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Zarate v. Washington PERC - Unfair Labor Practice Claim Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division III affirmed the Public Employment Relations Commission's order in favor of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in an unfair labor practice claim brought by Silvia Zarate. The court rejected Ms. Zarate's arguments that PERC misapplied the law, lacked substantial evidence, and failed to address her due process claim, finding instead that DCYF articulated legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for her termination. Ms. Zarate's employment was terminated after she admitted to misusing her employee credentials to access foster parent licensing files on FamLink, the DCYF child welfare database, without a business need for approximately two and a half years.

In the Matter of the Parental Rights to M.A.A.K.

The Court of Appeals of Washington, Division One, affirmed the trial court's termination of R.K.'s parental rights to M.A.A.K. The court rejected R.K.'s claim that the trial court violated her right to a public trial by closing the courtroom four times during proceedings, finding the closures served a legitimate purpose. The court also rejected R.K.'s claim that the trial court abused its discretion by denying her motion for new counsel, and upheld the finding that DCYF offered all necessary services in a timely and meaningful manner despite R.K.'s non-compliance.

Early Learning Grants Awarded to Create 2,056 Child Care Seats

The Washington state Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), awarded $55.8 million in grants to 74 early learning providers across Washington. The funds will create 2,056 new child care spaces in 40 cities and 17 counties through the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program. Commerce received 325 applications requesting a total of $277 million, demonstrating significant unmet demand for child care capacity statewide.

Termination of Parental Rights Affirmed, Racial Bias Claim Fails

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, affirmed the termination of Mr. M.'s parental rights to his daughter I.C.M.M., rejecting his claims that the decision improperly relied on racial/ethnic bias and that DCYF failed to provide statutorily required services under RCW 13.34.180(1). The superior court had terminated parental rights in December 2024 after finding parental deficiencies including inability to protect the child from abuse and inappropriate physical discipline.