ODHS Child Welfare sees results from focus on relative caregiver certification and retention

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published its second quarter 2026 report on work under way to improve Child Welfare programs.

The report shows continued success in placing children entering care with relatives and retaining relative caregivers.

In three of the past seven months, ODHS exceeded the national average for initial relative placement. Relative placements reached 40.6% in February, 44.5% in May and 41.3% in July. The national average is 39%.

Research shows that children do best when they can remain with people they know and trust. Placing children with relatives as soon as possible when they enter care improves outcomes for children and can make reunification with parents easier.

Relative placement is just one priority area included in the quarterly report. Other measures are focused on ensuring safety and supporting families to prevent child maltreatment; improving services and results for children in foster care; ensuring a well-supported workforce and enhancing the program's infrastructure to better serve Oregonians; and using data for accountability and to support continuous quality improvement.

"Stability is critical for children who have experienced trauma," Child Welfare Interim Director Rolanda Garcia said. "We are focused on improving the way we serve relative caregivers so children can stay connected to family."

ODHS launched a simplified certification for relatives in August 2025 to streamline the process of becoming a resource parent.

ODHS also has focused on improving resource parent retention by creating a strong support network of community partners, respite care providers and staff trainings focused on customer service. Partnerships with community agencies are particularly important for supporting relatives who may be caring for multiple grandchildren during retirement.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote relative placements, Child Welfare will highlight the importance of keeping children connected to extended family during September's Kinship Care Month.

Resources

Read the ODHS Child Welfare 2026 Q2 Progress Report

See all ODHS Child Welfare progress and data reports

Learn about becoming a resource (foster) parent