Think Out Loud

Children in rural counties more likely to enter foster care, reporting shows

By Malya Fass (OPB)
Sept. 10, 2026 1 p.m.

Broadcast: Thursday, Sept. 10

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Recent reporting from Investigate West shows that a disproportionate number of children in Oregon’s rural counties are more likely to enter the foster care system compared to those in urban areas.

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The reporting notes that wider barriers to health and social services in rural counties are a likely cause of this disparity, according to providers and experts.

Danielle Dawson is a collaborative investigative reporter and Report for America corps member at InvestigateWest. She joins us with more details.

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