State Investigation Highlights Oregon Youth Authority Failures
Oregon, USA – A recent state investigation has revealed severe shortcomings within the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), particularly regarding the handling of complaints linked to youth safety. Allegations include sexual abuse, drug smuggling, suicide attempts, and assaults, with staff reportedly failing to act on critical incidents.
The inquiry, initiated following complaints from parents and employees, highlighted specific cases where the OYA did not refer allegations of employee misconduct to law enforcement, including serious claims of sexual abuse involving youth. Investigative delays were noted, such as a 2024 complaint about staff misconduct where youths were reportedly coerced into kissing for food rewards.
Conducted by investigator Travis Hampton, the investigation underscores staff frustrations over systemic inaction. With comments like “makes my stomach hurt,” employees expressed concern over the agency’s failure to ensure safety, prompting parents to question agency leaders directly about ongoing violence faced by their children in custody.
The findings come amid a broader investigation into the agency’s backlog of abuse complaints, revealing that over 3,700 cases remained unaddressed over the past seven years. This led to the resignation of Chief Investigator Raymond Byrd and the dismissal of Director Joe O’Leary by Governor Tina Kotek, who criticized the lack of proper oversight.
The report also noted that O’Leary, who earned a salary exceeding $225,000, claimed ignorance of the issues until just recently, while Byrd defended his role amidst allegations of racial bias affecting his hiring process.
The OYA, responsible for a significant number of at-risk youth, has faced numerous civil rights lawsuits regarding abuse in its facilities, culminating in a $51 million suit filed by former inmates alleging sexual abuse.
In a message to OYA staff, interim director Jana McLellan acknowledged the report’s sensitive content, urging employees to prioritize the welfare of the youths in their care.
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