Tensions flare at explosive hearing over Oregon foster care

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon lawmakers and child welfare officials went head-to-head in a tense hearing over the state’s troubled foster care system.

Sen. Sara Gelser on Tuesday pressed foster care officials for information about the 80 children in out-of-state facilities. She said she had heard reports of children kept in straight jackets or being injected with Benadryl to control their behavior.

That’s when the head of Oregon’s Department of Human Services, which oversees the foster care system, accused Gelser of publicly “shaming” the agency. Director Fariborz Pakseresht defended the agency, saying workers are “breaking their back” to ensure the 7,500 in state care are safe and provided needed services.

Gelser, a Democrat from Corvallis, said she was “not concerned” with the agency’s feelings and that she had “lost confidence” in DHS.

Meanwhle, Gov. Kate Brown on Thursday finalized membership of the Child Welfare Oversight Board. The board, which begins meeting next week, will advise the governor on her direction of the DHS n addressing immediate issues in the child welfare system.

“These individuals bring deep experience and expertise in the child welfare system and state agency operations,” said Brown said. “I appreciate their willingness to step up quickly to help the state better serve our most vulnerable children and families.”

Board Members:

Judge Nan Waller, Multnomah County Circuit Court Dr. David Sanders, executive vice president of systems improvement, Casey Family Programs Leslie Sutton, policy director, Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Joe McFerrin II, president/CEO of Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Rosemary Anderson High School Dr. Ajit Jetmalani, director of OHSU’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Matt Garrett, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority Dr. Sarah Kastelic, executive director, National Indian Child Welfare Association Roseanne Scott, DHS child welfare case worker, Multnomah County

Governor Brown will lead biweekly meetings of the board starting next week. For more information, see Executive Order 19-03.