Parent Advocate Jenny Canaday opposes Oregon House Bill 3830's harmful practices for children

In a poignant gathering at the Oregon Legislature, advocates and experts voiced their concerns over proposed changes to the state's approach to youth in care during the House Committee on Rules meeting on May 12, 2025. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as testimonies unfolded, revealing the deep-seated issues within the current system and the potential repercussions of new legislation.

Jenny Canaday, a parent advocate with firsthand experience, shared a harrowing account of her son’s placement in an out-of-state behavior intervention program. Canaday described the program as a "nightmare in a petri dish," where children were subjected to dehumanizing treatment that left her son questioning his own humanity. Her emotional testimony highlighted the dangers of reducing definitions and expanding out-of-state placements, which she argued would further alienate vulnerable youth and erode trust in the system.

Canaday's story resonated with many in the room, as she emphasized the need for reform that prioritizes healing and community investment rather than technical fixes. "Our kids deserve nothing less," she implored, urging lawmakers to reject House Bill 3,830, which she believes would exacerbate existing problems rather than address them.

Tom Stinson, deputy legal director from Disability Rights Oregon, echoed Canaday's sentiments, stating that the proposed bill could lead to increased abuse and neglect of children with disabilities. He noted that both the House and Senate Human Services Committees oppose the bill, reflecting a growing consensus among advocates that the current trajectory is misguided.

The discussions illuminated a critical crossroads for Oregon's youth services, as stakeholders called for a shift towards community-based care that respects the dignity and needs of children. As the committee deliberates, the voices of those directly impacted by these policies serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved. The future of Oregon's most vulnerable children hangs in the balance, and the call for meaningful reform has never been more urgent.