Every child deserves a safe place to call home. But for too long, children and young adults in Oregon’s foster care system have been left alone and hurt. They’ve been bounced from home to home—often with kind strangers who know nothing about them—without help from doctors, nurses, or dentists we all need to stay healthy. This abuse had to end.

In 2019, Disability Rights Oregon and partners filed a lawsuit on behalf of thousands of children—and fought for five years. Now we’ve reached a settlement agreement — and the State has promised to transform the foster care system over the next 10 years by: keeping kids safer after they enter care, making sure everyone has what they need before returning home, delivering health care and developing case plans faster, improving available homes, placements, and services, and and better communicating with everyone—especially when a child has been hurt.

We are excited to finally bring these needed changes to Oregon’s foster care system—and we’ll be closely watching the State’s progress. And, if we ever need to in the future, we’ll go right back to court. But now we want to know what you think!

On September 12, 2024, a fairness hearing will take place at Eugene’s federal courthouse. You have the right to tell the district court what you think about the settlement. First, you have to send a letter to the court at 405 East Eighth Avenue, Eugene OR 97401. Then, you can tell the judge in person at the hearing. If you have questions, you can mail us a letter or send an email to [email protected]. More information is also available online at droregon.org/wyatt-settlement.

There is a lot to do, and we hope you’re excited about the changes to come.
We’re working hard to ensure Oregon keeps every promise made to you and all Oregonians. Together, we will create a safer, healthier, and better foster care system so every child can reach their full potential.