OAR 413-010-0210: Department Responsibilities

The Department through staff, contracted providers of care and other agents, will assert and protect the rights of children in the legal custody of the Department by fulfilling the following responsibilities: (1) Developing and implementing service plans and agreements that address the needs, rights, and best interests of the child; (2) Advocating for the child’s rights when family members, community institutions (such as school/law enforcement), or the Department administrative practices appear to encroach upon the child’s rights; and (3) Arranging for a guardian ad litem or a court appointed special advocate to represent a child when the Department cannot freely or objectively advocate for the child’s rights.