State child welfare agencies must plan for disasters and emergencies. This is required by the federal government. Planning ahead makes sure children in care are protected and get the services they need in a crisis.
What resource families must do
In a major emergency or disaster, the local child welfare office needs to know where all children in care are located. Oregon resource (foster) parents must contact 211 within 24 hours of an emergency or disaster.
Contact 211 within 24 hours
- Call: 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Text: keyword "foster" to 898211 (TXT211)
- Email:
foster@211info.org
- Hours: 24/7
Be ready to give this information:
- Child's name
- County or office of case management
- Child's location and situation
- Telephone numbers and address where the child and family can be reached
If you must evacuate:
- Go to a shelter that has been set up by your county emergency manager, or go to a place that is safely out of the disaster.
- After you get there, contact 211 within 24 hours.
Keep emergency contacts up-to-date
Give your certifier the contact information for an emergency contact.
Do this at your initial certification and at each renewal. Be specific. Include telephone numbers (land lines and cell phone numbers), names and addresses.
If your emergency contact changes: Provide the new contact information within 24 hours of the change.
Have a need?
My NeighbOR is a partnership between Every Child and ODHS. The website helps community members meet the unique needs of children and families in Oregon's foster care system.
If you need other services, here are some resources that may help you.