Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state is looking for more foster homes for kids who've tangled with the law. As Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, the search is proving especially difficult in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.

The two counties house more than a quarter of the state's population, but they only have four foster homes available for the Oregon Youth Authority.

That means juvenile corrections is sending young offenders who've served their time to homes hundreds of miles away from their communities.

Mark McDonald, who certifies foster care homes, says taking in a troubled youth in can be a rewarding experience.

Mark McDonald: "What we want from our foster parents is what you want from all parents. You want a nurturing home, someone who can listen to them and engage them and care for them. And then of course we have a tremendous amount of wrap-around services that we can provide while the youth are in the home."

The kids the state is trying to take care of have committed a range of violations -- from minor infractions to violent crimes.

The average foster care stay for these youth is between six months and three years.