Oregon lawmakers did not find a way in the 2017 short session to expand a pilot program to improve legal representation for foster kids statewide. But they did approve a modest expansion, and the pilot will be running in five of Oregon's 36 counties.
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- We sit down with Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Hillary Borrud to discuss her reporting on the statewide system governing lawyers who represent kids in foster care. And we're joined by Amy Miller, acting deputy director of the state Office of Public Defense Services, to talk about a pilot program that started in 2014 and has improved outcomes for kids in participating counties.
Young girl on scooter. Photo illustration used with permission.
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'Think Out Loud' On Oregon's Child Welfare System
You can read all of the articles and listen to the conversations in this series here:Part 1: How a Landmark Audit Could Change Oregon's Child Welfare DepartmentPart 2: Oregon Child Welfare Workers Say They Can't Keep Up, Do Prevention WorkPart 3: Former Child Welfare Director: DHS Must Reprioritize PreventionPart 4: Past And Present Foster ParentsPart 5: Stories From Inside Oregon's Troubled Foster Care SystemPart 6: Improving Legal Representation And Outcomes For Foster KidsPart 7: Contrasting Political Takes On Reforming The System