DSHS, corrections pay $1.5M to settle abuse case

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By Associated Press

Summary

The Department of Social and Health Services and the Washington Department of Corrections are paying $1.5 million together to settle a child abuse claim.

Story Published: Nov 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 13, 2009 at 7:31 PM PDT

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The Department of Social and Health Services and the Washington Department of Corrections are paying $1.5 million together to settle a child abuse claim.

DSHS spokesman Steve Williams says the two departments decided to settle the claim to spare the family and the girl from having to relive the trauma.

Attorneys for the girl released information about the settlement on Friday.

The now 14-year-old girl was emotionally, physically and sexually abused while in her grandparents' home in Okanagon County despite warnings to Child Protective Services. The girl's grandfather had twice been convicted on child-molestation charges and his parole officer told CPS he might pose a danger to the child but she remained in the home.

According to the claim filed against the state, the girl was sexually abused by her grandfather and physically abused by her grandmother. The attorneys say she is now living with her mother in Pierce County and is doing well.