Oregon agencies review death of foster child who died of suicide in state's care

The teen was temporarily housed in a hotel as officials worked to find the “appropriate services and supports” for them.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon officials are investigating the death of a foster child who died by suicide earlier this month.

In a joint release, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Human Services reported that a 17-year-old resident died while in custody of the state on Aug. 3.

According to the announcement, the child had been temporarily housed in a hotel with ODHS staff as the agency worked alongside OHA and behavioral health professionals to find the “appropriate services and supports” for them.

“Any time a young person dies by suicide, there are waves and ripples of hurt and trauma,” OHA Director Seja Hathi said in a statement. “We have much work to do to ensure a robust prevention system is in place for all people in our state, and we need to attend to the hurt and grief many are feeling in the wake of this tragedy.”

The Critical Incident Response Team, which works to identify any systemic issues that led to the death of a child in ODHS custody, is now reviewing the incident. Another internal investigation will determine whether the teen experienced child abuse or neglect while in the state’s care.

OHA’s Licensing & Certification unit will also review whether the behavioral health workers involved were in compliance with state law. Additionally, the State Child Death Review Team — which includes both agencies — will consider prevention recommendations from an unspecified county review team.

Several organizations sued Oregon’s foster care system in 2017, alleging it hindered children’s mental health by temporarily housing them in hotels. A federal judge appointed a child welfare consultant to oversee ODHS in July 2023, years after the department settled the lawsuit and promised to find other solutions.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7 through the suicide and crisis hotline available online by calling or texting 988.