| Foster Care Services |
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| Introduction |
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Foster Parents play a vital role in the shaping process of juvenile offenders within the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). We consider our foster care providers professionals who are asked to partner with the agency to meet the needs of youth offenders. Our homes represent a diverse range of cultures, religions, and viewpoints. Some foster parents teach specific skills, such as how to live independently. Some foster parents are married, some are single. Foster parents live in all regions of Oregon. Some have their own children at home, others do not. Foster parents live in a variety of settings. The common goal is to provide safe, stable homes for troubled youth in OYA custody.
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| What is Foster Care? |
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Foster care is part of the continuum of care provided for youth offenders who are on probation or parole. It contributes to the accomplishment of the OYA mission of protecting the public by holding youth offenders accountable and providing opportunities for reformation. Some youth offenders present as high–need, low-risk and won’t require a higher level of care, while other youth offenders are transitioning from a youth correctional facility to the community or are not yet ready to return home. Foster parents then become a needed resource allowing youth offenders opportunities for reformation that do not require incarceration or a higher level of care. For these youth offenders, living in a certified foster home may be the best plan to help them move out of the system and become responsible young adults.
The OYA focus is to not only protect the youth offender, but to protect the public and provide opportunities for reformation; OYA youth offenders are in care because of their delinquent behaviors. Services offered to them will focus on correcting their delinquent behaviors and thought processes. It is important the individuals recruited to work with the OYA understand these differences, and are comfortable with OYA-mandated restrictions on youth offender activities. These activities include a higher level of supervision and accountability, an emphasis on participating and completing treatment, and restrictions on mobility, including limited out-of-state travel. It is important that the individuals understand that youth offenders may not fit into traditional schools or school schedules, but are suitable for alternative educational resources within a community placement.
The OYA Foster Care Program is different from (and similar to) foster care in the Department of Human Services (DHS) system. Both systems require foster parents to meet certain standards, and complete initial and ongoing training. Both systems have no tolerance for providers who are abusive or neglectful of the children in their care. However, there are differences between the systems. DHS provides services to children in a wide age range (0-18) while the OYA only serves youth offenders 12-25. All OYA youth offenders are court-ordered into OYA custody and are involved in the juvenile court system (they are delinquent); children served by the DHS system are considered dependency cases within the state (they are in need of care because of family circumstances or “out of control” behaviors). The DHS system focus is on protecting the child and working toward his/her return home.
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| Foster Parenting |
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A foster parent provides a safe, nurturing community-based home for youth offenders who engage in positive development as described in each individual’s case plan. The foster parent is a collaborative partner with the OYA and other service providers in developing and implementing a youth offender’s case plan goals. A foster parent is a role model and demonstrates appropriate and positive behaviors. A foster care placement is generally not long-term, but rather is a stepping stone for a youth offender to complete identified goals in an individualized case plan and move toward being a responsible young adult. It is not the intent that a foster parent(s) becomes a replacement for a youth offender’s biological parents, but works collaboratively with all parties toward the common goal of holding the youth offender accountable and providing opportunities for reformation.
Foster Parents play a vital role in the shaping process of juvenile offenders within the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). We consider our foster care providers professionals who are asked to partner with the agency to meet the needs of youth offenders. Our homes represent a diverse range of cultures, religions, and viewpoints. Some foster parents teach specific skills, such as how to live independently. Some foster parents are married, some are single. Foster parents live in all regions of Oregon. Some have their own children at home, others do not. Foster parents live in a variety of settings. The common goal is to provide safe, stable homes for troubled youth in OYA custody.
OYA´s foster parents work as part of a team to determine what is in the best interest of a youth. Clear expectations and firm, yet understanding in discipline, the foster parent supports youth in out-of-home placement. Foster parents help youth learn from their treatment, and connect with the community.
Foster parents are part of the decision-making process for the youth placed in the home. Youth have a Parole/Probation Officer who works with the foster parents to determine treatment needs. A Liaison assists in making the foster care experience positive for both youth and family and also provides crisis intervention.
It is necessary to hold youth accountable, yet be role models, and influence youth’s lives in a positive way. Youth come with a case or reformation plan and a list of goals they should be working toward. Youth can become independent and self-reliant in short-term placements or have a healthy, safe home needed for a longer term. Length of stay depends on individual youth and is assessed as placement in foster care continues.
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| Foster Care Certifiers |
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Certifier Roles & Responsibilities
The role of the foster home certifier is to recruit, train, and maintain a pool of qualified foster parents who can and will take youth offenders into their homes. The certifier becomes the “gate keeper” for assigned foster parents - answering questions, supporting them, and sometimes acting as a mediator when there are conflicts or disagreements with OYA field staff or community partners. The certifier also holds foster parents accountable by ensuring compliance with certification rules, provision of appropriate and adequate supervision, and provision of proper care to youth offenders in collaboration with field Juvenile Parole/Probation Officers (JPPOs).
Ensuring a youth offender is appropriately matched with a foster parent requires JPPOs to work collaboratively with certifiers. For example, youth offenders who sexually offend would not be placed in homes where there are small children; aggressive youth offenders may not be appropriate for a foster home placement; some youth offenders communicate better with male role models while others are better in a home with a female role model. Often “wrap around services” are provided to a youth offender in foster care as a way of protecting the community through additional supervision. Services for enhanced supervision must be balanced without being intrusive on the foster family’s home life.
A certifier represents the OYA when talking about the foster care program to the public, courts and community partners. When working with private agencies that use a proctor care model, a certifier’s role is to ensure that the proctor homes meet or exceed the certification requirements for OYA foster parents, and provide adequate and appropriate supervision and monitoring of the homes. A certifier, the community resources liaison assigned to the proctor agency, and the private youth care agency work together to develop a working relationship.
The screening and certifying of foster parents is perhaps the most important function of a certifier. Foster parents must be qualified, open, stable, emotionally healthy, determined and skilled to work with youth offenders. It is not an easy path and each certified foster parent must be supported and valued.
A certifier should be prepared for the unexpected and unusual when working with foster parents. It is important that when questions, concerns, and observations arise, the certifier should feel free to consult with other certifiers, the Program Office, and the Foster Care Manager for ideas and direction.
Although there is a great deal of responsibility in certifying foster parents, it is also fun and rewarding. Foster parents are absolutely wonderful folks, who are a delight to work with, and who have a great knowledge base and sense of humor. A certifier identifies each home’s culture, passion, and skills in a way that supports and educates the foster parent so he/she can safely affect positive change in our youth in the community.
Local Foster Home Certifiers
Contact the certifier in your area.
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County
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Certifier Office
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Coos
Curry
Douglas
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Coos County OYA
400 Virginia Street Suite #114
North Bend, OR 97459
541.756.4290, ext. 270
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Linn
Benton
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Linn County OYA
118 SE 2nd Ave. Suite D
Albany, OR 97321
541.967.2044, ext. 242
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| Lane |
Lane County OYA
2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Eugene, OR 97401
541.682.4717
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| Marion |
Marion County OYA
2001 Front Street NE #110
Salem, OR 97303
503.378.6804, ext. 233
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Crook
Deschutes
Gilliam
Hood River
Jefferson
Sherman
Wasco
Wheeler
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Deschutes County OYA
62910 OB Riley Street Suite A204
Bend, OR 97701
541.388.6155, ext. 227
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Clatsop
Columbia
Lincoln
Polk
Tillamook
Washington
Yamhill
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Washington County OYA
11200 SW Allen Blvd. #200
Beaverton, OR 97005-4823
503.672.9569, ext. 239
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Baker
Grant
Harney
Lake
Malheur
Umatilla
Union
Wallowa
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Malheur County OYA
702 Sunset Drive #300
Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.3810
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| Clackamas |
Clackamas County OYA
1678 S. Beavercreek Rd.
Suite N
Oregon City, OR 97045
503.657.2046, ext. 222
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Jackson
Josephine
Klamath
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Jackson County OYA
818 West 8th Street
Medford, OR 97501
541.776.6148, ext. 25
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| Multnomah |
Multnomah County OYA
123 NE 3rd Suite 105
Portland, OR 97232
503.731.4971, ext. 237
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| Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Parenting |
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How long does it take to become an OYA certified foster parent?
It can take as little as 8 weeks or up to 6 months or more. The length of time depends on the applicant’s and the certifier’s availability as well as the complexity of your family or personal situation.
What does it pay and how is the money to be used?
All foster care providers must demonstrate financial stability without using foster care reimbursement. OYA foster parent’ regular rate reimbursement is $944 a month per youth offender. Payment is made in the middle of the month and is issued only for the number of nights that the youth offender actually lays his/her head upon a pillow in the home. The foster parent provides basic housing and food for the youth offender. The foster parent also provides for ongoing clothing, transportation, spending money, recreational opportunities, and other reasonable incidentals. The youth offender receives a medical card which covers medical, mental health and other necessary treatment.
How many youth offenders may be placed in a home?
The maximum number of youth offenders in a home is three. Factors that determine the number of youth offenders include the size of the home, the size of the family, what the foster parents can offer the offender, and the foster parents’ skill level.
What about sharing bedrooms?
Youth offenders cannot share bedrooms with children of the foster parent. They may share bedrooms with other youth offenders, but there are restrictions. Two youth offenders with sex offending issues are not permitted to share a bedroom with each other or with any other youth. However, three youth offenders with sex offending issues may share a room, but with no other non-offending youth. Also, offenders over 18 may not share with younger offenders.
What are the ages of foster youth offenders?
Youth offenders range in age from 12-25. Typically, youth offenders in foster care are 14-20 years old.
What kinds of crimes have the OYA youth offenders committed?
Many youth offenders have committed serious crimes including; theft, burglary, a sex offense, forgery or assault. Most youth offenders have drug and alcohol issues.
What about school?
Most youth offenders can and do attend public school, while others may need educational assistance. These youth offenders may have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), have a need to attend alternative schools or other programs available in the area.
What is expected of foster parents?
Foster parents are to role model appropriate behaviors, and hold the youth offender accountable for his/her behaviors. Youth offenders are in need of structured supervision. Foster parents are expected to supervise and know where the youth offender is at all times. The foster parent works with the youth offender’s parole/probation officer to establish a case plan for the youth offender that addresses the needs of the youth, which may include contact with the youth offender’s family. This plan may also include vocational training, school, employment or treatment. For youth offenders who are working, foster parents help the youth offender budget and save money.
How long do youth offenders stay in placement?
The length of stay in the foster home is determined by the youth offender’s case plan.
Part of the certification process is to have your questions answered. The OYA encourages you to ask questions that will help determine if foster parenting is the right choice for you, your family, and for the OYA.
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| Foster Home Application Form |
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coming soon
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