Oregon Youth Authority Abuse Claims Prompt Change

Ross Law has fought to achieve civil justice for youth and their families that the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) has failed. The OYA has been plagued with mismanagement for decades that has resulted in claims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect of incarcerated youth. To compound the issue, OYA failed to promptly investigate those claims and grievances of incarcerated youth which helped perpetuate the abuse. It appears the Governor is attempting to make change to break the cycle of abuse and mismanaged claims.

According to the Statesman Journal, Katherine O. Berger has been appointed as the new Youth and Family Advocate for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), starting May 1—a role created in response to growing concerns about systemic failures within OYA, including lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of youth and a large backlog of unresolved complaints. The position, designed to be independent and overseen by the governor’s office, aims to support youth and their families in navigating the system, raising concerns, and understanding their rights.

The need for stronger oversight became urgent after a January audit revealed that Raymond Byrd, former chief investigator of OYA’s Professional Standards Office (PSO), had failed to review thousands of complaints. His resignation, alongside the firing of former OYA Director Joe O’Leary, underscored the agency’s accountability crisis. Interim Director Jana McLellan proposed the advocate role as part of several reforms following this internal review.

Berger, a longtime youth defense attorney, will regularly visit correctional facilities, meet with youth and families, and report on systemic safety issues. She will deliver a comprehensive report by May 2026 recommending how to establish a permanent advocate role and improve protections for youth reporting abuse. Her appointment signals a shift toward addressing deeply rooted issues in OYA’s handling of youth safety and misconduct complaints.

This is a step in the right direction, and here at Ross Law we hope it will make positive change. However, it will not help those that are already endured sexual abuse, assault, a lack of medical or mental health care while incarcerated at McClaren, OYA Group homes, or other while in the custody of OYA.

If you or someone you know have questions about whether or not you or your family have a claim against OYA please reach out to Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. Please remember that certain time limitations may affect your ability to pursue a claim against the Oregon Youth Authority, so it is best to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later.

Tragic Number of Kids on Oregon DHS's Radar Die in 2025

Over the years, Ross Law has had great success in representing the interests of children who have been harmed, neglected, abused, or killed as a result of Oregon’s DHS and CPS’s failures. Despite holding the State accountable in these cases, it appears the system is still failing too many children.

OregonLive reported that in the first three months of 2025, ten children known to Oregon's Department of Human Services (DHS) died, prompting state investigations. This marks an increase from two deaths during the same period in 2024 and five in 2023. Though none of the children were in foster care, half were involved in active abuse investigations, and the others lived in households that DHS had previously checked on.

The deaths include five infants and toddlers—four of whom may have died due to unsafe sleep conditions while a parent or guardian was under the influence of marijuana—and five adolescents, including four teens who died within six days of each other in mid-February. The teen deaths were unrelated, but the number has raised concern among advocates, as adolescents now make up a larger share of fatalities than in past years.

Ross Law and attorney Jeremah Ross are dedicated to using the civil justice system to hold the State accountable for its failures that result in the tragic death, abuse, or neglect of children. If you or someone you know believe that Oregon’s DHS/CPS failed a child and the child was harmed and killed as a result, then please call 503.224.1658 to speak wth attorney Jeremah Ross.

Please note that all cases are different and that this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice. If you have questions about a potential case against the State of Oregon’s DHS or CPS then please call an attorney and do not rely solely on this post.

Statesman Journal Features Ross Law's $4,000,000 Recovery from OYA for Family

In a landmark settlement reported by The Statesman Journal, the state of Oregon has agreed to pay $4 million to the family of a 20-year-old who died by suicide while on parole with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). This significant settlement highlights the concerns about the treatment and supervision of the acutely mentally ill that are in the legal custody of the State of Oregon’s Youth Authority.

The lawsuit alleged that the state's negligence, violations of civil rights, and inadequate mental health care contributed directly to the young man's death. Jeremiah Ross was trusted by the family to obtain justice under these tragic circumstances. The settlement spotlights the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is Jeremiah Ross’s hope that the State of Oregon has acknowledged the severity of the case and expressed a commitment to improving mental health services within correctional facilities.

This case underscores the critical importance of proper mental health care and oversight in custodial settings, prompting discussions about policy changes and increased funding for mental health initiatives.

For the full article Click: Here.

The Case was Galm v. The State of Oregon (OYA), Et Al, United States District Court for the District of Oregon Case: 3:23-cv-00962.

This is the second time Ross Law and Jeremiah Ross have been featured by the Statesman Journal for representing a family seeking justice on behalf of a relative who tragically committed suicide. Click Here, for the previous article.

If you or someone you know were abused, neglected, sexually assaulted, severely injured, or have endured a tragic loss of a loved one, and believe it is the fault of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Oregon Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (CPS), the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), or any local or state law enforcement agency, please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 to discuss your options.

Please remember that each case is different and although this million-dollar recovery occurred in this case, it may not occur in every case.

Ross Law featured in OregonLive for Record $4,000,000 Recovery from OYA involving Suicide

In a landmark settlement reported by The Oregonian, the state of Oregon has agreed to pay $4 million to the family of a 20-year-old who died by suicide while on Oregon Youth Authority Parole. According to OregonLive this is a “record” settlement, highlighting significant concerns about the treatment and supervision of individuals in state care.

The lawsuit alleged that the state's negligence, violations of the young man’s civil rights, and inadequate mental health care contributed directly to the young man's death. Jeremiah Ross and Ross Law, were honored to be trusted by the family to try and acheive justice under these tragic circumstances. Jeremiah Ross hopes that this settlement will spotlight the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is Ross Law’s hopes that State officials have acknowledged the severity of the case and expressed a commitment to improving mental health services within correctional facilities.

This case underscores the critical importance of proper mental health care and oversight in custodial settings, prompting discussions about policy changes and increased funding for mental health initiatives.

For the full article Click: Here

The Case was Galm v. The State of Oregon (OYA), Et Al, United States District Court for the District of Oregon Case: 3:23-cv-00962.

If you or someone you know were abused, neglected, sexually assaulted, severely injured, or have endured a tragic loss of a loved one, and believe it is the fault of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Oregon Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (CPS), the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), or any local or state law enforcement agency, please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 to discuss your options.

Please remember that each case is different and although this million-dollar recovery occurred in this case, it may not occur in every case.