Keeping foster kids on right track

Washington state has been under a court order to improve its track record in foster care. A survey of youths once in the system highlights progress.

About 88 percent of 700 teens interviewed by phone said they had been treated very well or somewhat well in foster care. An equal percentage reported being in good health and feeling optimistic about their futures. Those interviewed were between ages 15 to 18 and in foster care in 2007.

This is the good news envisioned after the 2004 settlement of a class-action lawsuit intended to push reforms in foster care. At that time, too many children were bounced around, and access to basics, such as school and regular health care, was spotty.

Not that there isn't still room for improvement by the Children's Administration, the state agency in charge of foster care within the Department of Social and Health Services. Many in the survey complained of scarce visits from their caseworkers. Less than half had face-to-face visits with a social worker once a month. A follow-up survey should show dramatic improvement since Gov. Christine Gregoire mandated monthly visits from caseworkers. It only makes sense. Teens need consistent support if they are to be prepared to leave foster care at age 18 and live independently.

The system will always be as imperfect as the families and situations that make foster care necessary. The best we can hope for — and the goal of the system — should be to do no more harm.

Child-welfare officials appear to get it. Two positive steps among the many changes needed to better support children removed from their homes have been made: Starting this month, parent-child visits will take place within 72 hours of an initial placement in foster care, and siblings placed in separate facilities will get twice-monthly visits. Foster families will be reimbursed for mileage and other costs connected with the visits. These things help keep families together even when they're apart.

The teen survey underscores progress. The state should continue these efforts to stay out of court and on track.