As September's Kinship Care Month winds down, Oregon is focusing attention on the vital role relative caregivers play in the fostering community. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) recently rolled out the Relative Pathway, a new certification process that simplifies how potential relative caregivers can become foster parents. This move follows a 2023 federal initiative to remove obstacles to the placement of children with relatives, thereby preserving the important connections that can provide stability and care within a familial setting.
Officially launched in August, the Relative Pathway aims to closely collaborate with families and make it easier, not harder, to get relatives certified. Despite streamlining the documentation required, relatives must still adhere to the same safety and home study criteria as traditional foster parents. The early results, according to ODHS statistics, indicate an 18.77% increase statewide in placements with relatives from January 2024 through August 2025. This upswing is anticipated to continue as the Relative Pathway model takes fuller effect.
Insights into the Relative Pathway's significance come from Think of Us, an organization striving to overhaul child welfare systems. A 2004 study by the group highlighted that children fare better when living with relatives, citing benefits such as heightened stability, maintained community ties, and lessened family separation trauma. Subsequent improvements in mental, physical, and academic well-being were also noted. "Child Welfare prioritizes placing children with relatives whenever possible, because we know children are more likely to thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and safety," said Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia, in a statement given to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Oregon boasts one of the widest definitions of 'relative' across the United States, extending beyond the immediate family to embrace various forms of familial connections. Integrative efforts include partnerships with behavioral health organizations such as Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), and presenting resources like the Oregon Kinship Navigator. This program assists relatives in navigating the ODHS Child Welfare system and provides them support with everyday necessities, facilitated by Every Child Oregon, as outlined in ODHS's announcement.
