Child welfare officials have been attempting to reform the system for years. The record high rates of abuse of foster children comes despite the settlement of a class action lawsuit over the state's failure to keep them safe and provide them adequate care.
Illustration by Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Children in the foster care system are among the most vulnerable in Oregon. Their mistreatment was one of the key reasons a class action lawsuit was brought against the state. The 2024 settlement included a number of required actions to decrease the rate of abuse and improve the lives of children in the state’s custody. The state recently submitted its first settlement-mandated report of its progress, including increasing the number of kids placed with a member of their family. But the increase in abuse cases is noteworthy, says OPB reporter Lauren Dake, given the policy priorities of the child welfare system after the class action settlement. Dake joins us to share more about the latest numbers and what state officials say they’re going to do about it.
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