Gregoire orders stepped-up efforts against child abuse

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire, responding to recent criticism of Child Protective Services in a child abuse case, Wednesday directed the state agency to step up efforts to protect youngsters from abusive caregivers.

The governor, reacting quickly to an outcry over the alleged abuse of a 12-year-old Puyallup boy, said such cases are tragic and can't always be prevented.

But she told a news conference she has directed the agency to come up with better plans for working with local law enforcement anytime a child is being returned to a home where abuse was alleged.

Pierce County sheriff's officers criticized the state's handling of that case, including the agency's decision to return the boy to live in an outdoor travel trailer at the home of his grandfather and his grandfather's wife, who have been charged with child assault. They have pleaded not guilty.

Gregoire wants the new plan ready in 30 days.

The governor also said she's asking prosecutors to look at the state's sex-abuse laws to see if improvements are needed. That follows the abduction and killing of a 12-year-old Tacoma girl.

Terapon Adhahn, a convicted sex offender, has pleaded not guilty to murder, rape and kidnapping charges in the case.