Oregon Youth Authority reviews 733 backlog cases under new chief investigator

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss the current status of case backlogs and internal controls within the Oregon Youth Authority. The meeting highlighted significant challenges faced by the agency, including a backlog of over 3,000 cases, with 733 cases currently under review.

During the session, officials reported that the agency has doubled its investigative teams to address the backlog, which has accumulated over the past three years. The average number of cases handled by the unit has been notably low, with only seven cases processed at a time. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, as the agency must not only catch up on past cases but also manage new incoming cases.

Chair Broadman raised concerns about the internal controls in place to prevent further backlog. The interim chief investigator assured the committee that stringent policies are followed, including response and investigation timelines of 60 to 90 days. Daily check-ins and weekly tracking of case numbers were mentioned as part of the oversight measures.

The committee also discussed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audits, which are conducted annually. The next audit is scheduled for June, focusing on several facilities. Officials are currently preparing for this audit, which includes on-site training and pre-audit questions.

In response to inquiries about the backlog's severity, officials indicated that they are categorizing cases based on priority, particularly those involving serious allegations. However, specific numbers regarding potential PREA violations within the backlog were not immediately available but will be provided later.

The meeting underscored the agency's commitment to improving case management and oversight, with plans for enhanced tracking tools and reporting mechanisms to better monitor progress and prevent future backlogs.