The tragic story of Leo “Bubby” Strode highlights systemic failures in child welfare oversight. Severely burned as a baby in a shed fire caused by portable heaters and unsafe conditions, Bubby endured extensive medical treatment, including 19 surgeries, and faces a lifetime of challenges. His adoptive family, David and Sarah Strode, who specialize in fostering medically fragile children, have filed a $165 million claim against Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). They allege negligence, citing multiple ignored warnings about Bubby’s unsafe living conditions before the fire.
Despite his hardships, Bubby, now five years old, is an energetic and resilient child. His adoptive family has reshaped their lives to support his needs, and his siblings, including Addie, who also survived burns, provide him with a strong support system. The Strodes continue to advocate for Bubby’s future while seeking accountability for the systemic failures that led to his suffering.