It is frankly outrageous that the State is throwing this kind of money at unlicensed homes. Maybe take that money and increase the reimbursement to current licensed providers and thereby entice additional providers. Tha State claims they don’t have the $$ for significantly increasing rates but when cornered by their inability to meet federal & State requirements they throw outlandish amounts to UNLICENSED providers. And, pay relatives those same rates to take these kids in. Too many hurdles. Inadequate reimbursements. Uncaring bureauacracy.
Oregon kids experiencing foster care need the help of good people. Every youth deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe and affirming environment. This year at GOBHI, the foster care team grew our total number of certified foster families by 35% and certified more new homes this year than ever before. Our Oregon Kinship Navigator team is supporting relatives raising kin to keep kids out of the system, and there are too many other efforts at GOBHI/EOCCO supporting families to mention in one post. Our folks are doing the work every day, and I'm proud to work with them. No one wants kids in foster care, and Oregon is reducing that number as well by supporting families and keeping kids safe. If kids must enter foster care, they deserve to be cared for and accepted for who they are. https://lnkd.in/gVXFcBdw