Status of Children in Benton County, Oregon

Status of Oregon's Children 2006 County Data Book
Web Source: Children First for Oregon

107 children are victims of child abuse/neglect (6.6 per 1,000 children)
54% of victims of abuse/neglect are under age 6
99 children in the county have been in foster care at least once during the past year

Child Welfare Indicators	Current Total Number	Current Rate	Rate Change from Previous Year	Rate Ave Previous 5 Years	Current Rate Compared to Oregon
Abuse and Neglect Victims (per 1,000 ages 0-17)	54	3.3	10% worse	3.4	52% better
Threat of Harm Victims (per 1,000 ages 0-17)	54	3.3	154% worse	1.5	46% better
Recurrence of Maltreatment	NA	12.2	NA	NA	20% worse
Foster Care Placement Stability	NA	91.5	6% worse	NA	8% better

    One major concern is that the Child Welfare Indicators continue to move in the wrong direction. The number of children victimized by abuse or neglect reached a ten-year high in 2006, with at least 13.8 out of every 1,000 children in Oregon either victims of, or at substantial risk of, abuse or neglect. The stability of children in foster care placements also worsened, meaning that children in the state's care are moving around more throughout the year, making it more difficult for them to succeed in school and feel safe and secure.

    Even with the continued troubles in the state's child welfare system, Children First has observed a renewed sense of responsibility for Oregon children over the past year. "The momentum for positive change has begun to build and is taking root . . . . It will continue to grow with the thoughtful dedication of every Oregonian, from elected leaders to everyday citizens, to get the job done."
                                                            -- Children First for Oregon, 2007 Report Card