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May was Foster Care Month, a time to recognize how foster care can support and strengthen families, honor the experiences of the children and young people in foster care, and show gratitude for the contribution that relatives, family friends, and resource families make to the well-being and safety of children and families throughout Oregon. The theme of the month was Relative and Kin Connections: Keeping Families Strong. Throughout the month, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), in partnership with community partners, has hosted events and found ways to thank our resource and relative caregivers statewide. Check out some of the highlights across the state from Foster Care Month below. Thank you to our partners, families with lived expertise, foster care alumni, parents, resource families, relatives, local businesses, and community members that have worked to support children and families impacted by foster care.
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Statewide
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KEEP and ODHS hosted a virtual panel discussion focused on being a resource for teens in foster care. The panel consisted of three Oregon resource families who have been resource parents to teens. They shared insight and experience and answered audience questions.
- The ODHS Resource Retention and Recruitment Champion team hosted a parade float at the Portland Starlight parade. (Pictured above)
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Central Oregon
- A drive-through event was held in Central Oregon. Families drove through and were showered with gifts ranging from food to flowers. Many community partners and donors made this possible.
- Every Child Central Oregon and ODHS honored Kathy Lake as local Resource Parent of the Year. Kathy has been fostering for 33 years, specifically with infants who are medically fragile. "I firmly believe kids need to go back to family members or parents," says Kathy. "If you find a way to work with the parents and the child, you can be a part of children's lives in the future." (Pictured on left)
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Eastern Oregon
- "Harney County Live" and "Coffee Time" radio show aired segments about foster care in Oregon.
- Grant County resource parents received a copy of the book "The Connected Child" and gift certificates to a local restaurant in John Day.
- Local Child Welfare offices partnered with Every Child Oregon to provide pizza gift certificates and hand written thank you cards to all families. (Pictured on above)
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Pool party and BBQ are planned for resource families in Malheur and Harney county on June 11 and 24.
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Oregon Coast
Southern Oregon
- Every Child hosted an event in Jackson County for resource families. This was funded through a grant from All Care Health. 27 appreciation baskets that were given away at the event and Mary’s BBQ was the caterer of the event. (Pictured on left)
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Oregon works to improve foster system during Foster Care Month on The Jefferson Exchange.
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Portland and Willamette Valley region
- Community members in Linn County honored a local resource family and organized a lunch with gifts and recognition for the family in partnership with Every Child. (Pictured on right)
- ODHS staff in Clackamas county deliver flowers and gift cards to local resource families. They were able to put together 250 gift bags for families from goods donated by local businesses.
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- Themed gift baskets were given out to resource families throughout the month by caseworkers in Lane County. (Pictured on left)
- Local businesses such as Roth's, Dutch Bros, and Papa Murphy's donated gift cards to resource and relative caregivers in Polk and Yamhill county.
- Salem CASA partnered with ODHS to put on a Foster Appreciation dinner.
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In line with the Vision for Transformation, Foster Care Month reminds us honoring, recognizing and lifting the voice of our children and young people in care, foster care alumni, resource and relative caregivers and community is something to strive for every day. Thank you for celebrating Foster Care Month in Oregon. |
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