In short, the majority of Federal funding is directed toward response rather than prevention-based services and support for families.  The State would likely have a difficult time providing services absent Federal matching dollars.  I believe on the Federal level there is an emerging awareness of this shortfall and we could see changes made relatively soon.

Folks have been fond of quoting the 83% staffing figure.  What many haven't mentioned is, over a large portion of the period of review, Child Welfare was staffed at or below 63% staffing, experienced system-wide mandatory furloughs (i.e. caseworkers were required to stay home without pay), and there were hiring and salary freezes.  Under those circumstances, it's frankly a wonder the Child Welfare Program did as well as it did, even with the understanding outcomes weren't tremendous.  No organization works optimally at 63% staffing.

The citizens of Oregon are responsible for child safety, the fault is not limited to Child Welfare.