OAR 413-040-0017: Requirements for Return and Reunification

(1) The caseworker recommends returning the child or young adult to a parent or guardian after the caseworker has reviewed the impending danger safety threats identified in the CPS assessment that required an out-of-home ongoing safety plan and verified that: (a) The conditions for return in the case plan have been met; (b) The identified impending danger safety threats can be managed with an ongoing safety plan; (c) The parents or guardians are willing and able to accept responsibility for the care of the child or young adult with an ongoing safety plan; (d) The parents or guardians are willing and able to continue participating in case plan services; (e) Service providers who are currently working with the child, young adult, parents or guardians, and other involved persons including the child or young adult's CASA and attorneys have been informed, in writing, of the plan to return the child or young adult with an in-home ongoing safety plan; and (f) No safety concerns for the child or young adult are raised in the caseworker's review of the criminal history records and child welfare protective service records of all persons currently residing in a parent or guardian's home. (2) When the child or young adult is returning to a parent living in a residential treatment facility, an alcohol and drug free housing program, or a residential domestic violence program, the Department does not review the criminal history records and child welfare protective service records of persons living in the state funded facilities and programs. (3) If the caseworker cannot confirm that identified impending danger safety threats can be managed if the child or young adult is returned to a parent or guardian with an in-home ongoing safety plan, the child or young adult must remain in substitute care. (4) The caseworker's supervisor must review and concur that conditions for return have been met, and that any disagreement with the plan to return the child or young adult has been reviewed and considered in the development of the in-home ongoing safety plan prior to the caseworker recommending to the court that a child or young adult be returned to a parent or guardian. (5) The in-home ongoing safety plan must specifically document the planned caseworker and safety service provider contacts with the child or young adult and the parent or guardian, when the child or young adult is returned to the parent or guardian. (6) The caseworker must revise, as necessary, and confirm the sufficiency of an in-home ongoing safety plan that will manage impending danger safety threats as they are uniquely occurring within a particular family prior to the child or young adult's physical return.