Foster Care Month Highlights How Foster Care Can Strengthen The Whole Family (with Central Oregon Events) -05/06/21
(Salem) – Governor Kate Brown has proclaimed May 2021 to be Foster Care Month in Oregon.
The theme this year is “Foster Care can Strengthen the Whole Family.”
Foster Care Month is a time to recognize how foster care supports and strengthens families, to honor the experiences of the children and young people in foster care, and to show gratitude for the contribution that resource families make to the well-being and safety of children and families throughout Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, believes that foster care should always be the last possible and temporary option for a child and family when there is a child safety concern. The trauma inflicted on a family by separating them during foster care needs to be carefully considered. If foster care is necessary, reunification should be the primary goal.
In Oregon, there are 5,975 children in foster care and thousands of resource families who step up to support them and their families.
Resource families, formerly called foster families or foster parents in Oregon, are affirming and supportive to both the child and their family. Resource families ensure cultural and community connections for children and young adults. They work hard to partner with families to offset the tremendous grief and loss children and young adults experiencing foster care may have. They are partners in achieving the best possible outcomes for families while providing for the safety, health and well-being of the children and young people they’re committed to caring for in their home. Resource families in Oregon support family preservation and reunification whenever possible and are also available to provide a permanent and supportive home when needed.
“This month we recognize the lived experiences of the children and families touched by the foster care system,” said Child Welfare Director Rebecca Jones Gaston. “We know that it is traumatic for a child to enter foster care and to a parent when their child enters foster care. Foster care is intended to be a temporary intervention and not a replacement or punishment for parents. We are incredibly grateful for and appreciate the resource families that have stepped up throughout Oregon to care for and support the children, young people and families who are in crisis. ”
To learn more about becoming a resource parent, contact Every Child at EveryChildOregon.org. The Division partners with Every Child to recruit resource families and support children and families impacted by foster care.
“We are committed to supporting the children and young people in foster care with resource families who support connections to their family, culture and community,” said Director Jones Gaston. “That is why we are asking Oregonians statewide to consider stepping up to become a resource family to care for and support the children, young people and families in their community.”
For those looking for other ways to support the children and families in their communities, Every Child’s MyNeighbOR program is another way to help meet the essential needs of children, families, and young adults impacted by foster care. Learn how to provide support at EveryChildOregon.org.
To learn more about foster care in Oregon visit the Department website.
There are many ways to learn about fostering and supporting children impacted by foster care. Check out the events below or contact Emily Kotaich at (541) 231-3291 or centraloregon.fostercare@dhsoha.state.or.us for more information.
Local events
Flash Box Drive
City: Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver
What: Flash Boxes are boxes full of fun activities and other helpful items of support and encouragement for resource families.
When: May 1 - 31
Where: Drop off completed boxes at any First Interstate Bank in Central Oregon
For more information: www.everychildcentraloregon.org
Resource Parent Orientation Virtual Event – May 11
What: Ready to take the first step towards fostering? This two-hour class covers the basics of fostering and working with the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare foster program.
When: May 11, 12 – 2 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Microsoft Teams, pre-registration is required
For more information: Call (541) 231-3291 or email centraloregon.fostercare@dhsoha.state.or.us
MOD Pizza Fundraiser - May 12
City: Bend
What: MOD Pizza will donate 20% of the day’s proceeds, which will be turned into gift cards given to foster providers.
When: May 12, 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: MOD Pizza, 20516 Robal Rd, Bend, OR 97701
For More Information: https://www.groupraise.com/events/185220
Resource Parent Orientation Virtual Event – May 13
What: Ready to take the first step towards fostering? This two-hour class covers the basics of fostering and working with the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare foster program.
When: May 13, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Microsoft Teams, pre-registration is required
For more information: call (541) 231-3291 or email centraloregon.fostercare@dhsoha.state.or.us
Explore Fostering Virtual Event – May 21
What: Interested in Fostering? Want to learn more about the process in Deschutes, Crook or Jefferson Counties? Join Every Child, local resource parents and ODHS representatives for a no pressure conversation about foster care.
When: May 21, 7 p.m.
Where: On Zoom- Pre-registration Required
For more information: www.everychildcentraloregon.org
About the ODHS Child Welfare Division
The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is committed to transforming itself to better support the individual needs of families and to best serve Oregon’s children and young people. Learn more about the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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