SALEM, Oregon — On July 29, Kevin Ryan, the Court-appointed Neutral in the Wyatt B. v. Kotek settlement, submitted his “Initial Review” to the U.S. District Court and the parties involved in the case. The review outlines 14 specific measures Oregon will use to track its progress on improving child welfare outcomes, as required by the terms of the settlement.
The review focuses on six core areas of reform within Oregon’s foster care system:
-
Reducing harm to children and young adults after they enter foster care.
-
Improving communication with courts, attorneys, children, young adults, and their families when harm occurs.
-
Ensuring timely medical and mental health assessments and referrals for needed care.
-
Enhancing the quality of foster placements and support services.
-
Reducing re-entry rates into foster care.
-
Speeding up case plan development, which guides services, court reporting, and timelines for children in care.
Ryan’s report is the result of nine months of collaboration with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and plaintiffs in the case, during which he reviewed state data and helped determine the most appropriate indicators for tracking improvement.
“We are pleased to be at this point in the Wyatt B. v. Kotek settlement and appreciate Kevin Ryan’s expertise in improving outcomes for children and young adults,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We are carefully reviewing the initial report, including assessing the feasibility of the reporting expectations defined. We look forward to continued collaboration to make improvements that better the lives of children in foster care.”
Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia echoed the department’s commitment, stating, “Keeping children safe and supporting families and communities is our top priority, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
The 14 measures developed will serve as a key accountability tool to ensure progress is both trackable and transparent as Oregon works to reform its foster care system under federal oversight.
