Extended Foster Care in Oregon

General Eligibility

Commitment of a ward to the Department of Human Services continues until dismissed by the court or until the ward becomes 21 years of age. Or. Rev. Stat. § 419B.337(6).

A court may dismiss commitment if a ward aged 14 – 21 has been safely reunited with a parent or another safe alternative has been implemented and (i) The department has provided case planning pursuant to ORS 419B.343 that addresses the ward's needs and goals for a transition to successful adulthood, including needs and goals relating to housing, physical and mental health, education, employment, community connections and supportive relationships; (ii) The department has provided appropriate services pursuant to the case plan; (iii) The department has involved the ward in the development of the case plan and in the provision of appropriate services; and (iv) The ward has safe and stable housing and is unlikely to become homeless as a result of dismissal of commitment of the ward to the department.” § 419B.337(7).

Pursuant to department policy, a young adult continues to be eligible for substitute care until the young adult turns 21 years of age if the young adult is: (A) Actively striving to complete the requirements for high school graduation and achieving satisfactory attendance in a high school program; (B) Actively striving to complete the requirements for a GED; (C) Employed in a job that provides an income and is working on a regular basis; (D) Participating in a training program where the primary purpose of the program is to prepare the young adult for gainful employment; (E) Engaged in Department-approved volunteer activities; (F) Enrolled in a special education program as called for in an Individual Educational Plan (IEP); or (G) An unaccompanied refugee minor. The caseworker must determine, in collaboration with the young adult, that to remain in the care and custody of the Department is in the best interest of the young adult; (B) The determination and supporting factors must reflected in the case and youth transition plans and documented in the Department's electronic information system; and (C) The plan must be approved by the program manager or designee. The program manager or designee may approve an exception to the activity requirements when: (a) The young adult experiences a temporary loss in employment or other financial support; (b) The young adult requests maternity leave that is approved by her attending physician; (c) Short-term medical leave is approved by the young adult's attending physician; or (d) Any other reason(s) approved by the program manager or designee. Or. Admin. R. 413-030-0220(2).

Direct Payment to Youth

Youth may receive tuition and fee waivers for public universities and community colleges. 

Oregon law does not allow for re-entry.

Court Oversight of Extended Care

Juvenile court jurisdiction extends until age 21, unless the court otherwise dismisses the petition or terminates the youth’s wardship. § 419B.328(2).

Termination of Extended Care

A court may dismiss commitment if a ward aged 14 – 21 has been reunited with a parent or another safe alternative has been implemented and case planning that includes the ward and that addresses transition to successful adulthood and appropriate services have been provided and the ward “has safe and stable housing and is unlikely to become homeless as a result of dismissal of commitment of the ward to the department.” § 419B.337(7).

Eligibility for Extended Adoption Assistance

Payments may continue between ages 18 and 21 if assistance was commenced when the youth was at least 16 years old and the youth is (I) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; (II) enrolled in an institution or program that provides post-secondary or vocational education; (III) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment; (IV) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or (V) incapable of doing any of activities (I) – (IV) due to a medical condition. Or. Rev. Stat. § 418.330(C).

Payments may also be made up to the youth’s 21st birthday if the Department determines that the youth “has a mental or physical disability that warrants the continuation of assistance.” § 418.330(B).

Eligibility for Extended Guardianship Assistance

Payments may continue between ages 18 and 21 if assistance was commenced when the youth was at least 16 years old and the youth is (I) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; (II) enrolled in an institution or program that provides post-secondary or vocational education; (III) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment; (IV) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or (V) incapable of doing any of activities (I) – (IV) due to a medical condition. Or. Rev. Stat. § 418.330(C).

Payments may also be made up to the youth’s 21st birthday if the Department determines that the youth “has a mental or physical disability that warrants the continuation of assistance.” § 418.330(B).