Nearly 1,000 complaints of mistreatment and concerning conditions have been filed this year by young people held within Oregon’s juvenile justice system, marking the highest number of reports since 2019. According to recently released data, 956 complaints were submitted by youth in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), the state agency responsible for overseeing youth correctional and transitional facilities.
The complaints range broadly, from alleged abuse by staff or peers to concerns about facility conditions and access to basic needs. State officials say the sharp increase reflects renewed efforts to encourage reporting after revelations earlier this year that hundreds of prior complaints were never fully investigated.
Renewed Reporting Efforts After Backlog Revelations
Earlier this year, reporting revealed a significant internal backlog at OYA, with hundreds of youth complaints sitting unresolved. In response, agency leadership acknowledged concerns that young people had lost trust in the complaint process altogether.
“We had a significant internal concern that the reputation of the office that accepts complaints and the news would make people feel like, ‘why report’ when they aren’t going to do anything,” said Will Howell, a spokesperson for OYA. According to Howell, officials made a concerted effort this year to reassure youth in custody that complaints would be reviewed and addressed.
That message appears to have had an impact. Of the 956 complaints filed so far this year, 783 have been investigated and closed, while nine remain under investigation with the Oregon State Police. Officials say the remaining cases are in various stages of review.
Leadership Shakeup and State Oversight
The backlog and related allegations prompted decisive action from Tina Kotek, who removed the head of the Oregon Youth Authority in March. The decision followed multiple allegations of misconduct and systemic failures, including the mishandling of youth complaints.
Since then, current leadership reports making significant progress in reducing unresolved cases. Officials say the backlog has been reduced from 534 outstanding complaints in March to just 75 as of December, signaling a shift toward more timely internal accountability.
OYA oversees five youth correctional facilities and four transitional facilities statewide. Among them is the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, the largest youth detention facility in the state. Approximately 850 young people, ages 12 to 24, are currently held in OYA custody after being convicted in the juvenile or criminal justice systems.
Criminal Justice Scrutiny at MacLaren Facility
Concerns surrounding MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility have drawn additional scrutiny this year. In June, the Marion County District Attorney announced an investigation into the conditions and management of the facility following increased allegations and complaints.
Under Oregon law, Marion County is required to review the condition of every correctional and youth correctional facility in the county annually. However, officials indicated that this year’s grand jury report—expected to be released publicly before the end of the year—will be more extensive than usual due to the volume and seriousness of reported concerns.
While investigations remain ongoing, officials have stressed that allegations are still being reviewed and that no conclusions should be drawn until the process is complete.
Support and Resources for Impacted Youth and Families
Helping Survivors exists to help individuals and families understand their rights and resources after harm, including in juvenile justice settings. The organization provides educational content and may be able to help introduce victims to experienced civil rights and abuse attorneys when appropriate.
If you or someone you love experienced mistreatment, sexual harm, or unsafe conditions while in a juvenile detention facility, you deserve information and support—whether the incident happened recently or years ago. Contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
