Parents who abuse or neglect their children are themselves often burdened by a number of problems. These problems are known as family factors. In addition, there is a high prevalence of parents who were abused as children, parents involved with domestic violence, and parents with a history of being abusive to children. Many of the factors common to families served in Lane County are associated with parents who severly physically abuse their children. Children entering foster care often can exhibit disturbing behaviors associated with physical or mental disorders.
Children entering care in Lane County tend to exhibit fewer problems than elsewhere in the state.
Barriers are family problems that should be addressed before a child is returned home. Like family factors, barriers tend to be more prevalent in Lane County than other Oregon counties. Many parents with children entering foster care have drug or alcohol issues, poor parenting skills, are domestically violent and are chronically neglectful. The most common services provided to children in Lane County include sexual abuse victim treatment and child counseling. This delicate balance weighs the potential for reabuse with the emotional needs of the children to remain with their parents.