Download the policy: OAR 413-200-0301 thru 413-200-0396

A new version of this policy became effective 12/28/2011. Some of the most notable changes include:

• Clarification when declaration of citizenship is required
  
• Carbon Monoxide detectors are now required in all certified homes
  
• On-going requirements to monitor a child's education
  
• When individualized training plans can be approved
  

This policy informs all applicants interested in adoption or becoming a foster or relative provider.

• The policy describes personal qualifications of applicants.
  
• Process to apply for a certificate of approval.
  
• Standards regarding the home environment.
  
• Maximum number of children placed in a certified home.
  
• Requirements for the care of children placed in a certified home.
  
• Education requirements.
  
• Discipline requirements and prohibitions
  
• Requirements regarding medical, mental health and dental care for all children placed in a certified home.
  
• Responsibilities when selecting alternate caregivers.
  
• Education and training requirements.
  
• Requirements as a mandatory reporter and other required notifications.
  
• Requirements regarding maintaining a certificate of approval.
  

Download the policy: OAR 413-100-0905 

Policy changes or additions effective 12/28/2011 included:

• Clarification of the approval process for international study,
• Who is responsible for decision making related to a child's school or educational setting
• Clarifies authority to consent to special education services
• Clarifies the protections for special education records

 

Download the policy: OAR 413-120-0500 thru 0595

Although this policy change was effective 12/29/2010, it contains changes which can significantly alter non-related foster parent identification as a Current Caretaker for the purpose of adoption. Current policy requirements:

• To qualify as a non-related Current Caretaker the foster parent must have cared for a child or at least one sibling of a sibling group for at least the past 12 consecutive months.
• The non-related foster parent must be willing to be considered as an adoptive resource for the child's siblings also in substitute care.
• Prior to consideration there must have been diligent efforts by the department to identify, contact and place a child with a relative and complied with all Department requirements stated in Child Welfare policy: 'Search for and Engagement of a Child's Relative' and Child Welfare Policy: Identification and Consideration of Potential Adoption Resources'.
• When a relative is identified and expresses an interest in being considered an adoption resources after a non-related foster parent has requested consideration or a permanency committee has been scheduled the Child Welfare Program Manager will determine if the permanency committee scheduled to consider the request of the foster parent should held, cancelled or postponed.

 

Download the protocol: Notification and Review of Critical Incidents

The purpose of the CIRT process is to increase child safety by:

• Rapidly drawing lessons from a particular critical incident for improvement of systems administered by the Department;
• Increasing the Department's accountability to the public;
• Evaluating and learning from cases designated as critical incidents;
• Ensuring timely responses by the Department with respect to critical incidents and the recommendations that result from critical incident reviews; and
• Increasing the Department's ability to address and recommend necessary changes to Child Welfare systems.

Download the protocol: Notification and Review of Child Fatalities 

This protocol outlines the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare (Department) responsibilities that will be used when a child fatality that may be the result of child abuse or neglect occurs or when a child fatality occurs involving a child or family known to the Department.

Mandatory reporting | Reporting child abuse & neglect | What is child abuse?

All citizens have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Members of the general public may report suspected abuse and neglect if they choose.

Oregon law, however, mandates that workers in certain professions and other specific individuals including foster care providers and their employees, must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. These mandatory reporters are a crucial link in the system to protect Oregon's most vulnerable citizens.

Download the protocol: Psychotropic Medication Management

Psychotropic medications are used to make symptoms of mental and/or mood disorders more manageable and often make it possible for therapy to be more effective. Psychotropic medications do not cure mental disorders, and should be used in conjunction with counseling or other forms of therapy and under the supervision of a medical professional.

A Mental Health assessment is required prior to the prescription for more than one new psychotropic medication or any antipsychotic medication. This assessment must be within 3 months prior to the prescription for more than one new psychotropic medication or any antipsychotic medication, or may be an updated assessment which addressed the new issues of concern.

Consent must be obtained from the Child Welfare Program Manager or Designee prior to any new prescription for psychotropic medication(s).

An annual review of psychotropic medications is required if the child is taking more than 2 psychotropic medications or the child is younger than 6 years old.