Oregon has recently been placing foster children with their relatives rather than with an unrelated family at rates higher than the nationwide average, according to a recent state report.
For three months this year, the state’s child welfare agency exceeded the national average of 39% of children receiving initial placements with relatives when they are taken into the state’s custody, according to findings from the Oregon Department of Human Services in its second quarterly 2026reporton ongoing improvements to the state’s child welfare system.
Child welfare researchershave foundthat children experience lower rates of abuse and better mental health outcomes when they are placed with their family members. The state for years has struggled with relative placement rates below the national average, report data shows, but in February of this year, Oregon officials started to record rates surpassing that figure.
While the average relative placement rate for this year in Oregon is below the national average at nearly 37%, the state was above the national average for the months of February, May and July. The highest figure was in May, when 44.5% of children received an initial placement with a family member.
“Relative placement is a priority in Oregon, recognizing the importance of maintaining a child’s connection to family, culture, and community,” the report reads. “Placing children with relatives supports continuity of identity and belonging while minimizing trauma associated with removal. Active efforts are required to identify, assess and support relative caregivers early and throughout the life of the case.”
The human services department said ina news releaseabout the report that it has taken steps to make it easier for people to take custody of their related children, such as through a new parent certification procedurelaunchedin August 2025 that streamlines the process for relative families. The agency also recommended people look to partnerships with local community agencies for supporting relatives who may be caring for grandchildren during their retirement.
“Stability is critical for children who have experienced trauma,” Rolanda Garcia, interim child welfare director at the human services department, said in a statement. “We are focused on improving the way we serve relative caregivers so children can stay connected to family.”
Commented