In the Matter of K.R.C., 2026 Ore. App. LEXIS 484 (Or. Ct. App. 2026)

The Oregon Court of Appeals vacated and remanded an adjudication finding that the trial court erred in failing to provide written findings and consider the youth’s best interest.

The court stated in relevant part: Assessment of a youth’s best interest is “a child-focused consideration” and “must be child-centered.” Dept. of Human Services v. T. M. D., 365 Ore. 143, 158, 166, 442 P3d 1100 (2019). We have previously explained: “Findings that are ambiguous as to whether they are directed to the youth’s best interests—versus being directed to what is in the best interests of the community, what is in the best interests of other individuals, what is administratively convenient, what is justifiable punishment for a probation violation, or the like—will not survive appellate review and will result in remand for additional findings.”