Last Updated: April 14, 2009

Oregon

State Coordinator(s)

DHS - Independent Living Program, E76
Rosemary Iavenditti
ILP Fiscal Coordinator
500 Summer Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-1069
Phone: (503) 945-5688
Fax: (503) 945-6969
Email: rosemary.iavenditti@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/fostercare/ind_living/ilp.shtml

2008 Chafee Allocation

$2,767,342

2008 ETV Allocation

$932,170

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

1342

State's Chafee Mission Statement

The Oregon Commission on Children and Families (OCCF) is a partnership of citizens and professionals working together to improve the lives of children and families in Oregon's local communities. OCCF facilitates and supports local coordinated comprehensive planning for all children and families, promotes system integration, and provides leadership for local and state efforts focused on early childhood.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Youth, fourteen (14) years of age and older who are currently in foster care with Oregon DHS or one of the nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon; or
Youth who were previously in foster care with Oregon DHS or one of the nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, after the age of fourteen (14) and remained in foster care for an accumulative 180 days or longer.

If a youth met the criteria, they could be eligible for services to age 21.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

Payments made directly to youth for room and board (may include rent, groceries, utilities, and phone costs); and
payments made to contracted providers for providing room and board for youth.

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

If working on completing HS or GED or in an IEP; or the case is reviewed by the Branch Manager and approved as an exception.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Oregon has not taken the Chafee option to extend Medicaid to youth who have aged out of foster care, however, foster youth have been designated as a special population under Oregon’s State Plan and can continue their medical coverage if they apply and qualify for the Oregon Health Plan. In order to qualify, application must be done during the same month that the youth’s final substitute care placement is terminated. In order to keep their coverage, youth must pay a small premium (ranging from $9 to $20 per month). Youth who qualify must continue to reapply every six months. There is no maximum age limit for participation in the program, however, there is an income requirement.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Yes, if approved by the DHS Child Wlefare branch manager. Here is the link to Oregon's Guardian and Legal Custody Consents Policy I-B.1.4. Note that it only outlines DHS authority to consent to a youth's application for driver's training, permits and licenses (page 5). No other policy exists. http://www.dhs.state.or.us/policy/childwelfare/manual_1/i-b14.htm

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

House Bill 2431 provides Oregon's foster children tuition assistance at Oregon Colleges and Universities. To learn about other educational assistance available for youth in care visit: www.fyi3.com/geteducated/OR

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Oregon has a youth leadership group, called the Oregon Foster Youth Connection. This group was formed by Children First for Oregon and works on a variety of policy & legislative issues (extended medicaid, drivers license policy, and barriers to higher education).