OAR 419-440-0190: Foster Care Agencies: Referral and Initial Evaluation of Children in Care

A foster care agency must comply with all of the following requirements: (1) Referral. The foster care agency must have a policy that addresses the process by which children in care are referred to the foster care agency. The policy must include all of the following: (a) From whom referrals are accepted. (b) On what basis children in care are accepted by the foster care agency. (c) How information necessary to provide for the safety and care of children in care will be provided to proctor foster home parents, and staff of the foster care agency. (2) Initial evaluation of a child. The foster care agency must evaluate each child in care referred to the foster care agency for placement. In conducting the evaluation, the foster care agency must: (a) Request and review all available reports of the child in care's past and present behavior, educational status, and physical and mental health. (b) Make a preliminary determination whether the prospective child in care has disorders, disabilities, or deficits due to mental, emotional, behavioral, or physical problems for which care, supervision, training, rehabilitation, or treatment is needed to reduce a problem, maintain present level of functioning, or clarify the ongoing placement or service needs of the child in care. (3) The foster care agency must be prepared to provide to a parent or legal guardian of a referred child suggestions for obtaining resources in the event the child is not accepted by the foster care agency for placement.