DEC 15, 2021
Community members call for legislative change following the disappearance of Oakley Carlson | king5.com
[...]
"How does a child go unaccounted for, for an entire year?" Smith said.
[...]
The petition, which now has more than 5,000 signatures, wants a law passed that would create a five-point system of support to check in on children who are returning to families after exiting the foster care system and to mandate long-term drug testing for families who are reunified with their child.
[...]
Smith has been in contact with lawmakers including Rep. Tana Senn who chairs the Children, Youth and Families Committee.
“The disappearance of little Oakley is tragic. The way the Grays Harbor community has come together is exactly the right response, and so is their call for more supports and connections for kids and families," Senn wrote to KING 5. "Too often, a tragedy opens our eyes to a new way of looking at an issue. I’m committed to working with my colleague Rep. Mike Chapman to see how we can make a difference so young kids like Oakley grow up safe and thriving."
Rep. Mike Chapman of the 24th legislative district, Oakley's district, gave this statement to KING 5:
“I met with Rep. Tana Senn and staff from DCYF today to discuss policy and budget options. We should have a better scope of solutions when we meet in January.”