Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Oregon

Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: Admin. Rules § 413-010-0180

Every youth in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services has the right to receive respect, be nurtured, and attend activities in accordance with their background, religious heritage, race, and culture within reasonable guidelines as set by the case plan, the visitation plan, and the court.  

Agency Responsibilities 
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 418.201; 418.280

A child in foster care has the right to the following:

• To receive a document setting forth their rights that is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate within 60 days of any placement or any change in placement
• To have a document setting forth their rights that is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate posted at the residences of all foster parents, child-caring agencies, and independent resident facilities
• To have an annual review of their rights that is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate while the child is in substitute care

In placing a child in a foster home, the child-caring agency shall, so far as practicable, place the child in a family of the same religious faith as that held by the child or the child's parents.

Addressing Grievances
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 418.201

Each child in foster care has certain essential rights, including, but not limited to, the following:

• To have the ability to make oral and written complaints about care, placement, or services that are unsatisfactory or inappropriate and to be provided with information about a formal process for making complaints without fear of retaliation, harassment, or punishment
• To be provided with written contact information of specific individuals whom the child may contact regarding complaints, concerns, or violations of rights that is updated as necessary and kept current
• To have a hotline phone number that is always available to the child for the purposes of enabling them to make complaints and assert grievances regarding their care, safety, or well-being