Oregon woman sues state, alleging foster abuse

Jason jsipe on September 2, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A 19-year-old woman has filed a $5.25 million lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Human Services claiming she was sexually abused as a child after the agency placed her with her foster grandfather.

Portland attorney Kelly Clark, who filed the complaint for the woman, said the foster grandfather had been twice convicted and sent to prison on child rape charges.

Clark alleges the state agency was negligent for placing the victim with the grandfather without adequately investigating. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court claims the abuse occurred repeatedly between the ages of 5 and 9.

The complaint names the Department of Human Services and two unidentified caseworkers as defendants.

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