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Kids in Oregon’s Rural Counties More Likely to Spend Time in Foster Care
InvestigateWest found rural counties placed children in foster care at almost double the urban rate, as Oregon expands prevention programs unevenly.
- Children in Oregon's rural counties are more likely to enter foster care than those in urban areas, according to an InvestigateWest analysis, with some communities seeing rates three times higher than Multnomah County.
- Rural areas often lack sufficient local healthcare and substance abuse services, leaving removal as the default response when families struggle, said Jeremy Harle, executive director of Kairos NW.
- According to the Department of Human Services, caseworkers cited neglect in about 56% of removal cases; statewide foster care numbers fell by about 11% since 2022, though Malheur County reported the state's highest rate at one in 35.
- Following a 2024 class action settlement, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding prevention programs, though Child Welfare Deputy Director Lacey Andresen acknowledged these initiatives remain concentrated along the Interstate 5 corridor.
- Simon Fulford, executive director of Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, noted that rural communities are generally underserved by social services, while Emily Cooper, legal director of Disability Rights Oregon, emphasized that significant obstacles remain for struggling families.
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Kids in Oregon’s rural counties more likely to spend time in foster care – WTOP News
Children in Oregon’s rural counties are more likely to spend at least one day in the foster care system than those living in urban areas, according to an InvestigateWest analysis of public data from the state’s child welfare agency. Since at least 2020, rural counties have consistently accounted for the highest rates of foster care...
·Chevy Chase, United States
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The Toronto Star+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Kids in Oregon’s rural counties more likely to spend time in foster care
Children in Oregon’s rural counties are more likely to spend at least one day in the foster care system than those living in urban areas, according to an InvestigateWest analysis of public data from the state’s child welfare agency.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 33%
C 50%
R 17%
Factuality
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