October Newsletter

THIS MONTH AT JUSTICE FOR OAKLEY

CALL TO ACTION - Since February of 2022, we have been calling and emailing Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State asking him to conduct a thorough investigation of Oakley Carlson’s Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families case.  After months of calls and emails by Oakley’s supporters and questions by the media, Governor Inslee made the request for a review of Oakley’s case to Patrick Dowd, Director of the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombud.  In his letter requesting a review he wrote, “I believe it is prudent and appropriate to request an examination of the agency’s handling of this case, whether to affirm that DCYF followed all proper protocols and policies, or to identify whether agency actions may have contributed to her disappearance. Once you have completed your analysis, my expectation is that you will report back with your findings and any recommendations. I thank you and your staff for the incredibly valuable and important work you do on behalf of children and families.”  Dowd then called Jamie Jo Hiles, Oakley’s foster mom, multiple times and never disclosed that he was reviewing Oakley’s case on behalf of the Governor.  He made statements such as, “You can tell me everything but I can’t share anything with you.”  This made Jamie Jo feel very uncomfortable and that he was untrustworthy.  

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In July, it was disclosed by Governor Inslee’s office to Light The Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project that Inslee requested the review.  Light The Way waited months for the review to be disclosed publicly but when it was not we asked the media to approach the Governor’s office for answers. Within hours the report was suddenly “available”.  Governor Inslee publicly stated that the outcome of the review was that the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families had been cleared of all wrongdoings but that none of the report would be released publicly because it was protected by privacy laws. The one area that the report stated that WA DCYF could have “improved” on was the “family-time or parent-child visits”.  Read the OFCO statement here.  

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We highly disagree with this outcome of the review.  With much help from the Hiles family, we have been able to create a verifiable timeline that proves that the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families should be held liable for Oakley’s disappearance.  It is an insult to state that more “family-time or parent-child visits” with Oakley’s biological parents could have stopped the physical abuse, drug use, and torture of being starved and locked in a cell she received soon after being returned to them. This is an extremely concerning statement coming from the agency that is in charge of reviewing all of the fatality and near-fatality cases of WA DCYF.

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CALL TO ACTION!  Click here to help us contact Governor Inslee to request a secondary INDEPENDENT OUTSIDE AGENCY REVIEW of Oakley Carlson's Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families case. The review done by the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombud was not shared publicly.  We feel this lacks impartiality and transparency.  Feel free to copy/paste this sample letter.

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BONUS CALL TO ACTION! Voice your opinion to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families Secretary Ross Hunter at ross.hunter@dcyf.wa.gov  Feel free to copy/paste this sample letter.

Thank you for those of you who have been emailing weekly and to those of you who will be emailing for the first time.  We need to keep the pressure on the people in power and continue to be Oakley’s voice!

PINK PUMPKINS FOR OAKLEY - Oakley Carlson supporters joined together during the month of October and painted pink pumpkins for Oakley to proudly display on their porches and mantels. They have committed to displaying these pink pumpkins every year until Oakley is brought home. Some pumpkins are displayed below. You can see more pink pumpkin pictures on the Oakley Carlson-Oakville, Washington Facebook group.

REWARD FUND - The Oakley Carlson Reward Fund is continuing to raise money for a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Oakley.  This 501(c)3 non-profit organization was founded by the loving family and friends of Oakley and it is registered in Washington State. If you are interested in donating please visit the Go Fund Me page here.

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In lieu of the reward not being claimed or extended, the funds would then be used at the discretion of Jamie Jo and Erik Hiles. Examples include service and headstone if necessary, a college fund, a scholarship in Oakley’s name, a trust fund for Oakley’s siblings, etc.

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THANK YOU to those who have donated!