Kids in Oregon’s rural counties more likely to spend time in foster care
Summary
Children living in rural counties of Oregon are more likely to spend time in foster care compared to those in cities. Despite a statewide decrease in foster care cases, rural areas have higher rates and face challenges accessing support services that could help families stay together.Key Facts
- Rural Oregon counties have nearly double the rate of children entering foster care compared to urban counties.
- Some rural counties in southeastern Oregon have rates three times higher than Multnomah County, the state's most populous.
- The overall number of children in foster care in Oregon has dropped since 2020, but the decline is slower in rural areas.
- Experts link higher foster care rates in rural areas to limited access to healthcare, financial aid, and childcare.
- When families lack support services, child welfare agencies may remove children and place them in foster care more often.
- Oregon’s Department of Human Services is expanding support programs to prevent foster care placements under a 2024 legal settlement.
- Many prevention services are only available in counties near the Interstate 5 corridor, leaving rural communities with fewer resources.
- Advocates say more must be done to ensure families in remote areas can access help to avoid foster care.
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