P R E S S   R E L E A S E

Secretary of State BEV CLARNO The State of Oregon

CONTACT: Tayleranne Gillespie | 971-301-1670 | tayleranne.gillespie@oregon.gov

DATE: June 5, 2019

Secretary of State Bev Clarno Releases Follow-up Report on DHS Foster Care Audit

Salem, OR - Today, Secretary of State Bev Clarno released a follow-up report on recommendations made to the Department of Human Services in the January 2018 audit on foster care in Oregon. In the original audit 24 recommendations were made, and while each concern has been acknowledged by DHS, only eight have been fully implemented. Extensive work remains to improve child safety in foster care and the child welfare system.

“There is nothing more important than the well-being of children,” said Secretary Clarno. “DHS is moving in the right direction, but there is still work that needs to be done to ensure proper staffing, suitable foster homes and residential facilities, and a better overall culture. I hope that the findings in this follow-up report lead to a safer and more secure environment for our foster kids.”

Remaining areas of concern noted in the report include overburdened caseworkers, a shortage of foster homes, and issues with the new central abuse reporting hotline.

To read the original audit and the follow-up report, visit the Secretary of States website.

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