The level 5 population from Multnomah County consists primarily of parents in need of treatment for mental illness, disabilities, or physical problems. Multnomah County serves a lower percentage of level 7 children than most branch offices. The percentage of level 7 children is expected to decline as counties begin serving these children and families. In summary, the largest group of children entering foster care in Multnomah County are identified as level 3 and level 1. A higher proportion of cases were identified in the higher levels of vulnerability than elsewhere in Oregon.
Most children enter foster care after being maltreated by their parents.
The children entering foster care in Multnomah County tend to be more depressed and exhibit more behavioral problems then elsewhere in Oregon. Parents who maltreat their children are often burdened with problems or conditions that affect their parenting. Family factors are more prevalent in Multnomah County than elsewhere in Oregon. Some of these factors are associated with risk of serious abuse, some are associated with risk of a child being placed in care, and some factors influence the likelihood of a child returning home. In general, a higher percentage of families with children entering foster care in Multnomah County are offered services than elsewhere in Oregon.