Child Abuse, Neglect Rises; Cause is a Matter of Debate

Police officer removing a baby from a suspected meth house Photo Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff

(PORTLAND - AP) - State officials and an advocacy group are debating where to place the blame for a rise in child abuse cases in Oregon.

Is it methamphetamine use by parents? Or budget cuts by the state?

The Department of Human Services says in a new report that 18 Oregon children died of abuse or neglect in the fiscal year that ended September 30th -- particularly from parents' methamphetamine use.

But Children First for Oregon says state officials are using meth to mask inadequate state funding of the child welfare system. And that includes alcohol and drug abuse treatment for parents of abused and neglected children.

The group's executive director, Robin Christian, says while meth is a serious problem, it doesn't explain why the state won't invest in more caseworkers or effective substance abuse treatment for parents. (The Oregonian)