Oregon officials reported that a 17-year-old foster child died by suicide on Saturday while staying at a hotel with child-welfare workers assigned to supervise them.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority offered limited details about the teen’s death in a news release on Monday, including the city where it occurred and specifics about the supervision provided.
Jake Sunderland, a spokesperson for the Department of Human Services, noted that this incident marks the first time in the department’s history that a child has died while in a hotel setting, which was used due to the need for more specialized care than a general foster home could offer. The exact duration of the teen’s stay at the hotel was not specified, but the agencies described the hotel as a temporary measure until a suitable placement could be arranged. They stated that efforts had been ongoing to connect the child with appropriate services and supports.
The teen’s death comes after a federal judge criticized the state last year for continuing to place foster children in hotels despite previous assurances to end the practice. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane expressed frustration with the state’s progress, noting that the argument of working diligently to find better placements had become a “stale mantra.”
In the first half of 2023, 75 children were housed in hotels, with 20 staying for over two months.
Fariborz Pakseresht, director of the Department of Human Services, expressed condolences in the news release, stating, “Our hearts go out to the child’s family, loved ones, and community during this incredibly difficult time. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for this devastating loss.”
Both agencies are focused on improving access to mental health services for children. Dr. Sejal Hathi, director of the Oregon Health Authority, emphasized the need for a strong prevention system and support for those affected by this tragedy.
Oregon law mandates an investigation and Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT) report for all child deaths under state care. This year, DHS has initiated CIRT investigations into the deaths of 10 other children, aged between 9 months and 16 years. The causes of these deaths include an overdose, a firearm-related incident, complications from medical conditions, and other unspecified reasons.
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