Thirty-seven percent of the children entering foster care in Douglas County are sexual abuse victims. Most other problems tend to be similar in prevalence or less prevalent in Douglas County than in other parts of Oregon. Considering level 7 tend to exhibit more problems and fewer level 7 children enter care in Douglas County, a lower prevalence might be expected. Most children enter substitute care after abuse, neglect, or threats from parental problems or actions. Family problems or conditions, known as family factors, are recognized for each family with a child entering care.
Most factors are more common in Douglas County than elsewhere in Oregon.
The most severe family problems or situations which prohibit a child from returning home are known as barriers. Barriers are the family problems that must be addressed before a child is returned home. Barriers to returning children home are more common in Douglas County. Services are offered to families to resolve barriers and encourage reunification. Child counseling and child psychological examinations are the most common services offered to children entering care in Douglas County.