I hope this Community Connections finds you well and thriving in this new year. As promised, I want to update you on the upcoming Child Welfare Director transition. Currently, my nomination for the role as the Commissioner for the Administration of Children and Families is pending U.S. Senate confirmation. This confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled, which leaves the date of the transition unknown. Until then, I will continue to fulfill my role as Child Welfare Director, committed fully to the work in Oregon. 

I am pleased to announce Aprille Flint-Gerner will be taking the role of Interim Child Welfare Director upon my transition. Aprille has worked closely with me over the past couple of years in her role as the Child Welfare Deputy Director of Equity, Workforce Development and Training. Aprille brings not only her experience with us at ODHS but 25 years of experience in implementing culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and best practices in social welfare agencies and community-based organizations. And, as her current title may denote, equity has been and remains central to the work she does.  

We appreciate the support from partners, peers and colleagues across the state to continue the commitment and momentum in putting the Vision for Transformation into action. To ensure continuity of work, we are already actively working with leadership and partners to make this transition as smooth as possible.  

We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more about the transition timeline. We ask for your continued partnership and support in bringing the transformation into action as our direction remains steady. Thank you so much for your work and dedication thus far.  

With appreciation,    

Rebecca Jones Gaston (she/her), Child Welfare Director

Center for Hope & Safety (CHS) provides supportive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking throughout Marion County. CHS’s programs and services inform survivors of their options and support them in their choices. CHS works with survivors of any race, ethnicity, color, creed, religious belief, origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and disability.

CHS partners with ODHS Self Sufficiency and Child Welfare through their Co-located Advocacy Program. Highly trained and compassionate advocates offer trauma-informed emotional support, safety planning, and resources to those who are working with ODHS.

January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Want to do more for survivors of human trafficking and other interpersonal violence? Learn more at the CHS website. We can’t do it alone!

If you or someone you know needs support, call our 24-hour confidential hotline to speak with an advocate. Because everyone deserves a life free of violence.

Center for Hope & Safety 24-hour hotline: 503-399-7722 or toll-free at 866-399-7722.

www.hopeandsafety.org

*Thanks to the Center for Hope and Safety for submitting this Community Voice spot!  If you would like to submit a piece for community voice, please email ChildWelfare.Director@dhsoha.state.or.us

Are you a young leader with experience in foster care ages 18-24, or do you know a young person who shows great leadership potential? FosterClub is accepting applications for its 2022 All-Star Internship. Applications due Feb. 15.

Now Hiring: Family Preservation Manager. Closes Feb. 14.

Provider contract opportunity: ODHS is broadening Respite Care Services to help stabilize children and young adults and prevent them from entering into higher levels of care by maintaining their current placement.

New trainings just added for caregivers on affirming LGBTQIA+ children, dealing with trauma, suicide prevention and All About Me books!

New ODHS Spanish language Facebook page “Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon” is now published and reflects our value to promote an equitable distribution of information and resources.