The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) announced a settlement with 11 former inmates who sued over sexual abuse by the late Dr. Edward Gary Edwards, a former staff member at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. Edwards, known to inmates as “Doctor Cold Fingers,” is accused of abusing dozens of boys during his four‑decade tenure at the facility.

Settlement Details and Ongoing Cases

The law firm representing the 11 victims confirmed the settlement and said additional information will be released in the coming weeks. The firm is also handling six other related lawsuits that remain pending.

OYA’s Response and New Safety Measures

In a statement, OYA said it could not comment on the specific allegations because the matter is still under litigation, but emphasized its commitment to improving safety and protections for all youth in its custody. Under the leadership of Director Mike Tessean, OYA has instituted several reforms:

• Mandatory Active Bystandership Training for all new and current employees, designed to empower staff to intervene and report misconduct.
• Enhancements to the Professional Standards Office, which now conducts all internal investigations with greater transparency.
• Appointment of a new Youth and Family Advocate to serve as a liaison between the agency, families, and the youth it serves.

“OYA remains committed to social justice, transparency, and accountability so that every young person in our care has real opportunities to rewrite their stories,” the statement continued. “There is no place for abuse or mistreatment of any kind within our facilities, and we remain committed to accountability and transparency in our work.”

Community and Faith Perspectives

Local faith leaders and family advocates have welcomed the agency’s focus on reform, noting that protecting vulnerable youth aligns with core Christian values of safeguarding the innocent and upholding family integrity. While some community members remain cautious, they agree that stronger oversight and training are essential steps toward restoring trust.

Looking Ahead

The settlement marks a significant moment for the state’s juvenile justice system, highlighting both the tragic legacy of past abuse and the agency’s efforts to prevent future misconduct. As OYA implements its new policies, families and community groups will be watching closely to ensure that the promised reforms translate into safer, more accountable care for Oregon’s youth.

Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.