Governor Brown Declares Foster Care Month
/
Eugene, OR — Governor Kate Brown today proclaimed May as Foster Care Month in Oregon, honoring the work of foster parents, child welfare caseworkers, and community members that support children in foster care.
"We are so fortunate in Oregon to have so many who devote themselves to creating safe, nurturing environments that enable our children to thrive," said Governor Brown. "Yet, the rapid growth of children in foster care means that progress in their care is outpaced by the stresses that substance use, housing instability, behavioral health issues, and domestic violence have put on Oregon’s families. We can support caseworkers and families in Oregon’s foster care system by tackling these root causes."
Governor Brown toured Willamette Family Treatment Services and met with parents, children, and treatment providers. The center enables parents with substance use disorder to access treatments while keeping their children with them safely, instead of entering foster care.
Over the last year and a half, Governor Brown has asked for and received $50 million in new investments to support the work of the Child Welfare Division. With recently approved funding in the February legislative session, the department is currently in the process of hiring 200 additional child welfare staffers. At the direction of Governor Brown, DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht is also implementing a number of innovative practices in child welfare offices to relieve caseloads and give foster children a higher level of care.
Press release provided from Office of Governor Kate Brown.