New legislation strengthens Oregon’s commitment to help preserve Tribal families
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) Changes approved by the 2021 Oregon Legislature will further efforts between Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division and Tribal Nations to protect and preserve Tribal families.
Senate Bill 562A enhances Oregon’s historic 2020 Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA) by:
Recognizing customary adoptions, which are adoptions that align with traditional tribal child-rearing practices.
Adding Ongoing Cultural Connection and Contact Agreements after adoption or guardianship is finalized for a Tribal child, in order to support cultural connections.
Requiring ODHS take certain steps when a Tribal child is relinquished or surrendered to the agency.