Chapter 418 — Child Welfare Services

 

2011 EDITION

 

 

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES

 

HUMAN SERVICES; JUVENILE CODE; CORRECTIONS

 

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES GENERALLY

 

418.001     Definition for ORS 418.005 to 418.030

 

418.005     Powers of department in connection with child welfare services; rules; advisory committee

 

418.010     Children not to be taken charge of when parents object

 

418.015     Custody and care of needy children by department

 

418.016     Criminal records checks required for caregivers of children and for other persons in household; rules

 

418.017     Parent allowed to anonymously leave child at authorized facility; facility immunity; notification to department

 

418.018     Department required to inform public about ORS 418.017 and affirmative defense; funding

 

418.020     Unexpended balances of budgeted county funds may be expended as aid for children

 

418.025     Prevention, reduction or control of juvenile delinquency by county programs and activities

 

418.027     Agreements for custody, care or treatment; rules

 

418.030     Services to prevent, control and treat juvenile delinquency

 

418.032     Department subrogated to right of support for certain children in department custody; child support agreements for children with disabilities

 

418.033     Release of records to citizen review board; when findings of board public; rules

 

418.034     Department responsible for costs of medical care of certain children in detention or lockup facilities; recovery of costs; obtaining additional funds

 

418.036     Child welfare report

 

PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

 

418.189     Policy on child abuse and neglect

 

CHILD-CARING AGENCIES; PLACEMENT IN FOSTER HOMES BY CHILD-CARING AGENCIES

 

418.205     Definitions for ORS 418.205 to 418.310 and 418.992 to 418.998

 

418.210     Application of ORS 418.205 to 418.325

 

418.215     Private child-caring agency to be licensed

 

418.240     Licensing criteria; duration; fees; rules

 

418.243     Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board; duties; membership; staff

 

418.244     Officers of Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board; quorum; meetings

 

418.246     Bond for outdoor youth program licensure

 

418.250     Supervision of child-caring agencies

 

418.255     Inspection and supervision; training

 

418.260     Investigation of abuses, derelictions or deficiencies in child-caring agencies

 

418.263     Private Child-Caring Agencies Fund

 

418.265     Reports; audit

 

418.270     Surrender of child to private child-caring agency; consent to adoption; time for adoption proceedings; effect of release and surrender

 

418.275     Private child-caring agency as guardian of child; power of agency

 

418.280     Placement of children

 

418.285     Authority of department same as private child-caring agency under ORS 418.270 to 418.280

 

418.290     Child placement by nonresident

 

418.295     Certain attorneys not to represent prospective adoptive parents; employees not to recommend any attorney to prospective adoptive parents

 

418.300     When child placement by private persons prohibited

 

418.302     Administrative review required for certain children in voluntary placement

 

418.305     Authority of department to visit placed-out children; location and relationships confidential

 

418.306     Denial of visitation by child-caring agency as disciplinary measure prohibited

 

418.307     Medical or dental treatment of children without consent; conditions; immunity of treating personnel

 

418.310     Application of statutes to institutions caring for adults and children

 

418.312     When transfer of custody not required; voluntary placement agreement; review of children placed in certain institutions

 

418.315     Department may provide foster care for children surrendered or committed to department

 

418.319     Goal regarding placed children receiving federal assistance

 

418.325     Medical examinations required; frequency; child’s health record; other health care; explanation to adoptive parents

 

418.327     Licensing of certain schools and organizations offering residential programs; fees; rules

 

PAYMENTS TO ADOPTIVE PARENTS

 

418.330     Payments to adoptive parents; conditions; limitations

 

418.335     Determination of eligibility for payments; review; hearing

 

418.340     Rules

 

SHELTER-CARE HOMES

 

418.470     Authority to pay for shelter-care homes

 

418.472     Siting of shelter-care home

 

INDEPENDENT RESIDENCE FACILITIES

 

418.475     Independent residence facilities; extent and nature of agreement between minor and department

 

PURCHASE OF CARE

 

418.480     “Purchase of care” defined

 

418.485     Policy; annual report

 

418.490     Coordination of state activities

 

418.495     Authority to purchase care; agreement content; payment standards for foster care; rules

 

418.500     Out-of-state care for children

 

USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS

 

418.517     Procedures for use of psychotropic medications for children in foster care; rules; hearing

 

STRENGTHENING, PRESERVING AND REUNIFYING FAMILIES PROGRAMS

 

418.575     Definitions for ORS 418.575 to 418.598

 

418.578     Legislative findings

 

418.580     Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs; implementation; contracts; services provided; rules; training; funding; annual report

 

418.585     Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families Program Fund

 

418.590     Waiver of federal requirements; plan for reinvesting savings and combining resources

 

418.595     Placement and referral to program to be considered in reasonable or active efforts determination; written explanation

 

418.598     Rules

 

FOSTER HOMES NOT SUPERVISED BY CHILD-CARING AGENCIES

 

418.625     Definitions for ORS 418.625 to 418.645

 

418.627     Placement consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act

 

418.630     Foster home must be certified as approved

 

418.635     Certificate of approval; revocation

 

418.640     Supervision of foster homes; foster and adoptive parent training; rules; law enforcement officer training

 

418.642     Confidentiality of information about person who maintains foster home; exceptions; rules

 

418.643     Denial of visitation by foster home as disciplinary measure prohibited

 

418.645     Appeal from decision of department

 

418.647     Foster care payments

 

418.648     Rights of foster parents

 

OREGON YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS

 

418.650     Policy; purpose

 

418.653     Oregon Youth Conservation Corps; advisory committee; appointment; term; duties

 

418.657     Duties of program director; participant eligibility; rules; staff

 

418.658     Oregon Community Stewardship Corps; projects; tuition vouchers for program participants; sponsors; criteria; rules

 

418.660     Projects; consistency with public land law

 

418.663     Employment goals

 

A. R. BURBANK TRUST FUND

 

418.675     Powers and duties of trustees of A. R. Burbank Trust Fund

 

418.680     Annual report of trustees

 

418.685     Certain agencies declared to be orphans’ homes

 

GENERAL POLICY

 

418.688     Policy

 

YOUTH SPORTS ACTIVITIES

 

418.691     Definitions for ORS 418.691 to 418.701

 

418.696     Youth sports providers encouraged to perform certain activities related to qualifications of coaches or supervisors

 

418.699     Additional duties or liabilities not imposed on youth sports providers

 

418.701     Youth sports providers authorized to request criminal background checks from Department of State Police

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

418.702     Training and continuing education for mandatory reporters; notice to persons required to report child abuse

 

418.704     Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator; duties

 

418.706     State Technical Assistance Team for child fatalities; duties

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FATALITY REVIEW TEAMS

 

418.712     Definitions for ORS 418.714 and 418.718

 

418.714     Domestic violence fatality review teams

 

418.718     Statewide team

 

INVESTIGATION OF CHILD ABUSE, RAPE AND SUICIDE

 

418.746     Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Account; uses; eligibility determination; plans; rules

 

418.747     County teams for investigation; duties; training; method of investigation; designated medical professional

 

418.748     Statewide team on child abuse and suicide

 

418.751     Training and education for persons investigating child abuse

 

REGIONAL ASSESSMENT CENTERS AND COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SERVICES

 

418.780     Purpose

 

418.782     Definitions for ORS 418.746 to 418.796

 

418.783     Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Program

 

418.784     Advisory Council on Child Abuse Assessment; membership; officers; meetings; quorum

 

418.785     Child Fatality Review Teams

 

418.786     Grant program

 

418.788     Grant application; criteria for awarding grants; rules

 

418.790     Application contents for regional centers; rules

 

418.792     Application contents for community assessment center

 

418.793     Report to Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention Program; rules

 

418.794     Confidentiality of video recordings

 

418.795     Confidentiality of information and records

 

418.796     Authority of council to solicit and accept contributions

 

418.800     Review of certain cases by county multidisciplinary child abuse team

 

REFUGEE CHILDREN

 

418.925     “Refugee child” defined

 

418.927     When refugee child may be removed from home; placement

 

418.930     Petition to juvenile court required upon removal of refugee child

 

418.933     Judicial determination on removal required

 

418.935     Petition by relative of refugee child

 

418.937     Placement decision; order of preference for placement

 

418.939     Record for refugee child; content

 

418.941     Refugee Child Welfare Advisory Committee; duties; access to juvenile records

 

418.943     Annual report

 

418.945     Rules

 

LOCAL RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE FACILITIES

 

418.950     Definitions for ORS 418.950 to 418.970

 

418.955     Policy

 

418.960     City and county siting of child-caring facilities; applications; denial procedure; proof of facility qualifications

 

418.965     Approval or denial of applications

 

418.970     ORS 418.950 to 418.970 inapplicable to existing facilities

 

YOUTH SERVICES WRAPAROUND INITIATIVES

 

418.975     Definitions for ORS 418.975 to 418.985

 

418.977     Core values; principles

 

418.980     Partner agencies; duties

 

418.982     Authority of partner agencies; rules

 

418.985     Children’s Wraparound Initiative Advisory Committee; membership; reports

 

PENALTIES

 

418.990     Criminal penalties

 

418.992     Civil penalty

 

418.993     Procedure

 

418.994     Schedule of penalties; rules

 

418.995     Factors considered in imposing penalty

 

418.997     Judicial review

 

418.998     Disposition of penalties

 

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES GENERALLY

 

      418.001 Definition for ORS 418.005 to 418.030. As used in ORS 418.005 to 418.030, “child” or “juvenile” means an individual under 21 years of age. [1973 c.827 §34]

 

      418.003 [1973 c.463 §§2,3; repealed by 2001 c.900 §261]

 

      418.005 Powers of department in connection with child welfare services; rules; advisory committee. (1) In order to establish, extend and strengthen welfare services for the protection and care of homeless, dependent or neglected children or children in danger of becoming delinquent, the Department of Human Services may:

      (a) Make all necessary rules and regulations for administering child welfare services under this section.

      (b) Accept and disburse any and all federal funds made available to the State of Oregon for child welfare services.

      (c) Make such reports in such form and containing such information as may from time to time be required by the federal government and comply with such provisions as may from time to time be found necessary to insure correctness and verification of such reports.

      (d) Cooperate with medical, health, nursing and welfare groups and organizations and with any agencies in the state providing for protection and care of homeless, dependent or neglected children or children in danger of becoming delinquent.

      (e) Cooperate with the United States Government or any of its agencies in administering the provisions of this section.

      (2)(a) There is created an advisory committee that shall consist of 21 members to advise the department on the development and administration of child welfare policies, programs and practices. Members shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Director of Human Services.

      (b) Advisory committee membership shall include representatives of other state agencies concerned with services, representatives of professional, civic or other public or private organizations, private citizens interested in service programs, and recipients of assistance or service or their representatives.

      (c) Members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their services. Members of the advisory committee other than members employed in full-time public service shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties by the department. Such reimbursements shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 292.210 to 292.288. Members of the advisory committee who are employed in full-time public service may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties by their employing agency.

      (d) The advisory committee shall meet at least once every three months.

      (3) Subject to the allotment system provided for in ORS 291.234 to 291.260, the department may expend the amounts necessary to carry out the purposes and administer the provisions of this section. [Formerly 419.002; 1971 c.401 §12; 1975 c.352 §1; 1997 c.249 §130; 2001 c.900 §112; 2003 c.14 §210]

 

      418.010 Children not to be taken charge of when parents object. Nothing in ORS 418.005 shall be construed as authorizing any state official, agent or representative, in carrying out any of the provisions of that section, to take charge of any child over the objection of either of the parents of such child or of the person standing in loco parentis to such child. [Formerly 419.004]

 

      418.015 Custody and care of needy children by department. (1) The Department of Human Services may, in its discretion, accept custody of children and may provide care, support and protective services for children who are dependent or neglected, who have mental or physical disabilities or who for other reasons are in need of public service.

      (2) The department shall accept any child placed in its custody by a court under, but not limited to ORS chapter 419B or 419C, and shall provide such services for the child as the department finds to be necessary.

      (3) All children in the legal custody of the department who, in the judgment of the Director of Human Services or the authorized representative for the director are in need of care or treatment services, may be placed with any person or family of good standing or any child caring agency for such services under an agreement pursuant to ORS 418.027. [Formerly 419.006; 1971 c.401 §13; 1971 c.698 §1; 1977 c.117 §1; 1987 c.157 §1; 1993 c.33 §326; 2007 c.70 §196]

 

      418.016 Criminal records checks required for caregivers of children and for other persons in household; rules. (1) To protect the health and safety of children who are in the custody of the Department of Human Services and who may be placed in a foster home or adoptive home or with a relative caregiver, the department shall adopt rules pursuant to ORS 181.534 and ORS chapter 418 to require that criminal records checks be conducted under ORS 181.534 on:

      (a) All persons who seek to be foster parents, adoptive parents or relative caregivers; and

      (b) Other individuals over 18 years of age who will be in the household of the foster parent, adoptive parent or relative caregiver.

      (2) Rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section shall include:

      (a) A list of crimes for which a conviction disqualifies a person from becoming a foster parent, adoptive parent or relative caregiver;

      (b) A requirement that persons who have been convicted of crimes listed in the rules are disqualified from becoming a foster parent, adoptive parent or relative caregiver; and

      (c) A provision that the department may approve a person who has been convicted of certain crimes listed in the rules if the person demonstrates to the department that:

      (A) The person possesses the qualifications to be a foster parent or adoptive parent regardless of having been convicted of a listed crime; or

      (B) The disqualification would create emotional harm to the child for whom the person is seeking to become a foster parent, adoptive parent or relative caregiver and placement of the child with the person would be a safe placement that is in the best interests of the child. [2001 c.686 §26; 2005 c.730 §23; 2007 c.611 §1]

 

      Note: 418.016 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 418 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.017 Parent allowed to anonymously leave child at authorized facility; facility immunity; notification to department. (1) A parent may leave an infant at an authorized facility in the physical custody of an agent, employee, physician or other medical professional working at the authorized facility if the infant:

      (a) Is 30 days of age or younger as determined to a reasonable degree of medical certainty; and

      (b) Has no evidence of abuse.

      (2) A parent leaving an infant under this section is not required to provide any identifying information about the infant or the parent.

      (3) An agent, employee, physician or other medical professional working at an authorized facility shall receive an infant brought to the authorized facility under this section.

      (4) If acting in good faith in receiving an infant, an authorized facility receiving an infant under this section and any agent, employee, physician or other medical professional working at the authorized facility are immune from any criminal or civil liability that otherwise might result from their actions relating to receiving the infant. A city, county or other political subdivision of this state that operates a sheriff’s office, police station or fire station that receives an infant under this section is immune from any criminal or civil liability that otherwise might result from the actions taken by its employees or agents in receiving the infant.

      (5) When an infant has been left at an authorized facility as provided in this section:

      (a) The authorized facility shall notify the Department of Human Services that an infant has been left at the facility as provided in subsection (1) of this section no later than 24 hours after receiving the infant.

      (b) The infant is deemed abandoned for purposes of ORS 419B.100, and the department is deemed to have protective custody of the infant under ORS 419B.150 from the moment the infant was left at the facility. The department shall comply with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 419B with regard to the infant.

      (6) The authorized facility shall release the infant to the department when release is appropriate considering the infant’s medical condition and shall provide the department with all information the facility has regarding the infant.

      (7) As used in this section:

      (a) “Abuse” has the meaning given that term in ORS 419B.005.

      (b) “Authorized facility” means a hospital as described in ORS 442.015, freestanding birthing center as defined in ORS 442.015, physician’s office, sheriff’s office, police station or fire station.

      (c) “Physician” means a person licensed by the Oregon Medical Board to practice medicine and surgery. [2001 c.597 §1; 2005 c.22 §288]

 

      Note: 418.017 and 418.018 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 418 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.018 Department required to inform public about ORS 418.017 and affirmative defense; funding. (1) The Department of Human Services shall inform the public about the provisions of ORS 418.017 and the affirmative defense created in ORS 163.535.

      (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Human Services may accept gifts, grants or contributions from any source, whether public or private, for the purpose of carrying out subsection (1) of this section. Moneys accepted under this subsection shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the department and are continuously appropriated to the department for the payment of expenses and costs incurred in carrying out subsection (1) of this section. [2001 c.597 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 418.017.

 

      418.020 Unexpended balances of budgeted county funds may be expended as aid for children. The governing body of any county may expend as aid for homeless, neglected or abused children, foundlings or orphans, wayward children or children in need of correctional or institutional care or committed to a youth care center, as defined in ORS 420.855, the whole or any part of any unexpended balance of any fund budgeted by the county for any purpose whatsoever. [Formerly 419.008; 1965 c.567 §§10,11; 1967 c.444 §8]

 

      418.025 Prevention, reduction or control of juvenile delinquency by county programs and activities. (1) The governing body of any county, or its representatives designated by it for the purpose, on behalf of the county, may:

      (a) Conduct programs and carry on and coordinate activities for the prevention, reduction or control of juvenile delinquency, including but not limited to the establishment and operation of youth care centers, as defined in ORS 420.855, to care for children committed to the custody of the centers under ORS 420.865.

      (b) Cooperate, coordinate or act jointly with any other county, any city or any appropriate officer or public or private agency in conducting programs and carrying on and coordinating activities for the prevention, reduction or control of juvenile delinquency, including but not limited to the establishment, support and maintenance of joint agencies, institutions or youth care centers to conduct such programs and carry on and coordinate such activities.

      (c) Expend county moneys for the purposes referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.

      (d) Accept and use or expend property or moneys from any public or private source made available for the purposes referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.

      (2) All officers and agencies of a county, upon request, shall cooperate in so far as possible with the governing body of the county, or its designated representatives, in conducting programs and carrying on and coordinating activities under subsection (1) of this section. [Formerly 419.010; 1965 c.567 §§12,13; 1967 c.444 §9]

 

      418.027 Agreements for custody, care or treatment; rules. (1) The Director of Human Services or the authorized representative of the director may enter into agreements with persons, families or child caring agencies found suitable for the placement of children in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services. If, in the judgment of the director or the authorized representative of the director, a child needs placement services after reaching 18 years of age, such services must be approved by the director or authorized representative.

      (2) The agreement shall provide for such services as the child might require, such as the custody, care or treatment of the child for a time fixed in the agreement but not to exceed the time when the child reaches 21 years of age.

      (3) The agreement shall be signed by the person or authorized representative of the agency providing the care or treatment and by the director or the authorized representative of the director.

      (4) If the agreement provides for payments to the agency providing such services as the child may require, the department shall make these payments.

      (5) The department shall adopt rules specifying criteria upon which the director shall base the judgment that a child needs placement services after reaching 18 years of age. [1987 c.157 §3]

 

      418.030 Services to prevent, control and treat juvenile delinquency. The Department of Human Services may provide consultation services related to the prevention, control and treatment of juvenile delinquency to local and statewide public and private agencies, groups and individuals or may initiate such consultation services. Consultation services include but are not limited to conducting studies and surveys, sponsoring or participating in education programs, and advising and assisting agencies, groups and individuals. [1971 c.401 §90; 1975 c.795 §1; 1995 c.79 §212]

 

      418.032 Department subrogated to right of support for certain children in department custody; child support agreements for children with disabilities. (1) Whenever the Department of Human Services has accepted custody of a child under the provisions of ORS 418.015 and is required to provide financial assistance for the care and support of the child, the state shall, by operation of law, be assignee of and subrogated to any right to support from any other person including any sums that may have accrued, up to the amount of assistance provided by the department. If the right to support is contained in a judgment or order that requires a single gross monthly payment for the support of two or more children, the assignment and right of subrogation shall be of such child’s proportionate share of the gross amount. The assignment shall be as provided in ORS 412.024.

      (2) The department shall attempt to enter into agreements with any person who voluntarily gives custody of a child with a mental or physical disability to the department. Any agreement entered into shall set out the timely and nonadversarial settlement of child support obligations that the person may have with respect to the child. [1979 c.343 §4; 1995 c.502 §1; 1999 c.80 §75; 2003 c.73 §65; 2003 c.576 §445; 2007 c.70 §197]

 

      418.033 Release of records to citizen review board; when findings of board public; rules. The Department of Human Services may release pertinent portions of client or provider records to citizen review boards established by the department to hear client or provider grievances pursuant to rules of the department. The citizen review boards may make such information available to participants in the review of client or provider grievances. The findings of the citizen review board in client or provider grievances may be disclosed to the public, at the discretion of the department, if the aggrieved client or provider has disclosed information concerning the grievance to the public either directly or through another person or persons acting on behalf of the aggrieved client or provider. [1985 c.601 §3]

 

      418.034 Department responsible for costs of medical care of certain children in detention or lockup facilities; recovery of costs; obtaining additional funds. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 169.140 or any other provision of law, within the availability of funds therefor, the Department of Human Services shall be responsible for the costs and expenses associated with the provision of medical care for any child in the care and custody of the Department of Human Services who is held in a juvenile detention facility or in a local correctional facility or lockup as defined in ORS 169.005.

      (2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prevents the Department of Human Services from obtaining reimbursement for such costs and expenses as provided in ORS 419B.400, 419B.402, 419B.404, 419B.406, 419C.590, 419C.592, 419C.595 or 419C.597.

      (3) If funds are not available to pay for medical costs as required by subsection (1) of this section, the Department of Human Services shall apply to the Emergency Board or to the Legislative Assembly for additional necessary funds.

      (4) As used in this section, “medical care” means emergency medical care or medical care for a medical condition that existed prior to the child’s being held in a juvenile detention facility or in a local correctional facility or lockup. [1979 c.97 §1; 1993 c.33 §327]

 

      418.035 [Formerly 419.052 and then 418.055; 1967 c.155 §1; 1969 c.69 §7; 1981 c.819 §1; 1983 c.414 §2; 1995 c.343 §45; 1999 c.59 §111; 2003 c.14 §211; 2007 c.861 §1; renumbered 412.001 in 2007]

 

      418.036 Child welfare report. On or before November 1 of each even-numbered year, the Department of Human Services shall develop and submit a report to the appropriate legislative interim committees dealing with child welfare matters. The report shall cover the prior 24-month period and shall include, but need not be limited to:

      (1) The number of children in foster care;

      (2) The number of children that have had more than one foster care placement;

      (3) The number of placements for each child described in subsection (2) of this section;

      (4) The percentage of foster children placed apart from siblings;

      (5) The number of placement changes experienced by foster children;

      (6) The number and percentage of children placed with relatives; and

      (7) The department’s Status of Children in Oregon’s Child Protection System annual report. [2007 c.238 §1]

 

      Note: 418.036 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 418 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.040 [Formerly 419.054 and then 418.060; 1969 c.468 §5; 1995 c.816 §1; 1997 c.581 §27; 2005 c.22 §289; 2007 c.861 §2; renumbered 412.006 in 2007]

 

      418.042 [1975 c.458 §12; 1983 c.767 §4; 1995 c.816 §9; 1999 c.80 §74; 2003 c.14 §212; 2003 c.73 §66; 2007 c.861 §12; renumbered 412.024 in 2007]

 

      418.045 [Formerly 419.056 and then 418.065; 1965 c.41 §1; 1995 c.816 §2; 1997 c.581 §28; 2007 c.861 §§3,3a; renumbered 412.009 in 2007]

 

      418.047 [1995 c.816 §7; 1997 c.581 §29; renumbered 412.151 in 2007]

 

      418.050 [1963 c.610 §5; 1975 c.243 §1; 1997 c.581 §30; 2001 c.900 §113; renumbered 412.026 in 2007]

 

      418.054 [1963 c.610 §6; 1973 c.823 §132; renumbered 412.028 in 2007]

 

      418.055 [Formerly 419.052; 1963 c.610 §1; renumbered 418.035]

 

      418.059 [1963 c.610 §7; 1973 c.823 §133; renumbered 412.029 in 2007]

 

      418.060 [Formerly 419.054; renumbered 418.040]

 

      418.065 [Formerly 419.056; 1963 c.610 §2; renumbered 418.045]

 

      418.070 [1961 c.712 §2; 1963 c.610 §3; 1967 c.155 §2; 1969 c.65 §1; 1973 c.464 §2; 1983 c.414 §3; 1985 c.622 §2; 1997 c.581 §31; 1999 c.59 §112; 2001 c.900 §114; 2003 c.14 §213; 2007 c.806 §14; 2007 c.861 §4; renumbered 418.647 in 2007]

 

      418.075 [1961 c.712 §3; 1971 c.779 §54; 2003 c.14 §214; 2005 c.218 §7; 2007 c.861 §14; renumbered 412.034 in 2007]

 

      418.080 [1961 c.712 §5; repealed by 1965 c.538 §1]

 

      418.085 [1961 c.712 §4; 2003 c.14 §215; 2007 c.861 §15; renumbered 412.039 in 2007]

 

      418.090 [1961 c.712 §6; repealed by 1971 c.779 §78]

 

      418.095 [1961 c.712 §7; 1965 c.291 §3; 1967 c.130 §6; repealed by 2007 c.861 §23]

 

      418.097 [1963 c.610 §8; 1967 c.130 §7; renumbered 412.044 in 2007]

 

      418.100 [Formerly 419.058; 1971 c.779 §56; 1975 c.242 §1; 1997 c.581 §32; renumbered 412.049 in 2007]

 

      418.105 [Formerly 419.060; repealed by 1971 c.779 §78]

 

      418.110 [Formerly 419.062; 1969 c.68 §9; 1971 c.779 §57; renumbered 412.054 in 2007]

 

      418.115 [Formerly 419.064; 1969 c.68 §10; 1971 c.779 §58; renumbered 412.059 in 2007]

 

      418.120 [Formerly 419.066; 1969 c.68 §11; 1971 c.779 §59; renumbered 412.064 in 2007]

 

      418.125 [Formerly 419.068; 1971 c.779 §60; 1973 c.612 §16; renumbered 412.069 in 2007]

 

      418.130 [Formerly 419.070; 1975 c.387 §1; 1995 c.609 §9; 1997 c.581 §33; 2001 c.900 §115; 2003 c.14 §216; renumbered 412.074 in 2007]

 

      418.131 [1995 c.816 §4; 2003 c.212 §3; 2007 c.861 §5; renumbered 412.079 in 2007]

 

      418.132 [1995 c.816 §5; 1997 c.581 §34; 2007 c.861 §16; renumbered 412.084 in 2007]

 

      418.133 [1995 c.816 §11; repealed by 1997 c.581 §48]

 

      418.134 [1995 c.816 §6; 1997 c.581 §35; 2007 c.861 §§5a,5b; renumbered 412.089 in 2007]

 

      418.135 [Formerly 419.072; 1971 c.779 §61; 1979 c.690 §14; 2007 c.356 §5; renumbered 412.094 in 2007]

 

      418.140 [1961 c.341 §2; 1963 c.332 §1; 1969 c.246 §1; renumbered 412.099 in 2007]

 

      418.145 [1963 c.332 §3; 1967 c.446 §1; 1971 c.779 §62; 1997 c.581 §36; renumbered 412.104 in 2007]

 

      418.147 [1987 c.3 §10; 1997 c.581 §37; renumbered 412.109 in 2007]

 

      418.149 [1987 c.3 §§11,12; 2007 c.861 §5c; renumbered 412.114 in 2007]

 

      418.150 [1969 c.281 §2; 1997 c.581 §38; 2005 c.22 §290; renumbered 412.076 in 2007]

 

      418.155 [1969 c.281 §3; 1973 c.222 §1; 1995 c.816 §12; 1997 c.581 §39; 2003 c.14 §217; 2007 c.861 §6; renumbered 412.124 in 2007]

 

      418.160 [1969 c.281 §4; 1973 c.222 §2; 1979 c.452 §1; 1995 c.816 §13; 2007 c.861 §19; renumbered 412.139 in 2007]

 

      418.163 [1973 c.222 §4; 1979 c.452 §2; 2001 c.900 §116; 2007 c.861 §20; renumbered 412.144 in 2007]

 

      418.165 [1969 c.281 §5; repealed by 1973 c.222 §5]

 

      418.170 [1969 c.281 §6; repealed by 1973 c.222 §5]

 

      418.172 [1975 c.734 §3; 1977 c.841 §12; 1997 c.170 §30; renumbered 412.155 in 2007]

 

      418.175 [1969 c.281 §§7,8; repealed by 1973 c.222 §5]

 

      418.180 [1983 c.414 §1; 1985 c.622 §1; 1997 c.581 §40; renumbered 412.161 in 2007]

 

      418.185 [1983 c.414 §4; 1995 c.816 §10; 1997 c.581 §41; repealed by 2007 c.861 §23]

 

PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

 

      418.187 [1985 c.549 §1; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §56]

 

      418.189 Policy on child abuse and neglect. The Legislative Assembly recognizes that children are society’s most valuable resource and that child abuse and neglect is a threat to the physical, mental and emotional health of children. The Legislative Assembly further recognizes that assisting community-based private nonprofit and public organizations, agencies or school districts in identifying and establishing needed primary prevention programs will reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and the necessity for costly subsequent intervention in family life by the state. Child abuse and neglect prevention programs can be most effectively and economically administered through the use of trained volunteers and the cooperative efforts of the communities, citizens and the state. [1985 c.549 §2]

 

      418.191 [1985 c.549 §§3,7; 1993 c.678 §1; 1995 c.440 §43; 1999 c.1053 §28; 1999 c.1084 §42; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §56]

 

      418.193 [1985 c.549 §4; 1993 c.678 §2; 1995 c.440 §44; 1999 c.1053 §29; 1999 c.1084 §43; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §56]

 

      418.195 [1985 c.549 §5; 1999 c.1084 §44; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §56]

 

      418.197 [1985 c.549 §6; 1999 c.1084 §45; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §56]

 

      418.198 [1995 c.440 §46; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §37]

 

      418.199 [1985 c.549 §8; 1987 c.771 §3; 1989 c.966 §48; 1993 c.678 §3; 1995 c.440 §48; repealed by 1999 c.1084 §37]

 

CHILD-CARING AGENCIES; PLACEMENT IN FOSTER HOMES BY CHILD-CARING AGENCIES

 

      418.205 Definitions for ORS 418.205 to 418.310 and 418.992 to 418.998. As used in ORS 418.205 to 418.310 and 418.992 to 418.998, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Child” means an unmarried person under 18 years of age.

      (2)(a) “Child-caring agency” means any private school, private agency or private organization providing:

      (A) Day treatment for children with emotional disturbances;

      (B) Adoption placement services;

      (C) Residential care, including but not limited to foster care or residential treatment for children;

      (D) Residential care in combination with academic education and therapeutic care, including but not limited to treatment for emotional, behavioral or mental health disturbances;

      (E) Outdoor youth programs; or

      (F) Other similar services for children.

      (b) “Child-caring agency” does not include:

      (A) Residential facilities or foster care homes certified or licensed by the Department of Human Services under ORS 443.400 to 443.455, 443.830 and 443.835 for children receiving developmental disability services;

      (B) Any private agency or organization facilitating the provision of respite services for parents pursuant to a properly executed power of attorney under ORS 109.056. For purposes of this subparagraph, “respite services” means the voluntary assumption of short-term care and control of a minor child without compensation or reimbursement of expenses for the purpose of providing a parent in crisis with relief from the demands of ongoing care of the parent’s child; or

      (C) A private residential boarding school as defined in subsection (5)(b) of this section.

      (3)(a) “Outdoor youth program” means a program that provides, in an outdoor living setting, services to children who have behavioral problems, mental health problems or problems with abuse of alcohol or drugs.

      (b) “Outdoor youth program” does not include any program, facility or activity:

      (A) Operated by a governmental entity;

      (B) Operated or affiliated with the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps; or

      (C) Licensed by the Department of Human Services under other authority of the department.

      (4) “Private” means not owned, operated or administered by any governmental agency or unit.

      (5) “Private residential boarding school” means either of the following as the context requires:

      (a) A child-caring agency that is a private school that provides residential care in combination with academic education and therapeutic care, including but not limited to treatment for emotional, behavioral or mental health disturbances; or

      (b) A private school providing residential care that is primarily engaged in educational work under ORS 418.327. [Formerly 419.101; 1975 c.310 §1; 1983 c.510 §1; 1999 c.316 §3; 2001 c.809 §1; 2001 c.900 §117; 2007 c.70 §198; 2010 c.60 §1; 2011 c.278 §1]

 

      418.210 Application of ORS 418.205 to 418.325. ORS 418.205 to 418.325 shall not apply to:

      (1) Homes established and maintained by fraternal organizations wherein only members, their wives, widows and children are admitted as residents;

      (2) Any family foster home that is subject to ORS 418.625 to 418.645;

      (3) Any child care facility that is subject to ORS 657A.030 and 657A.250 to 657A.450;

      (4) Any individual, or home of an individual, providing respite services, as defined in ORS 418.205, for parents pursuant to a properly executed power of attorney under ORS 109.056;

      (5) Any private agency or organization facilitating the provision of respite services, as defined in ORS 418.205, for parents pursuant to a properly executed power of attorney under ORS 109.056; or

      (6) A private residential boarding school as defined in ORS 418.205 (5)(b). [Formerly 419.105; 1975 c.310 §2; 1983 c.510 §2; 1995 c.278 §49; 2010 c.60 §2; 2011 c.278 §2]

 

      418.215 Private child-caring agency to be licensed. No private child-caring agency shall provide or engage in any care or service described in ORS 418.205 unless the agency is at the time:

      (1) Duly incorporated under the corporation laws of any state; and

      (2) Licensed to provide or engage in the care or service by the Department of Human Services under the provisions of ORS 418.205 to 418.325. [Formerly 419.106; 1975 c.310 §3; 1977 c.717 §16; 1983 c.510 §3; 1987 c.94 §131; 2011 c.597 §192]

 

      418.220 [Formerly 419.108; 1971 c.401 §14; 1975 c.310 §4; 1983 c.510 §4; repealed by 1987 c.94 §171]

 

      418.225 [Formerly 419.110; 1971 c.401 §15; 1975 c.310 §5; 1975 c.795 §2; 1983 c.510 §5; repealed by 1987 c.94 §171]

 

      418.230 [Formerly 419.112; repealed by 1983 c.510 §21]

 

      418.235 [Formerly 419.114; 1971 c.401 §16; 1973 c.367 §17; 1983 c.510 §6; repealed by 1987 c.94 §171]

 

      418.240 Licensing criteria; duration; fees; rules. (1) All private child-caring agencies subject to ORS 418.205 to 418.325 shall obtain from the Department of Human Services a license authorizing their work. The department shall use the criteria designated in this subsection, and such rules pursuant thereto as the department may develop subject to ORS chapter 183, as the basis of judgment in granting, withholding, suspending or revoking such licenses. The criteria are as follows:

      (a) The fitness of the applicant.

      (b) The employment of capable, trained or experienced staff who are not applicants for the approval.

      (c) Sufficient financial backing to insure effective work.

      (d) The probability of permanence in the proposed organization.

      (e) The care and services provided to the children served will be in their best interests and that of society.

      (f) That the agency is in compliance with the standards of care and treatment established in rules by the department.

      (2) In addition to the licensing requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a private child-caring agency shall submit written proof of compliance with ORS 336.575 to the department.

      (3) The department shall charge no fee for its own inspections leading to its decisions regarding such licensing, nor for issuance of such licenses, but may impose fees to cover costs of related inspections done for the department by other governmental agencies.

      (4) A license issued by the department under this section shall be valid for a period of two years, unless suspended or revoked sooner by the department. However, the department at any time may require amendments to an existing license to accommodate changes in the factors upon which an existing license was based. [Formerly 419.116; 1971 c.401 §17; 1983 c.510 §7; 1985 c.264 §2; 1987 c.94 §132]

 

      418.243 Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board; duties; membership; staff. (1) There is established the Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board for the purpose of providing advice to the Department of Human Services on licensing outdoor youth programs as child-caring agencies. The department shall consult with the board on the licensure of outdoor youth programs as child-caring agencies prior to the adoption of rules and on a regular basis.

      (2) The board shall provide advice to the department in the following areas:

      (a) Policies adopted by the department regarding outdoor youth programs;

      (b) Requirements for treatment programs provided by outdoor youth programs;

      (c) Requirements for behavior management by outdoor youth programs;

      (d) Requirements for health and safety; and

      (e) Any other requirements the department imposes on outdoor youth programs.

      (3) The board shall be appointed by the Governor and consist of:

      (a) Three members who are providers of outdoor youth programs or employed by outdoor youth programs;

      (b) Two members of the general public; and

      (c) One member from an agency that regulates public lands.

      (4) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

      (5) The appointment of a member of the board is subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed in ORS 171.562 and 171.565.

      (6) A member of the board is entitled to expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 (2).

      (7) The department shall provide the board with the necessary clerical and support staff to assist the board in carrying out the responsibilities of the board. [2001 c.809 §3]

 

      Note: 418.243 to 418.246 were added to and made a part of 418.205 to 418.310 by legislative action but were not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.244 Officers of Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board; quorum; meetings. (1) The Outdoor Youth Program Advisory Board shall select one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson, for such terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of such offices as the board determines.

      (2) A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

      (3) The board shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the board. [2001 c.809 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 418.243.

 

      418.245 [Formerly 419.118; repealed by 1975 c.310 §9]

 

      418.246 Bond for outdoor youth program licensure. (1) In addition to any requirements for licensure established by the Department of Human Services, each outdoor youth program that is applying for licensure as a child-caring agency shall file with the department a bond in the amount of $50,000 or 50 percent of the program’s yearly budget, whichever amount is less. The bond shall be issued by a surety company or an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008, authorized to do business in this state.

      (2) The bond required under subsection (1) of this section shall be continuous until canceled and shall remain in full force and unimpaired at all times to comply with this section. The surety or insured institution shall give the department at least 30 days’ written notice before it cancels or terminates its liability under the bond.

      (3) An action on the bond may be brought by any person aggrieved by the misconduct of an outdoor youth program required to be licensed under ORS 418.205 to 418.310. [2001 c.809 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 418.243.

 

      418.250 Supervision of child-caring agencies. (1) In order to enable it to supervise all child-caring agencies and institutions in this state, public and private, and also all homeless or neglected children in this state, whether kept in such agencies or institutions or not, the Department of Human Services may require such agencies or institutions, and also any court functioning as a juvenile court, to furnish at any time, on blanks prepared or recommended by the department, such information as the department in its judgment may require in regard to each child in any such agency or institution or any record of each child that has been placed out under order of any such court. The agency, institution or court shall furnish such information to the department upon request. All such information so requested and received by the department shall be considered and treated at all times as confidential and not as a public record.

      (2) No employee of the department shall disclose any such information contrary to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. [Formerly 419.120; 1971 c.401 §18]

 

      418.255 Inspection and supervision; training. (1) The Department of Human Services shall inspect and supervise all private child-caring agencies, whether incorporated or not, within this state, and may inspect and supervise public child-caring agencies within this state. The department is given right of entrance, privilege of inspection, and access to all accounts and records of work and children, for the purpose of ascertaining the kind and quality of work done and to obtain a proper basis for its decisions and recommendations.

      (2) Inspection and visitation of child-caring agencies by the department shall be made at unexpected times, with irregular intervals between visits, and without previous notice to the agency visited. In addition to such official inspection, many other informal visits shall be made.

      (3) The department shall advise agency and institution officers and workers in regard to approved methods of child care, best types of housing and equipment and adequate records of agency or institutional work. The principal purpose of such advice shall be to offer friendly counsel and assistance on child welfare problems and advice on progressive methods and improvement of the service.

      (4) In addition to advice provided under subsection (3) of this section, the department shall provide training regarding appropriate ethnic hair and skin care for children of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American or multiracial descent to:

      (a) Child-caring agencies;

      (b) Persons providing treatment, care or services under the supervision of a child-caring agency; and

      (c) Prospective adoptive parents of a child in foster care. [Formerly 419.122; 1971 c.401 §19; 1983 c.510 §8; 2011 c.692 §1]

 

      418.260 Investigation of abuses, derelictions or deficiencies in child-caring agencies. If any abuses, derelictions or deficiencies are made known to the Department of Human Services or its agents during their inspection of any child-caring agency or institution, or at any time are reported to the department, the department shall at once carefully investigate the reports or rumors and take such action as the matters require. If any abuses, derelictions or deficiencies are found in any state child-caring institution or agency, they shall be reported at once in writing to the responsible state agency. If any such abuses, derelictions or deficiencies are found in any other public institution, they shall be reported in like manner to the proper authority or governing board. In either case, if such abuses, derelictions or deficiencies are not corrected in a reasonable time, the same shall be reported in writing to the legislature or the appropriate interim committee if the legislature is not in session. If any such abuses, derelictions or deficiencies are found in any private child-caring agency, they shall be brought at once to the attention of its trustees or managers. If they are not corrected in a reasonable time, the department shall suspend or revoke its approval of such agency. However, if the abuses, derelictions or deficiencies found in a private child-caring agency are determined by the department to be or threaten a serious danger to any child or to the public, the department may immediately suspend or revoke the agency’s license, subject to the provisions of ORS 183.430. [Formerly 419.124; 1971 c.401 §20; 1975 c.310 §6; 1983 c.510 §9]

 

      418.263 Private Child-Caring Agencies Fund. There is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund, the Private Child-Caring Agencies Fund. The fund consists of moneys received by the Department of Human Services under ORS 418.998 (2) and such other moneys as may be otherwise made available by law. Interest earned on the fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the department and must be used only for the administration and enforcement of ORS 418.205 to 418.310. [2009 c.846 §2]

 

      Note: 418.263 was added to and made a part of 418.205 to 418.310 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.265 Reports; audit. (1) At the request of the Department of Human Services, each public or private child-caring agency or institution within this state shall make a report of its work to the department in such form and detail as the department prescribes.

      (2) The reports may include detailed statistics of all children served, financial statements of the expense of their care, the number and kind of workers employed, the value and conditions of the plant owned or used, the amount of the endowment or invested funds and any other essential matters that may be indicated by the requirements of the department.

      (3) The department shall prepare and supply to the various child-caring agencies and institutions the necessary printed blanks to record the desired information. Within any year, the department may require such further detailed information and audit of the financial affairs of such agency or institution as it deems to be in the public interest and may make such inspection of the books and records of such agency or institution as it deems necessary. Such audit and inspection of books and records of such agencies and institutions shall be at the expense of the department.

      (4) All such agencies or institutions shall conform their records to the statutory fiscal year of the state.

      (5) All reports required of agencies and institutions shall be filed with the department not later than 60 days from the date of request. [Formerly 419.126; 1971 c.401 §21; 1983 c.478 §1]

 

      418.270 Surrender of child to private child-caring agency; consent to adoption; time for adoption proceedings; effect of release and surrender. (1) If licensed for such purposes by the Department of Human Services, a private child-caring agency may receive children from their parents or legal guardians for special, temporary or continued care. The parents or guardians may sign releases or surrenders giving to such agencies guardianship and control of the persons of such children during the period of such care, which may be extended until the children arrive at legal age. Such releases do not surrender the rights of such parents or guardians in respect to the adoption of such children and do not entitle such organization to give consent to the adoption of the children unless the release or surrender expressly recites that it is given for the purpose of adoption. Private child-caring agencies are authorized to place children for adoption or foster care only if authorized by the department in the license issued by the department.

      (2) Any entire severance of family ties of such children by adoption or otherwise shall be accomplished only by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

      (3) In the absence of the certificate provided for in subsection (4) of this section, it is unlawful to present a child surrendered to an agency by a parent, parents or guardian for a court to pass upon the adoption of the child until at least six months have elapsed after signing the surrender.

      (4) Parents or legal guardians of children whom they have by release or surrender agreement given into the guardianship of incorporated child-caring agencies for the purpose of adoption may, concurrently or subsequently and without any adoption proceeding having been initiated, agree that the release or surrender shall become irrevocable as soon as the child is placed by the agency in the physical custody of a person or persons for the purpose of adoption by them, and waive their right to personal appearance in court in matters of adoption of such children, by a duly signed and attested certificate. From and after such physical placement for adoption such certificate of irrevocability and waiver and the release or surrender may not be revoked by the parent or guardian unless fraud or duress is affirmatively proved.

      (5) No agreement to release or surrender a child for adoption, or other agreement or waiver of rights having the same effect, executed before March 24, 1971, in connection with the surrender of a child into the guardianship of a child-caring agency for purposes of adoption, may be revoked or held invalid for any reason except upon affirmative proof of fraud or duress. [Formerly 419.128; 1971 c.26 §1; 1975 c.310 §7; 1983 c.510 §10]

 

      418.275 Private child-caring agency as guardian of child; power of agency. (1) A private child-caring agency shall be the guardian of each child released or surrendered to it under the conditions provided in ORS 418.270 and of each child committed to it through a permanent order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

      (2) The agency may retain children released, surrendered or committed to it in institutional care, or may place them in private family homes temporarily or as members of families. If the agency deems the action proper and desirable, it may consent in loco parentis to the legal adoptions of the children, subject to the conditions provided in ORS 418.270. [Formerly 419.130; 1967 c.375 §1; 1973 c.823 §134; 1983 c.510 §11]

 

      418.280 Placement of children. Private child-caring agencies, in placing children in private families, shall:

      (1) Safeguard the welfare of the children by the thorough investigation of each applicant and home and its environment;

      (2) Carefully select the child to suit the new relationship and location;

      (3) Personally and adequately supervise each home and child until the latter returns to the direct care of the agency or, if permanently placed, receives legal adoption or attains legal age; and

      (4) So far as practicable, place such children in families of the same religious faith as that held by the children or their parents. [Formerly 419.132; 1983 c.510 §12; 2003 c.14 §218]

 

      418.285 Authority of department same as private child-caring agency under ORS 418.270 to 418.280. In addition to its other powers and responsibilities, the Department of Human Services has the same authority as a private child-caring agency under ORS 418.270 to 418.280. In exercising this authority, the department shall comply with the provisions of ORS 418.270 to 418.280 the same as a private child-caring agency. [Formerly 419.133; 1971 c.401 §22; 2003 c.14 §219]

 

      418.290 Child placement by nonresident. No person, agent, agency or institution of another state shall place a child in a family home in this state without first having furnished the Department of Human Services such guarantee as the department may require against the child becoming a public charge within five years from the date of such placement. [Formerly 419.134; 1971 c.401 §23; 1975 c.310 §8]

 

      418.295 Certain attorneys not to represent prospective adoptive parents; employees not to recommend any attorney to prospective adoptive parents. (1) No attorney employed by the State of Oregon shall represent prospective adoptive parents in their attempt to adopt a child being cared for under the provisions of ORS 412.001 to 412.161, 418.005 to 418.025, 418.205 to 418.315, 418.625 to 418.685 and 418.647.

      (2) No employee of the Department of Human Services shall recommend any attorney to serve as counsel for prospective adoptive parents. [Formerly 419.135; 1969 c.597 §254; 1971 c.401 §24; 2001 c.900 §118]

 

      418.300 When child placement by private persons prohibited. No private individual, including midwives, physicians, nurses, hospital officials and all officers and employees or representatives of unauthorized agencies, organizations or institutions, shall engage in child-placing work, except that relatives of the first and second degrees may thus provide for children of their own blood. [Formerly 419.136; 1983 c.510 §13]

 

      418.302 Administrative review required for certain children in voluntary placement. For those children who have remained in voluntary placement for 18 months, an administrative review by the Department of Human Services shall be required. The department shall review the same information required in reports on children placed pursuant to court order. [1981 c.777 §3]

 

      418.305 Authority of department to visit placed-out children; location and relationships confidential. The Department of Human Services may require any child-caring agency to divulge the location and relationship of any of its placed-out children. The department or its agents may visit the location to ascertain the condition of such children or the quality of the child-placing work done. The location and relationship of each placed-out child shall be confidentially held by the department and its agents and revealed only when the welfare of the child requires such action on order of a court of competent jurisdiction. [Formerly 419.138; 1971 c.401 §25; 2003 c.14 §220]

 

      418.306 Denial of visitation by child-caring agency as disciplinary measure prohibited. A child-caring agency providing residential care shall not deny a parent or guardian of a child who is under the care of the child-caring agency the right to visit the child solely as a disciplinary measure against the child. [1993 c.785 §2]

 

      418.307 Medical or dental treatment of children without consent; conditions; immunity of treating personnel. (1) A physician licensed by the Oregon Medical Board, or a dentist licensed by the Oregon Board of Dentistry, or a hospital licensed by the Department of Human Services is authorized to treat a child who is ward of the court or is a dependent or delinquent child in accord with the physician’s best medical judgment and without consent if:

      (a) Because of the general state of the child’s health or any particular condition, the physician, dentist, or responsible official of the hospital determines that in the medical judgment of the physician, dentist or responsible official prompt action is reasonably necessary to avoid unnecessary suffering or discomfort or to effect a more expedient or effective cure; and

      (b) It is impossible or highly impractical to obtain consent for treating the child from the child-caring agency, the child’s parent or the child’s legal guardian.

      (2) No charge of assault or battery shall be made against a physician, dentist, or hospital official or employee who provides medical treatment pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) A minor child described in subsection (1) of this section who is 15 years of age or older may consent to medical treatment pursuant to ORS 109.640. [1975 c.580 §2]

 

      418.310 Application of statutes to institutions caring for adults and children. ORS 418.205 to 418.310 and 418.992 to 418.998 apply to private agencies and institutions for the combined care of adults and children where the care for children includes day or residential treatment or care. [Formerly 419.140; 1983 c.510 §14]

 

      418.312 When transfer of custody not required; voluntary placement agreement; review of children placed in certain institutions. (1) The Department of Human Services may not require any parent or legal guardian to transfer legal custody of a child in order to have the child placed under ORS 418.205 to 418.310, 418.480 to 418.500 and 418.992 to 418.998 in a foster home, group home or institutional child care setting, when the sole reason for the placement is the need to obtain services for the child’s emotional, behavioral or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability. In all such cases, the child shall be placed pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement. When a child is placed pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement, the department shall have responsibility for the child’s placement and care. When a child remains in voluntary placement for more than 180 days, the juvenile court shall make a judicial determination, within the first 180 days of the placement, that the placement is in the best interests of the child. In addition, the juvenile court shall hold a permanency hearing as provided in ORS 419B.476 no later than 14 months after the child’s original voluntary placement, and not less frequently than once every 12 months thereafter during the continuation of the child’s original voluntary placement, to determine the future status of the child.

      (2) As used in this section, “voluntary placement agreement” means a binding, written agreement between the department and the parent or legal guardian of a minor child that does not transfer legal custody to the department but that specifies, at a minimum, the legal status of the child and the rights and obligations of the parent or legal guardian, the child and the department while the child is in placement. [1979 c.746 §1; 1993 c.348 §1; 1995 c.79 §213; 1999 c.59 §113; 2001 c.686 §6]

 

      Note: 418.312 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 418 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.315 Department may provide foster care for children surrendered or committed to department. The Department of Human Services may, in its discretion, provide foster care and other services for any child who has been surrendered under ORS 418.270, as authorized by ORS 418.285, to the department for adoption or has been permanently committed to the department by order of court. [Formerly 419.142; 1969 c.45 §9; 1971 c.401 §26; 1971 c.779 §63]

 

      418.319 Goal regarding placed children receiving federal assistance. For each federal fiscal year beginning on and after October 1, 1983, the Department of Human Services establishes as a goal that no more than 33 percent of the children receiving assistance in foster home or substitute care placements under Title 4E of the Social Security Act shall have been in such placement at any time during that fiscal year for a period in excess of 24 months. The department shall report to each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly with its plan for achieving its goal and any plans for reducing the number or percentage of children in such placements during the period before the next October 1. [1981 c.251 §1; 2011 c.545 §52]

 

      Note: 418.319 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of any series within ORS chapter 418 by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.320 [Formerly 419.144; repealed by 1971 c.401 §120]

 

      418.325 Medical examinations required; frequency; child’s health record; other health care; explanation to adoptive parents. (1) A child-caring agency shall safeguard the health of each ward or other dependent or delinquent child in its care by providing for medical examinations of each child by a qualified physician at the following intervals:

      (a) Three examinations during the first year of the child’s life;

      (b) One examination during the second year of the child’s life;

      (c) One examination at the age of four;

      (d) One examination at the age of six;

      (e) One examination at the age of nine; and

      (f) One examination at the age of 14.

      (2) If an examination under subsection (1) of this section has not occurred within six months prior to the transfer for adoption of the custody of a child by a child-caring agency to the prospective adoptive parents of such child, a child-caring agency shall provide for a medical examination of such child within six months prior to such transfer.

      (3) Any testing that occurs at intervals other than those specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall not be considered to be in lieu of the required examinations. However, nothing in subsections (1) and (2) of this section is intended to limit more frequent examinations that are dictated by the general state of the child’s health or by any particular condition.

      (4) Within 90 days of obtaining guardianship over a child under six years of age, a child-caring agency shall provide for such child to be:

      (a) Inoculated as determined appropriate by the county public health department; and

      (b) Tested for:

      (A) Phenylketonuria pursuant to ORS 433.285;

      (B) Visual and aural acuity consistent with the child’s age;

      (C) Sickle-cell anemia;

      (D) Effects of rubella, if any;

      (E) Effects of parental venereal disease, if any; and

      (F) The hereditary or congenital effects of parental use of drugs or controlled substances.

      (5) Within six months prior to the transfer for adoption of the custody of a child by a child-caring agency to the prospective adoptive parents of such child, the child-caring agency shall provide for such child to have a complete physical examination by a physician, including but not limited to inspection for evidence of child abuse in accordance with rules of the Department of Human Services, and be tested for visual and aural acuity consistent with the child’s age.

      (6) A child-caring agency shall record the results of tests provided a child pursuant to subsections (1) to (5) of this section in the child’s health record. The child’s health record shall be kept as a part of the agency’s total records of that child. The child’s health record shall be made available to both natural parents and to both prospective foster or adoptive parents of that child. A qualified member of a child-caring agency under the supervision of a qualified physician shall explain to adoptive parents the medical factors possible as a result of a child’s birth history, hereditary or congenital defects, or disease or disability experience.

      (7) This section does not apply to a private residential boarding school as defined in ORS 418.205 (5)(a). [1973 c.545 §2; 1979 c.492 §5; 1979 c.744 §20; 2003 c.14 §221; 2011 c.278 §3]

 

      418.327 Licensing of certain schools and organizations offering residential programs; fees; rules. (1) Inspections and reviews of private residential boarding schools that are primarily engaged in educational work or other organizations offering residential programs for children may be conducted by the Department of Human Services at times and frequencies of the department’s choosing. The department shall consult with representatives of the private residential boarding schools and organizations in developing the standards that shall be the basis for inspections and reviews.

      (2) Upon finding that the facilities and operation of a school or organization described in subsection (1) of this section meet the standards of the department for the physical health, care and safety of the children, the department shall issue a license to operate the residential program. The license shall be valid for a period of two years, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the department. However, the department may require that application be made for amendment to an existing license when changes in a facility or program are to occur. The department shall charge no fee for its own inspections or reviews, nor for issuing licenses, but may charge fees to cover costs of inspections done by other governmental agencies for the department.

      (3) No person or organization shall operate a facility described in subsection (1) of this section without having a current, valid license issued by the department.

      (4) Any person, including the Director of Human Services, may file a complaint with the department alleging that children attending a private residential boarding school described in subsection (1) of this section, or that children within the control of any other organization that provides boarding or residential programs, are not receiving shelter, food, guidance, training or education necessary to the health, safety, welfare or social growth of the children or necessary to serve the best interests of society.

      (5) The department shall investigate complaints made under subsection (4) of this section and, if a reasonable basis for sustaining the complaint appears, shall set a hearing to examine publicly the complaint. The department shall conduct its investigation under the standards and authority provided under ORS 418.215 to 418.325. Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, at least two weeks’ written notice of the hearing and substance of the complaint and the evidence in support thereof shall be provided to the operator of the school or organization. The parents of the child or children involved shall be notified if such persons can be conveniently located. Notice shall be served personally on the operator of the school or organization, but may be served by mail at the last-known or determined address of the parent or other adult responsible for the child.

      (6) The hearing shall comply with the provisions of ORS chapter 183 as to procedures, findings and orders. Where the evidence at the hearing justifies such an order, the department is authorized to order the school or organization to correct the conditions not in conformity with standards. If corrections are not made within time limits set by the department, the department may suspend or revoke the license or may refuse to renew the license and is empowered to make any other lawful orders necessary to the protection of the child or children involved.

      (7) Where a condition exists that immediately endangers the health or safety of a child, the Director of Human Services may issue an interim order without any notice, or with such notice as is practical under the circumstances, requiring the school or organization to alter the conditions under which the child lives or receives schooling. Such interim emergency order shall remain in force until a final order, after a hearing as provided in subsection (5) of this section, is entered.

      (8) Any school or organization shall cooperate with the department in making any inspection or review or investigating any complaint made under this section.

      (9) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall cooperate with the department upon request by advising the department as to whether or not the educational program conducted at the school or organization meets minimum standards required of public educational institutions.

      (10) Nothing in this section applies to public or private institutions of higher education, community colleges, common or union high school districts that provide board and room in lieu of transportation or any other child-caring program already subject to state licensing procedures by any agency of this state.

      (11) Subject to ORS chapter 183, the department may adopt rules to implement this section.

      (12) In addition to remedies otherwise provided under this section and under ORS 418.990, the department may commence an action to enjoin operation of a private residential boarding school described in subsection (1) of this section or other organization offering residential programs for children:

      (a) If the school or organization is being operated without a valid license issued under subsection (2) of this section; or

      (b) If the school or organization fails to correct the conditions not in conformity with standards, as set out in an order issued under subsection (6) of this section, within the time specified in the order. [1975 c.313 §1; 1977 c.232 §1; 1979 c.284 §140; 1983 c.510 §15; 2011 c.278 §4]

 

PAYMENTS TO ADOPTIVE PARENTS

 

      418.330 Payments to adoptive parents; conditions; limitations. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Child” means:

      (A) A person under 18 years of age;

      (B) A person under 21 years of age if the Department of Human Services determines that the person has a mental or physical disability that warrants the continuation of assistance; or

      (C) A person who has attained 18 years of age and:

      (i) On whose behalf payments under this section were received prior to the person attaining 18 years of age, provided the person was at least 16 years of age at the time the payments commenced;

      (ii) Has not attained 21 years of age; and

      (iii)(I) Is completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;

      (II) Is enrolled in an institution or program that provides post-secondary or vocational education;

      (III) Is participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment;

      (IV) Is employed for at least 80 hours per month; or

      (V) Is incapable of doing any of the activities described in sub-sub-subparagraphs (I) to (IV) of this sub-subparagraph due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated documentation.

      (b) “Child-caring agency” means:

      (A) A child-caring agency as defined in ORS 418.205; and

      (B) For a child who has attained 18 years of age, an independent residence facility established or certified under ORS 418.475 in which the child resides as an enrollee in an independent living program.

      (c) “Nonrecurring adoption expenses” means reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees and other expenses that are directly related to the adoption of a child with special needs and that are not incurred in violation of state or federal law.

      (2) The department may make payments to adoptive parents on behalf of a child placed for adoption by the department or by an approved child-caring agency when the department determines:

      (a) The child has special needs because of an impediment to adoptive placement by reason of the child’s physical or mental condition, race, age, or membership in a sibling group; or

      (b) The adoptive family is capable of providing the permanent family relationships needed by the child in all respects other than financial, and the needs of the child are beyond the economic ability and resources of the family.

      (3) Payments to subsidize adoptions made under subsection (2) of this section:

      (a) Shall include payment of nonrecurring adoption expenses incurred by or on behalf of adoptive parents in connection with the adoption of a child with special needs;

      (b) May include, but are not limited to, the maintenance costs, medical and surgical expenses, and other costs incidental to the care, training and education of the child;

      (c) May not exceed the cost of providing comparable assistance in foster care; and

      (d) May not be made:

      (A) For a child who has not attained 18 years of age, when the adoptive parents are no longer legally responsible for the support of the child; or

      (B) When the child is no longer receiving any support from the adoptive parents.

      (4) Adoptive parents receiving payments under subsection (2) of this section shall inform the department of circumstances that would make the adoptive parents:

      (a) Ineligible to receive the payments; or

      (b) Eligible to receive the payments in a different amount. [1971 c.129 §§1,2; 2011 c.141 §1]

 

      418.335 Determination of eligibility for payments; review; hearing. (1) Qualification for payments under ORS 418.330 must be determined by the Department of Human Services prior to the completion of the adoption proceeding.

      (2) The department shall set the amount of payments under ORS 418.330 through negotiations with the prospective adoptive parents, taking into consideration the circumstances of the prospective adoptive parents and the needs of the child.

      (3) The department may change the amount of payments under ORS 418.330:

      (a) Through renegotiation with the adoptive parents, based upon a showing that there has been a change in the circumstances of the adoptive parents or the needs of the child; or

      (b) When the department has reduced or increased the amount of comparable assistance in foster care under ORS 418.647.

      (4) The department may suspend or terminate payments when one or more of the following conditions exist:

      (a) The child attains 18 years of age.

      (b) The adoptive parents are no longer legally responsible for the support of the child.

      (c) The child is no longer receiving any support from the adoptive parents.

      (5) If a payment under ORS 418.330 is suspended or terminated for a reason not related to the age of the child, the adoptive parents of the child may petition the department for a review of the case. The department shall afford the petitioner an opportunity for a hearing, which must be held in the county the petitioner elects. [1971 c.129 §§3,4; 2011 c.141 §2]

 

      418.340 Rules. The Department of Human Services shall make all necessary rules for payments to subsidize adoptions. [1971 c.129 §5; 2011 c.141 §3]

 

      418.342 [1989 c.306 §2; renumbered 657A.100 in 1993]

 

      418.344 [1989 c.306 §1; renumbered 657A.110 in 1993]

 

      418.346 [1989 c.306 §3; renumbered 657A.120 in 1993]

 

      418.348 [1989 c.306 §4; renumbered 657A.130 in 1993]

 

      418.350 [1989 c.306 §5; renumbered 657A.140 in 1993]

 

      418.352 [1989 c.306 §6; renumbered 657A.150 in 1993]

 

      418.354 [1989 c.306 §7; renumbered 657A.160 in 1993]

 

      418.355 [Formerly 419.152; 1971 c.401 §28; repealed by 1989 c. 41 §2]

 

      418.356 [1989 c.306 §8; renumbered 657A.170 in 1993]

 

      418.358 [1989 c.306 §9; 1993 c.344 §28; renumbered 657A.180 in 1993]

 

      418.360 [Formerly 419.154; 1971 c.401 §29; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.361 [1989 c.306 §10; 1993 c.344 §29; renumbered 657A.020 in 1993]

 

      418.363 [1989 c.306 §11; renumbered 657A.190 in 1993]

 

      418.365 [Formerly 419.156; 1971 c.401 §30; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.370 [Formerly 419.158; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.373 [1973 c.610 §2; 1985 c.753 §6; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.375 [1973 c.610 §1; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.379 [1973 c.610 §3; 1977 c.554 §1; 1979 c.524 §7; repealed by 1985 c.753 §7]

 

      418.380 [1971 c.533 §1; renumbered 418.400]

 

      418.381 [1973 c.610 §4; 1977 c. 554 §2; repealed by 1985 c.753 §7]

 

      418.383 [1973 c.610 §§5,7; repealed by 1985 c.753 §7]

 

      418.385 [1971 c.533 §2; renumbered 418.401]

 

      418.386 [1973 c.610 §8; repealed by 1985 c.753 §7]

 

      418.388 [1973 c.610 §§9,10; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.390 [1971 c.533 §3; renumbered 418.402]

 

      418.391 [1973 c.610 §11; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.393 [1973 c.610 §12; 1979 c.524 §8; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.395 [1973 c.610 §14; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.397 [1973 c.610 §13; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.399 [1973 c.610 §6; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.400 [Formerly 418.380; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.401 [Formerly 418.385; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.402 [Formerly 418.390; repealed by 1993 c.344 §49]

 

      418.405 [Formerly 419.202; 1963 c.451 §1; 1971 c.401 §31; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.410 [Formerly 419.204; 1967 c.89 §1; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.415 [Formerly 419.206; 1971 c.401 §32; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.420 [Formerly 419.208; 1969 c.440 §1; 1971 c.401 §33; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.425 [Formerly 419.210; 1971 c.401 §34; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.430 [Formerly 419.212; 1967 c.454 §50; 1971 c.401 §35; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.435 [Formerly 419.214; 1963 c.450 §1; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.440 [Formerly 419.216; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.445 [Formerly 419.218; 1967 c.534 §18; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.450 [Formerly 419.220; repealed by 1967 c.534 §34]

 

      418.455 [Formerly 419.222; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.460 [Formerly 419.566 and then 419.224; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.465 [1963 c.150 §2; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

SHELTER-CARE HOMES

 

      418.470 Authority to pay for shelter-care homes. (1) The Department of Human Services may engage and make reasonable payment for services of persons to make available, maintain and operate shelter-care homes for the safekeeping of children taken into temporary custody pending investigation and disposition.

      (2) The services, pursuant to specific prior authorization of the department, shall be deemed actually rendered if the shelter-care home is made available, maintained and operated to receive such children.

      (3) As used in this section and ORS 418.472, “shelter-care home” means a certified foster home or a licensed facility contracted with by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of safekeeping of children taken into temporary custody pending investigation and disposition where the circumstances are such that the child need not be kept in secure custody. [1969 c.184 §1; 1971 c.401 §36; 1985 c.791 §1; 2003 c.14 §222]

 

      418.472 Siting of shelter-care home. The governing body of a county or its designee in a county with a population of less than 400,000 may allow the operation of a shelter-care home, as defined in ORS 418.470, upon a lot or parcel in any zone, including an exclusive farm use or forest use zone, if the shelter-care home is an existing use on that lot or parcel on September 20, 1985. [1985 c.791 §2]

 

INDEPENDENT RESIDENCE FACILITIES

 

      418.475 Independent residence facilities; extent and nature of agreement between minor and department. (1) Within the limit of moneys appropriated therefor, the Department of Human Services may establish or certify independent residence facilities for minors who:

      (a) Are 16 years of age or older;

      (b) Have been placed in at least one substitute care resource;

      (c) Have been determined by the department to be unsuitable for placement in a substitute care resource;

      (d) Have received permission from the appropriate juvenile court, if they are wards of the court; and

      (e) Have been determined by the department to be suitable for an independent resident program.

      (2) Residence facilities shall provide independent housing arrangements with counseling services and minimal supervision available from at least one counselor. All residential facilities having six or more residents shall be licensed by the department under ORS 443.400 to 443.455.

      (3) Each resident shall be required to maintain a program of education or employment, or a combination thereof, amounting to full-time activity and shall be required to pay a portion or all of the resident’s housing expenses and other support costs.

      (4) The department may make payment grants directly to minors enrolled in an independent living program for food, shelter, clothing and incidental expenses. The payment grants shall be subject to an agreement between the minor and the department that establishes a budget of expenses.

      (5) The department may establish cooperative financial management agreements with a minor and for that purpose may enter into joint bank accounts requiring two signatures for withdrawals. The management agreements or joint accounts may not subject the department or any counselor involved to any liability for debts or other responsibilities of the minor.

      (6) The department shall make periodic reports to the juvenile court as required by the court regarding any minor who is a ward of the court enrolled in an independent living program.

      (7) The enrollment of a minor in an independent living program in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section does not remove or limit in any way the obligation of the parent of the minor to pay support as ordered by a court under the provisions of ORS 419B.400 or 419C.590. [1973 c.801 §1; 1977 c.717 §17; 1981 c.283 §1; 1993 c.33 §328; 2003 c.14 §223; 2007 c.71 §108]

 

PURCHASE OF CARE

 

      418.480 “Purchase of care” defined. As used in ORS 418.480 to 418.500, “purchase of care” includes the purchase of institutional and foster family care and services, adoptive services, services provided by Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs under ORS 418.575 to 418.598, services to the unwed mother and her child and such other care and services as the Department of Human Services shall determine to be necessary to carry out the policy stated in ORS 418.485. [1971 c.457 §1; 2001 c.900 §119; 2011 c.568 §9]

 

      418.485 Policy; annual report. It is the policy of the State of Oregon to strengthen family life and to ensure the protection of all children either in their own homes or in other appropriate care outside their homes. In affording such protection, the Director of Human Services shall, in cooperation with public and private child-caring agencies and with Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs under ORS 418.575 to 418.598, develop a set of short-range and long-range priorities for the development of needed child care and services, such priorities to be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary. Such priorities are to be set out in a form enumerating the number of children in each category of need, the type of child care and services needed, the areas of the state where such care and services are needed, and the projected costs. The State of Oregon hereby commits itself to the purchase of care and services for children who need care and to encourage private child-caring agencies and Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs under ORS 418.575 to 418.598 to develop programs required to meet the needs of the children of this state and money may be appropriated therefor. In developing programs necessary to meet the needs of the children of this state, the Director of Human Services shall make every attempt feasible to develop local, community and county-based organizations. The Department of Human Services shall document and present an annual report to the committees of the Legislative Assembly that address efforts taken under this section. [1971 c.457 §2; 1975 c.795 §3; 2011 c.568 §10]

 

      418.490 Coordination of state activities. In carrying out the policies of this state as stated in ORS 418.485, it shall be the responsibility of the Director of Human Services to coordinate the activities of all state agencies that have responsibilities for care of children to insure the best care possible and to avoid duplication of effort or conflict in policy. [1971 c.457 §3]

 

      418.495 Authority to purchase care; agreement content; payment standards for foster care; rules. (1) Within the limits of funds available therefor, the Department of Human Services may enter into agreements and contracts with licensed child-caring agencies, Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs under ORS 418.575 to 418.598 and other appropriate facilities, including youth care centers, for the purchase of care for children who require and are eligible for such care, regardless of whether the children are wards of the state or whether the department is their guardian or has their custody or whether the children are surrendered to a child-caring agency or to a Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families program under ORS 418.575 to 418.598 or committed thereto by order of a court under ORS chapter 419B or 419C. The agreement shall prescribe the procedures for payment and the rate of payment and may contain such other conditions as the department and the agency, facility or program may agree.

      (2) The department shall by rule adopt payment standards for foster care. In establishing standards, the department may take into account the income, resources and maintenance available to and the necessary expenditures of a foster parent who is a relative, as defined by rule, of the child placed in care. [1971 c.457 §4; 1993 c.33 §329; 2007 c.801 §1; 2011 c.568 §11]

 

      418.500 Out-of-state care for children. If the Department of Human Services determines that need exists for care and treatment of a child who is eligible for such care and treatment that is not available through any public or private agency or facility in this state, it may enter into an agreement with a public or private agency outside this state for the purchase of care for the child. Such agreements shall contain the matter described in ORS 418.495 and shall apply to children described therein. [1971 c.457 §5]

 

      418.505 [Formerly 419.252; 1963 c.451 §2; 1967 c.89 §2; 1967 c.454 §51; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.510 [Formerly 419.254; 1967 c.454 §52; 1971 c.401 §37; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.515 [Formerly 419.256; 1963 c.451 §3; 1969 c.440 §2; 1971 c.401 §38; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS

 

      418.517 Procedures for use of psychotropic medications for children in foster care; rules; hearing. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Medically accepted indication” means any use for a covered outpatient drug that is approved under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or recommended by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee created by ORS 414.353, or the use of which is supported by one or more citations included or approved for inclusion in any of the following compendia:

      (A) American Hospital Formulary Service drug information;

      (B) United States Pharmacopoeia drug information or any successor publication;

      (C) The DRUGDEX Information System; or

      (D) Peer-reviewed medical literature.

      (b) “Psychotropic medication” means medication the prescribed intent of which is to affect or alter thought processes, mood or behavior, including but not limited to antipsychotic, antidepressant and anxiolytic medication and behavior medications. The classification of a medication depends upon its stated intended effect when prescribed, because it may have many different effects.

      (2) The Department of Human Services shall develop by rule procedures for the use of psychotropic medications for children placed in foster care by the department.

      (3) The procedures shall include but not be limited to:

      (a) Required assessment by a qualified mental health professional or licensed medical professional, with expertise in children’s mental health, as defined by rule of the department prior to issuance of a new prescription for more than one psychotropic medication or any antipsychotic medication, except in case of urgent medical need as defined by rule.

      (b) Required notice by the foster parent to the department within one working day after receiving a new prescription of the psychotropic medication.

      (c) Required timely notice by the department to the child’s parent and the parent’s legal representative, if any, and the child’s legal representative or the court appointed special advocate containing the following information:

      (A) The prescribed psychotropic medication;

      (B) The amount of the dosage;

      (C) The dosage recommended pursuant to a medically accepted indication;

      (D) The reason for the medication;

      (E) The efficacy of the medication; and

      (F) The side effects of the medication.

      (d) Specified follow-up and monitoring by the department of a child taking psychotropic medication including, but not limited to, an annual review of medications by a licensed medical professional, or qualified mental health professional with authority to prescribe drugs, other than the prescriber, if the child has more than two prescriptions for psychotropic medications or if the child is under the age of six years.

      (4) A psychotropic medication may not be prescribed for a child under this section unless it is used for a medically accepted indication that is age appropriate.

      (5) Any parent, legal representative of the parent, legal representative of the child or court appointed special advocate may petition the juvenile court for a hearing if the parent, the representative of the parent, if any, the legal representative of the child or the advocate objects to the use of or the prescribed dosage of the psychotropic medication. The court may order an independent evaluation of the need for or the prescribed dosage of the medication. The court may order that administration of the medication be discontinued or the prescribed dosage be modified upon a showing that either the prescribed medication or the dosage, or both, are inappropriate. [1993 c.361 §1; 2009 c.853 §1; 2011 c.720 §157]

 

      Note: 418.517 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 418 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      418.520 [Formerly 419.258; 1971 c.401 §39; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.525 [Formerly 419.260; 1967 c.454 §53; 1971 c.401 §40; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.530 [Formerly 419.262; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.555 [Formerly 419.302; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.560 [Formerly 419.304; 1971 c.401 §41; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.565 [Formerly 419.306; 1967 c.454 §54; 1969 c.597 §255; 1971 c.401 §42; repealed by 1989 c.41 §2]

 

      418.570 [Formerly 419.530 and then 419.308; repealed by 1963 c.451 §4]

 

STRENGTHENING, PRESERVING AND REUNIFYING FAMILIES PROGRAMS

 

      418.575 Definitions for ORS 418.575 to 418.598. As used in ORS 418.575 to 418.598:

      (1) “Child” means a child who qualifies for child welfare services provided by the Department of Human Services.

      (2) “Client-focused functional outcome measures” means objective, observable measures of outcomes for services provided to a child and a child’s family under ORS 418.575 to 418.598, including but not limited to measures relating to permanency.

      (3) “County partners” means employees or representatives of the Department of Human Services, the county, court appointed special advocates under ORS 419A.170, drug and alcohol treatment providers, mental health providers, providers of affordable housing and other persons or entities that provide services to children and families within a county of this state.

      (4) “Family” means, at a minimum but not to the exclusion of siblings as defined in ORS 419A.004 or other persons living in the same household with a child, the child and:

      (a) The child’s parent as defined in ORS 419A.004;

      (b) The child’s guardian appointed pursuant to ORS chapter 125; or

      (c) A person who has a caregiver relationship as defined in ORS 419B.116 with the child.

      (5) “Intensive in-home services” means services that keep a child and family together in the child’s and family’s home with a goal of 24-hour on-call support while the child and the child’s family engage in family strengthening activities and receive appropriate mental health and addiction treatment and other intensive support interventions.

      (6) “Performance-based contract” means a contract entered into under ORS 418.580 that:

      (a) Requires a program to demonstrate successful child-driven outcomes when compared to alternative placement options and long-term cost savings; and

      (b) Bases termination or renewal of the contract on demonstration of the factors described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

      (7) “Program” means a Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families program described in ORS 418.580. [2011 c.568 §2]

 

      418.578 Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (1) There is growing empirical evidence that severe trauma may result when children are removed from their families, and that this trauma may give rise to negative outcomes that last a lifetime, cause intergenerational patterns of addiction, abuse and neglect, and give rise to disrupted and broken families.

      (2) Improving permanency outcomes for children is best accomplished by providing services that allow children to remain with their families and in their homes when appropriate and safe.

      (3) Allowing families to remain intact while parents undergo mental health or addiction treatment, take steps to move out of poverty by obtaining employment and housing or receive family strengthening services preserves child-parent bonds with improved outcomes for children and families and positive long-term societal effects.

      (4) When placement in foster or substitute care outside the home must occur, this can be less traumatic and of shorter duration with the provision of family-focused treatment and services, and the provision of routine family contact and visitation as frequently as is appropriate. After children are returned to the family, they should receive continuing services to ensure safety and stabilization.

      (5) Children should receive continuing services sufficient to achieve stabilization after returning to the community.

      (6) A new systemwide model for providing child welfare services should be adopted that provides services and supports that have proved effective in keeping children safely with their parents, that reduces children’s risk of future entry into the criminal justice and child welfare systems, that lowers the risk of intergenerational abuse and that decreases the associated human and economic costs.

      (7) The efficacy of programs that allow families to remain together or that assist families with reunification has been demonstrated by pilot programs, including one that has operated in Jackson County since 2007 and other national best practice models.

      (8) Foster care savings that are reinvested can enhance and expand child welfare services.

      (9) Housing is essential to the safe reduction of the number of children in foster care. Partnerships between affordable housing providers and nonprofit service agencies must be formed where possible. Tenancy requirements and exclusion criteria related to criminal, credit and tenant histories, particularly when associated with substance abuse, must be reevaluated and modified where possible. [2011 c.568 §3]

 

      418.580 Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs; implementation; contracts; services provided; rules; training; funding; annual report. (1) By October 1, 2012, and to the extent practicable using available resources, the Department of Human Services and county partners shall implement Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs as described in this section. County partners are encouraged to form collaborations with programs to design, oversee and participate in program development and implementation as appropriate. The department shall be the lead agency in efforts undertaken pursuant to this section, but all officers, boards, commissions and other agencies of the State of Oregon shall cooperate with the department to accomplish the duties imposed on the department by ORS 418.575 to 418.598 and to allocate services provided by programs as described in this section.

      (2)(a) The Director of Human Services or the director’s designee, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority or the director’s designee or the Director of the Housing and Community Services Department or the director’s designee shall enter into a contract with, and make reasonable payment for services provided by, a program in accordance with ORS 418.575 to 418.598, and shall, where necessary, enter into contracts with a lead agency or with county and community entities that have been designated by the county partners to coordinate services provided under this section.

      (b) A contract entered into under this subsection shall require only those services that are reasonably available in the county or region where the program is or will be providing services. Services may or may not be located in a given county or region.

      (c) At the election of any director or director’s designee, a contract entered into under this subsection may be a performance-based contract.

      (3) The programs implemented under this section shall provide an array of services. Depending on resources and availability, the services provided may include but are not limited to the following:

      (a) Front end intervention services that include alcohol and drug treatment providers or mental health providers accompanying department caseworkers on initial calls and visits in response to allegations or reports of abuse or neglect. County partners shall participate in assessments to determine the appropriateness and level of program services required for a child and the child’s family, the creation of safety plans to enable the provision of in-home services if appropriate and the development of family preservation and reunification plans for presentation to the juvenile court.

      (b) Residential treatment whereby a member of a child’s family with care, custody or control of the child enters a treatment facility accompanied by the child with 24-hour supervision while the child and the member of the child’s family engage in family strengthening activities and receive appropriate mental health and addiction treatment support and services.

      (c) Supervised housing whereby a child and the child’s family remain together in program housing while they participate in family strengthening activities, receive mental health and addiction support and services and have the appropriate level of supervision to ensure the physical health, care and safety of the child.

      (d) Family-centered day and outpatient treatment services, either after completion of residential treatment or in lieu of residential treatment, designed specifically for substance-abusing parents of children involved in the child welfare system.

      (e) Intensive in-home services while the child and family engage in family strengthening activities.

      (f) Facilitation of regular contact between a child and the child’s family, if separation has occurred, to facilitate an easier, quicker and more successful transition of the child back into the family home.

      (g) Case managers who provide child and family supervision, assistance identifying and accessing needed services, observation and monitoring of parenting behavior, assistance with life skills development and assistance in removing barriers to system independence.

      (h) Immediate access to supervised drug-free emergency and short-term housing.

      (i) Access to permanent, drug-free housing with on-site case managers and access to supportive services that increase stability for a child and the child’s family.

      (j) Family finding services to identify extended family members to provide additional support, resources and alternative placement options if necessary.

      (k) Services of a court appointed special advocate appointed pursuant to ORS 419A.170 where available.

      (L) Other services and interventions as programs evolve, research develops and funding becomes available.

      (4) The services provided by programs must be culturally competent and include evidence-informed or evidence-based practices.

      (5) The department shall establish by rule client-focused functional outcome measures for programs implemented under this section.

      (6) Client-focused functional outcome measures may be used as a basis for funding programs and entering into or renewing contracts with programs.

      (7) Programs shall develop and implement training and continuing education curricula for persons delivering program services and, when adequate funding exists, sponsor the attendance of service providers at state or national training programs, conferences or other similar events.

      (8) Programs may seek funds from public and private sources to:

      (a) Meet match requirements for state or federal grants to support the provision of program services;

      (b) Implement and operate the training and educational requirements of subsection (7) of this section; and

      (c) Provide financial resources for the hiring of personnel and the provision of existing or enhanced program services.

      (9) The department, in consultation with programs, shall report annually to the Governor and the appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly that address child welfare issues on the progress toward and projected costs of full implementation of ORS 418.575 to 418.598. [2011 c.568 §4]

 

      418.585 Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families Program Fund. (1) There is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund, the Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families Program Fund. Interest earned by the Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families Program Fund shall be credited to the fund. The fund consists of:

      (a) Moneys received by the Department of Human Services under ORS 418.590;

      (b) Amounts donated to the fund;

      (c) Amounts appropriated or otherwise transferred to the fund by the Legislative Assembly;

      (d) Investment earnings received on moneys in the fund; and

      (e) Other amounts deposited in the fund from any source.

      (2) Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Human Services for the purposes of ORS 418.575 to 418.598.

      (3) Moneys in the fund supplement existing funds used for child welfare services and shall not be used in lieu of these existing funds. Other state agencies and entities shall continue to provide funds and services, including but not limited to housing, alcohol and drug treatment and mental health treatment as required under existing law.

      (4) Moneys in the fund may be invested and reinvested as provided in ORS 293.701 to 293.820.

      (5) The department may not expend more than 15 percent of moneys available in the fund for administrative costs and expenses of the department incurred in implementing ORS 418.575 to 418.598. [2011 c.568 §5]

 

      418.590 Waiver of federal requirements; plan for reinvesting savings and combining resources. (1) The Department of Human Services shall seek federal approval, renewal of an existing waiver of federal requirements or a new waiver of federal requirements as necessary to access federal savings that have accrued to the state as a result of a reduction in the cost of foster and substitute care for children in the legal custody of the department.

      (2) The department shall:

      (a) Create a plan for reinvesting federal savings into the provision of services through Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families programs under ORS 418.575 to 418.598; and

      (b) Combine state, federal and private resources to support implementation of a statewide system of programs at the local level as provided under ORS 418.575 to 418.598. [2011 c.568 §6]

 

      418.595 Placement and referral to program to be considered in reasonable or active efforts determination; written explanation. (1) In considering what constitutes reasonable or active efforts or whether reasonable or active efforts have been made under ORS 419B.185, 419B.337, 419B.340, 419B.470, 419B.476, 419B.498 and 419C.173, the Department of Human Services and the juvenile court shall consider whether placement of a child and referral of a child and the child’s family to a Strengthening, Preserving and Reunifying Families program is or was in the child’s best interests and the action most likely to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child’s home or the action most likely to make it possible for the child to safely return home.

      (2) If the department or juvenile court determines that placement of the child and referral of the child and the child’s family to a program would not prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child’s home or be the action most likely to make it possible for the child to safely return home, the department shall, in any description or documentation of its reasonable or active efforts, include a written explanation of the reasons why the department did not believe the placement of the child and referral of the child and the child’s family to the program was in the child’s best interests and the course most likely to prevent placement or effect the return of the child to the child’s family. [2011 c.568 §7]

 

      418.598 Rules. (1) The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of ORS 418.575 to 418.598.

      (2) Rules adopted by the department under subsection (1) of this section may not require reporting and compilation of data that exceed the minimum required for the department to comply with ORS 418.575 to 418.598 and federal laws or regulations. [2011 c.568 §8]

 

      418.605 [Formerly 419.352; repealed by 1971 c.401 §120]

 

      418.610 [Formerly 419.356; repealed by 1983 c.537 §7 and 1983 c.740 §142]

 

FOSTER HOMES NOT SUPERVISED BY CHILD-CARING AGENCIES

 

      418.625 Definitions for ORS