Oregon Capital Chronicle: Oregon DHS and Disability Rights Oregon settle long-running class-action foster care lawsuit

As reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of the state’s foster children. The agreement, which ends five years of litigation, will hold the state agency more accountable for improving the Oregon child welfare system.

According to the article, “The lawsuit alleged the Oregon Department of Human Services, agency director Fariborz Pakseresht and Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint Gerner failed to keep foster children safe and free from trauma such as frequent moves among foster homes and a lack of appropriate therapy or other services.”

As part of the agreement, the Oregon Department of Human Services and attorneys for the foster children will select an outside neutral expert to guide the state’s work in the future.

Read the full story here: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/05/24/oregon-dhs-and-disability-rights-oregon-settle-long-running-class-action-foster-care-lawsuit/