Police arrest Oakridge mother after six children found living in unsafe conditions

Police in the city of Oakridge arrested a mother on Monday night after officers discovered six children living in a squalid apartment on Maple Street. The 32‑year‑old was taken into custody at 10:15 p.m. after a neighbor called 911 to report a possible child‑abuse situation. When officers entered the unit, they found the floor littered with broken glass, no running water, no electricity, and a lack of basic food supplies.

The case comes amid a rise in child‑neglect reports across the state. In 2023, the state Department of Health and Human Services logged 12,000 cases of severe neglect, a 15% increase from the previous year. Oakridge’s child‑welfare agency has been under pressure to respond quickly, yet the city’s limited resources mean many cases slip through the cracks. This incident underscores the urgency of timely intervention and the need for stronger community support for at‑risk families.

When police searched the apartment, they found only enough clothing for some of the children; others were wearing torn or mismatched garments. The children, aged 2 to 14, were found with bruises on their arms and ankles, and one was missing a tooth. Officers reported that the mother had no visible injuries but appeared shaken when confronted. The unit lacked heat, and the water supply was shut off, leaving the children without a way to wash or hydrate. The mother has been charged with multiple counts of child neglect and is expected to appear before a magistrate next week.

The children will be placed in temporary foster care while the investigation continues. Oakridge’s Department of Human Services will conduct a full assessment of the children’s needs and determine whether permanent placement is necessary. The mother faces potential jail time and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program if convicted. The case highlights the importance of early detection and the role of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.