In August 2022, volunteers from Project Never Again, an Oregon nonprofit, prepared duffel bags for foster children at their annual event in Hillsboro.
Over a year after Oregon passed a law Senate Bill 548 to stop foster children from using garbage bags for their belongings, state caseworkers are still seeking help from Project Never Again. The law, which took effect on January 1, 2023, requires the Oregon Department of Human Services ODHS to provide luggage for foster children and report how often trash bags are used. The first report is due on September 15.
Before the law, Project Never Again had distributed around 20,000 duffel bags to foster children and other organizations. Despite the new law, the nonprofit still receives requests for duffel bags from caseworkers across the state. In response, the organization donated an additional 1,000 duffel bags.
Seema Steffany, the nonprofit’s founder, expressed frustration with the lack of communication from ODHS. While the agency claims all offices are authorized to purchase luggage, Steffany said caseworkers are still struggling to find appropriate bags.
Records show ODHS managers were concerned about caseworkers reaching out to the nonprofit for help. In June, Lacey Andresen, the deputy child welfare director, contacted Steffany, expressing concern over the continued inquiries from caseworkers. Despite this, Steffany continued to receive requests.
ODHS tracks luggage inventory and usage, and offices are expected to buy luggage locally when needed. However, a report from February 2024 indicated that children were still using trash bags in some instances.
Steffany believes it’s unfair to expect caseworkers to find luggage on their own. She noted that some have gone to great lengths, like hosting parties to collect donated luggage, to ensure foster children have what they need.