Think Out Loud

Washington made it harder for CPS to separate families, but kids may be less safe

By Sage Van Wing (OPB)
Feb. 18, 2026 4:46 p.m.

Broadcast: Wednesday, Feb. 18

Washington state made several changes in the last few years to prioritize keeping kids with their birth families. But a new investigation from KUOW found that over the same time period, more babies and children from families who’ve been investigated by Child Protective Services workers have died. Eilís O’Neill, a reporter for KUOW, joins us to talk about the story.

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