Oregon Foster Care System Reforms Ordered Following Landmark Court Ruling
In a significant move toward reforming Oregon’s foster care system, a recent report by a child welfare expert, alongside a ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, is reshaping the landscape for the state’s child welfare practices. Following a lawsuit settled last year, the state must urgently address issues such as the reduction of abuse rates in foster care, ensure timely medical and mental health assessments for children in its custody, and minimize reentry rates of kids previously reunited with relatives.
Kevin Ryan, a neutral expert appointed to oversee improvements, provided a detailed plan last month that establishes specific benchmarks Oregon must meet to comply with court standards applicable to all children in legal custody. This decision has been applauded by advocates, with Tom Stenson from Disability Rights Oregon emphasizing the positive momentum from the ruling and Ryan’s comprehensive plan.
The backdrop to this reform is the five-year legal battle initiated by Disability Rights Oregon and A Better Childhood, which argued that many foster youth were neglected and abused while under the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). The state invested over $22 million in legal defenses, a move criticized by advocates. DHS’s outgoing director, Fariborz Pakseresht, defended the expenditures, asserting that the settlement ultimately saved the state money in the long run.
The court’s ruling extends the scope of the settlement by including an estimated 600-700 more children and teens currently in the state’s legal custody, emphasizing the need for systemic change. DHS has expressed its commitment to working with stakeholders to enhance care services, as outlined in the agreement. This convergence of judicial oversight and expert guidance signals a hopeful chapter for Oregon’s foster care system.
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