Outrage Over Boys Ranch Abuse Unlikely To Stir Legislature

Outrage at state mishandling of widespread sexual abuse and beatings at the OK Boys Ranch is giving new energy to an old notion - a cabinet-level agency whose sole duty is to protect children.

But legislative leaders said Tuesday they’re not about to rush into reorganizing the giant Department of Social and Health Services, which oversees Child Protective Services.

And already there are signs such an effort will bog down over money and ideology.

The department got a tongue-lashing Monday from Attorney General Christine Gregoire for its failure to address drugs, violence and sex among troubled boys at the group home that was closed last year.

Gregoire announced that felony charges of criminal mistreatment were filed against three former top officials of the ranch, operated under contract to the state. But she said the law was too narrow to be used against DSHS officials, though at least 20 agency employees had knowledge of the abuse between 1988 and 1994.

DSHS “failed to react to numerous warnings that things were going terribly wrong at the ranch. Even a DSHS internal audit (in 1989), which gave clear and direct warning of terrible problems at the ranch, wasn’t enough to end the violence and sex abuse,” Gregoire said.

She recommended creation of a separate agency charged with protecting children, saying it would make state officials more accountable.Lawmakers joined the chorus Tuesday.

Republican House Speaker Clyde Ballard of East Wenatchee and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Sid Snyder of Long Beach said they were appalled at Gregoire’s findings and that the developments were sure to stir lawmakers to action.

They also expressed caution, however, saying any changes must be thoroughly justified and ensure protection for children.

Reorganization of DSHS, created in 1970 by former Gov. Dan Evans, has been mulled by both houses for years. Creation of a separate children’s agency has long been one of the options considered.

“Now I think there is the will and energy to do it,” said Sen. Kevin Quigley, D-Lake Stevens, who is sponsoring one of a growing number of proposals for reorganization.

But he and others anticipate a real struggle over such legislation, and say a big snag will be money.

“We have social workers whose caseloads are twice or more what they should be. We need more resources,” Quigley said.

“I think what’s going to become apparent very quickly is the difference between those who recognize this and those who won’t spend a dime if it’s going to cut into tax break for canola farmers,” he said.

Snyder questioned whether lawmakers would have enough time to make substantive changes at DSHS in the 60-day session that begins in January.