In a tragic incident from May 2020, a nine-month-old boy was severely injured in a shed fire in Grays Harbor County. Despite enduring significant physical trauma, including multiple surgeries, he survived and was later adopted by a family from Pierce County. The child, known as Leo Strode, had been left unattended by his biological parents in a small shed filled with space heaters, creating a perilous environment.
The state of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) had been aware of the risks surrounding Leo’s biological parents before his birth. The parents had notable criminal records and a history of drug use. Reports of domestic violence and neglect highlighted the boy’s unstable living conditions prior to the fire.
Following the fire, Leo was placed in foster care and later adopted by Sarah and David Strode of Pierce County. The Strodes have since filed a $165 million tort claim against DCYF, alleging negligence in investigating reports of neglect and abuse. The claim asserts that DCYF failed to act on three separate warnings about Leo’s safety, ultimately leading to the catastrophic fire.
DCYF has opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, maintaining its policy of non-disclosure in active legal matters. The agency has 60 days to respond to the tort claim before a lawsuit can be initiated by the Strode family.
The claim details DCYF’s alleged failure to take decisive action, even after receiving repeated warnings about Leo’s precarious situation. It outlines a history of the biological parents’ substance abuse issues, domestic violence incidents, and neglectful behaviors, which should have prompted more rigorous intervention by the agency.
The tragic incident has left Leo with permanent injuries, requiring nearly 20 surgeries and ongoing medical treatment. Questions about his future capabilities, such as his ability to attend school or live independently, remain uncertain.
The Strodes, who have experience caring for children with special needs, have embraced Leo into their family, providing him with a nurturing environment. They emphasize their commitment to ensuring his safety and well-being for the rest of his life.
The Bottom Line
This case underscores the critical responsibility of child welfare agencies to respond adequately to reports of neglect and abuse. For the community, it highlights the importance of vigilance and timely intervention in safeguarding vulnerable children. The significant claim against DCYF may prompt a reevaluation of protocols and resource allocation within child protection services. As taxpayers fund these agencies, there is a pressing need for accountability to ensure that such preventable tragedies do not occur in the future.