ORS 30.297: Liability of certain state agencies for damages caused by foster child or adjudicated youth; conditions; exceptions.

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 125.235, the Department of Human Services is liable for damages resulting from the intentional torts of a foster child who is residing in: (a) A foster home that has been certified by the department under the provisions of ORS 418.625 to 418.645, even though the child is temporarily absent from that home; (b) An approved home that is receiving payment from the department under the provisions of ORS 418.027 or under the provisions of ORS 420.810 and 420.815, even though the child is temporarily absent from that home; or (c) A developmental disability child foster home that has been certified by the department under the provisions of ORS 443.830 and 443.835, even though the foster child is temporarily absent from that home. (2) Notwithstanding ORS 125.235, the Oregon Youth Authority is liable for damages resulting from the intentional torts of an adjudicated youth who is residing in an adjudicated youth foster home that has been certified by the authority under the provisions of ORS 420.888 to 420.892, even though the adjudicated youth is temporarily absent from that home. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the liability of the department and the authority under this section is subject to the same requirements and limitations provided in ORS 30.260 to 30.300, and a claim under this section shall be treated as a claim for damages within the scope of ORS 30.260 to 30.300 for the purposes of ORS 278.120. (4) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section: (a) The department and the authority are not liable for any damages arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle by a foster child or adjudicated youth; and (b) The department and the authority are only liable for theft by a foster child or adjudicated youth upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that the foster child or adjudicated youth committed the theft. (5) For the purposes of this section: (a) “Adjudicated youth” has the meaning given in ORS 419A.004. (b) “Authority” means the Oregon Youth Authority. (c) “Department” means the Department of Human Services. (d) “Foster child” means: (A) A minor child under the custody or guardianship of the department by reason of appointment pursuant to ORS chapter 125, 419A, 419B or 419C; (B) A minor child under the physical custody of the department pursuant to a voluntary agreement with the parent under ORS 418.015 (1); (C) A minor child placed in a certified foster home, pending hearing, by any person authorized by the department to make that placement; (D) A person under 21 years of age who has been placed in an approved home that is receiving payment from the department under the provisions of ORS 418.027 or under the provisions of ORS 420.810 and 420.815; or (E) A child residing in a developmental disability child foster home certified under ORS 443.830 and 443.835. [1991 c.756 §2; 1993 c.33 §370; 1995 c.664 §76; 1997 c.130 §1; 1999 c.316 §6; 2001 c.900 §10; 2003 c.232 §1; 2005 c.374 §4; 2021 c.489 §7]