Oregon’s beleaguered juvenile justice system is undergoing a pivotal leadership change, as Governor Tina Kotek announced the appointment of Michael Tessean as its new director. This significant transition follows a period of intense scrutiny and public outcry regarding the agency’s handling of numerous abuse investigations within its correctional facilities, signaling a firm commitment to restoring public trust and accountability in the state’s youth authority.
The appointment of Tessean, who previously served as the director of the Colorado State Board of Parole, comes on the heels of the controversial dismissal of former director Joe O’Leary. O’Leary’s termination was directly linked to revelations from a media investigation that exposed a vast backlog of unaddressed sexual abuse complaints lodged by individuals formerly incarcerated within Oregon’s youth correctional system, casting a long shadow over the agency’s operational integrity.
Central to these troubling allegations are the civil lawsuits filed by at least 39 men who claim they endured sexual abuse at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. These horrific accounts describe abuse perpetrated by the facility’s chief doctor over a span of 14 years, from 2002 to 2016. More recently, new legal filings in late July have broadened the scope of these accusations, implicating three additional former Oregon Youth Authority staff members in similar acts of sexual abuse against juvenile prisoners, underscoring systemic failures.
Governor Kotek has articulated a clear mandate for the new leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for the Oregon Youth Authority to confront its “complex challenges” with the utmost transparency and accountability. Her statement underscored the state’s expectation for the agency to meet these challenges at the highest level, expressing confidence that Tessean’s extensive background in criminal justice and behavioral health would be instrumental in fostering the necessary organizational and cultural transformations within the OYA.
Assuming his role as director on August 18, Michael Tessean steps into a demanding position overseeing an agency with more than 970 employees and managing a substantial two-year budget of $551 million. His immediate responsibilities include navigating the ongoing investigations into child abuse within youth correctional facilities and implementing robust reforms to prevent future incidents, ensuring the safety and welfare of all individuals under the state’s care.
Tessean’s professional journey prior to this appointment showcases a deep engagement with various facets of the criminal justice system. A significant portion of his career was dedicated to the Colorado corrections system, where he served as a parole officer and later as a courts coordinator, developing and managing critical programs such as Adult Drug Court, Adult Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Truancy Court. Furthermore, his tenure at the Colorado Department of Human Services, where he oversaw both the Office of Behavioral Health and the Division of Youth Services, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both mental health support and youth services, crucial for effective juvenile justice reform.
In his introductory statement, Tessean articulated a forward-looking vision for the agency, declaring a commitment to forging “a youth justice system rooted in humanity, driven by data, and powered by the belief that people — especially young people — can grow, change, and thrive.” This statement reflects an ethos centered on rehabilitation and evidence-based practices, aiming to transform the lives of the roughly 900 Oregonians aged 12 to 24 who are overseen by the OYA, many of whom have committed serious crimes or require specialized services beyond county-level programs.
The Oregon Youth Authority operates nine locked facilities across the state, serving a critical role in the broader criminal justice framework by providing oversight and comprehensive services to its young population. The scale of its operations and the sensitivity of its mission underscore the profound importance of transparent governance, thorough child abuse investigations, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being and successful reintegration of the youth entrusted to its care.
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