Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override the Governor's veto and pass a bill that expands protections for Oregon's foster youth.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a court to limit, deny, or prohibit contact between a foster child and their sibling to the extent necessary to ensure safety (Sec. 1).

• Expands the definition of “foster child” to include children who are in the physical custody of the Department of Human Services, and those who are awaiting placement with a foster parent (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the intent of the Legislative Assembly that each foster child have the following rights (Sec. 3):

• To be protected from abuse, exploitation, neglect, intimidation, and inappropriate restraint or seclusion;

• To regularly attend school and have access to free public education;

• To be assigned an attorney to represent their interests and have unimpeded contact with that attorney;

• To have an attorney or advocate present for any interview with law enforcement or abuse investigators;

• To maintain and have access to personal belongings;

• To be present at court hearings; and

• To transport belongings in an appropriate carrier when entering into or transitioning from foster care.

• Expands the definition of “child in care” to include individuals under the age of 21 who are in the physical or legal custody of the Department of Human Services (Sec. 4).

• Establishes the intent of the Legislative Assembly that foster children have regular contact with their siblings whenever safe and appropriate, including in-person, and with ample notification of this right (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override the Governor's veto and pass a bill that expands protections for Oregon's foster youth.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a court to limit, deny, or prohibit contact between a foster child and their sibling to the extent necessary to ensure safety (Sec. 1).

• Expands the definition of “foster child” to include children who are in the physical custody of the Department of Human Services, and those who are awaiting placement with a foster parent (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the intent of the Legislative Assembly that each foster child have the following rights (Sec. 3):

• To be protected from abuse, exploitation, neglect, intimidation, and inappropriate restraint or seclusion;

• To regularly attend school and have access to free public education;

• To be assigned an attorney to represent their interests and have unimpeded contact with that attorney;

• To have an attorney or advocate present for any interview with law enforcement or abuse investigators;

• To maintain and have access to personal belongings;

• To be present at court hearings; and

• To transport belongings in an appropriate carrier when entering into or transitioning from foster care.

• Expands the definition of “child in care” to include individuals under the age of 21 who are in the physical or legal custody of the Department of Human Services (Sec. 4).

• Establishes the intent of the Legislative Assembly that foster children have regular contact with their siblings whenever safe and appropriate, including in-person, and with ample notification of this right (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Tina Kotek