially prevailed in
the suit; however, an appeals court reversed the verdict and remanded the case for a new trial. The suit settled
for $5 million.
Kitsap County law enforcement investigated the case; the perpetrator was charged and convicted of first-degree
assault of a child and is serving a 25-year prison sentence.
“We believe this settlement provides the means for this child to get care and recovery resources in order to live a
full and healthy life to the extent that he is able,” said Jennifer Strus, Assistant Secretary for DSHS’ Children’s
Administration.
Since 2008, when this incident occurred, DSHS has made numerous improvements to policies and procedures to
ensure the safety and well-being of children and families, including implementing provisions made in RCW
26.44.290, conducting thorough case reviews whenever there is a near fatality and a Child Protective Services
case has been open on that child in the past 12 months.
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Children’s Administration protects children, promotes healthier families and supports foster children and
families through strong partnerships with communities and tribes. With a $330 million annual budget, its 2,600
team members serve approximately 245,000 individuals each year.