Oregon shows notable progress for foster kids after class action lawsuit exposed horrors

Oregon's child welfare system has made measurable strides on key targets for child well-being following a class action lawsuit that exposed systemic failures. The state's report shows that more children reported to investigators are remaining with their families or being placed with relatives, and about 80% of foster children received prompt medical and mental health assessments in 2025, double the rate from four years ago. Additionally, 94.3% of children returned to their families after foster care remained safely home for at least six months, just shy of the 94.4% goal set for 2028. However, the rate of maltreatment to children in state care remains high, three times the national average. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, led to a settlement that required the state to hire an independent expert and produce twice-annual reports. Oregon has also seen a decline in the number of children entering foster care, attributed to increased efforts to support families before removal. The state has improved its ability to place children with relatives and provide timely case plans to parents. Despite these successes, challenges remain, including a shortage of mental health providers and the need to reduce maltreatment rates. The independent expert, Kevin M. Ryan, will issue a response to the state's first report this fall.

(Source：The Oregonian)