Salem, OR. — A Marion County grand jury has released findings confirming widespread safety and management concerns at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, validating a rare grand jury inquiry convened earlier this year by Paige Clarkson, Marion County District Attorney.
The inquiry, authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 132.440, began in June following growing concerns about conditions at the facility, which is operated by the Oregon Youth Authority. At the time, Clarkson said she was increasingly alarmed about the safety of both youth and staff, particularly in light of conduct that occurred under former OYA leadership.
Over the course of approximately six months, the grand jury held 13 sessions, heard more than 40 hours of testimony from about 30 witnesses, reviewed hundreds of pages of documents, and conducted multiple site visits to MacLaren, along with one visit to the Marion County Juvenile Department. Witnesses included OYA staff and leadership, juvenile prosecutors, juvenile justice experts, representatives from the Marion County Juvenile Department, the Oregon State Police, and community partners.
The grand jury identified numerous systemic issues affecting safety and rehabilitation, organizing its findings into broad categories including identity issues, staffing and training shortages, youth population and behavioral trends, security and control deficiencies, contraband and facility safety, gang activity, mental health and treatment gaps, sexual assault and misconduct, case planning and parole processes, and impacts on community partners.
In addition to its findings and recommendations, the grand jury issued 10 criminal indictments related to conduct reviewed during the investigation. Those cases add to others already pending stemming from incidents at the facility.
“Youth being served at Oregon’s closed custody facilities deserve the opportunity for rehabilitation in a safe and stable environment,” Clarkson said. “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new chapter for MacLaren. This is only a starting point and should serve as a catalyst for policymakers, state leaders, and experts to do better for both our youth and our communities.”
Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy, who oversaw the proceedings, said the grand jury uncovered numerous areas requiring improvement. Some issues, he noted, will require sustained policy discussion, while others involve straightforward, common-sense reforms.
Clarkson also thanked the seven jurors who served on the panel, noting the significant time and effort they devoted to examining conditions affecting some of Oregon’s most vulnerable youth.
The grand jury provided formal recommendations to OYA leadership, legislators, and community partners aimed at restoring safety and public confidence at MacLaren. Murphy said the Marion County District Attorney’s Office looks forward to continued discussions on improving outcomes for youth before, during, and after OYA custody.
The Marion County Grand Jury’s 2025 report on MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility is available through the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
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