Oregon is placing foster children in unlicensed short-term rental homes and paying millions to do so
Oregon is placing foster children in unlicensed short-term rental homes and paying millions to do so Oregon Public Broadcasting
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Child Welfare Officials in Oregon Struggle to Find Suitable Housing for Vulnerable Children
Oregon child welfare officials have been facing challenges for years in finding appropriate places to house the state’s most vulnerable children. After scandals involving the use of hotel rooms and out-of-state private facilities, state officials have turned to a new approach that involves paying a religious nonprofit to watch children in unregulated short-term rental homes. However, this new approach is still problematic and has raised concerns.
Issues with the Current Approach
- The child welfare system in Oregon has been plagued by problems, lawsuits, and criticism.
- The arrangement with the religious nonprofit, Dynamic Life Inc., has gone unpublicized.
- There is a lack of oversight and regulation for these short-term rental homes.
- Advocates for children in foster care are worried about the safety and well-being of the children placed in these homes.
The Role of Dynamic Life Inc.
Dynamic Life Inc. is a religious nonprofit founded by a former pastor based in Keizer, Oregon. The organization has experienced rapid growth in the past year, fueled by taxpayer dollars. They have signed a contract with Oregon child welfare officials to provide support services to children at risk of temporary lodging or already in temporary lodging.
Funding Discrepancy
Under the contract, Dynamic Life Inc. can be paid up to $2,916 per day for each child or teenager placed in their care. In comparison, foster parents in Oregon are paid significantly less, with a monthly rate of $795 for caring for a teenager. This large funding difference raises concerns about fairness and equity in the child welfare system.
Lack of Oversight
Unlike licensed child-caring agencies, Dynamic Life Inc. does not have to meet the same requirements and regulations. This lack of oversight is concerning, as it puts the safety and well-being of the children at risk.
Concerns Raised by Advocates
- Advocates argue that providers who cannot comply with state licensing rules are not qualified to be providers.
- Attorneys representing children in Dynamic Life’s care have raised questions about the therapeutic training received by the nonprofit staff.
- Advocates are worried about the lack of a family-like environment and professional requirements in Dynamic Life’s homes.
What is Dynamic Life?
Dynamic Life Inc. was founded by Nathan Webber, a former pastor and entrepreneur. The organization has received a significant amount of funding from the Oregon child welfare division in the past year. Dynamic Life provides two staff members on duty for each home, offering support services to children in foster care.
Life in Limbo
Children placed in Dynamic Life’s care, such as I.K., often experience a lack of stability and normalcy. I.K. is currently living in a short-term vacation rental owned by Webber. She feels isolated and lonely, with limited access to her friends and normal teenage experiences.
Concerns and Questions
The current arrangement with Dynamic Life Inc. raises concerns about the safety, well-being, and oversight of children in foster care. Advocates and lawmakers emphasize the importance of regulations and transparency in the child welfare system to protect vulnerable children.
Next Steps
Child welfare officials in Oregon have formed a task force to assess the concerns raised about Dynamic Life Inc. The state is closely monitoring the safety and well-being of children placed or working with the nonprofit. Alternative service providers are being sought for each youth currently served by Dynamic Life Inc.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
– Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
– Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems.
3. Good Health and Well-being
– Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
4. Quality Education
– Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
– Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
5. Gender Equality
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
– Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
– Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
– Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
– Indicator 16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems. |
| Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. |
| Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment. |
| Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group. |
| Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms. | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
| Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator 16.2.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation. |
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Source: opb.org
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