DSHS Letter To All Legislators

So here we learn that messages are sent on an " as-needed" basis. When KING 5 covered a number of terrible abuses we never heard a thing!!!! Where was the note after the 47 lb. 14 year-old was found? Let's open up the many, many cases of neglect by DSHS. DSHS should come clean.

Here is the letter emailed today:

These “For Your Information” messages are sent on an as-needed basis to ensure that you are aware of important or high-profile issues involving the Department of Social and Health Services.

Investigations of former foster parent abuse and neglect

Newspaper, radio and TV news media have recently covered alleged sexual and physical abuse of children adopted by former licensed foster parents, Scott and Drew Ann Hamrick of Eatonville. While licensed, five children were adopted by the Hamricks, and 12 other children were placed in the Hamrick home at various times. Below is very brief summary of the facts related to this developing incident.

On June 18, 2011, Child Protective Services was notified by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office that two of the Hamrick’s adopted children had disclosed sexual abuse by their adoptive father, Scott Hamrick. Child Protective Services joined the Sheriff in further investigation. That same day, three of the minor adopted children (ages 17, 14 and 12) were taken into custody and placed in the care of relatives.

During the course of the investigation, additional allegations were made related to abuse by the adoptive mother (Drew Ann Hammrick). On June 30, 2011, the adoptive father committed suicide. He was a Lieutenant with the Pierce County Fire Department. He had resigned from his job just prior to taking his life. Last week the adoptive mother was charged with Tampering with a Witness (two counts), Unlawful Imprisonment (aggravated), and Criminal Mistreatment in the Fourth Degree.

There were no reports of abuse received by the department while licensed as a foster home. Child Protective Services did extensively investigate an allegation of parental abuse and neglect in 2010 which was unfounded. (Note: they should have found the adult former fosters at that time! PR) The family acknowledged during that investigation that there was conflict in the family and they did agree to voluntary services, which were provided until October 2010. During the six months of service, social workers and service providers spoke with the children at home and at school on several occasions; and no abuse was disclosed, no indications of abuse was found in the home, or that the children were not safe.

During the current investigation, two other adopted adult children have also disclosed sexual abuse by the adoptive father. Review of DSHS records is underway to determine if other children previously placed in the Hamrick foster home can be located and interviewed.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please report the abuse to the local Child Protective Services office or the statewide phone line: 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276).
For more information, please contact:

Sherry Hill
CA Communications Director
Sherry.Hill@dshs.wa.gov
360-902-7892