SB 865

Abstract

Directs Department of Human Services to begin search for relative placement resources immediately upon child or ward entering substitute care. Directs department to take into consideration parent's objection to department's contacting or placing child or ward with certain relatives.] Directs department to provide notice in certain circumstances to parents and relative placement resources or prospective adoptive parent regarding current caretaker priority status if child or ward remains in substitute care for at least 12 months. Modifies direction to department regarding home studies and placement reports to provide that current caretaker in specified circumstances is considered to have priority as guardian, potential placement resource or prospective adoptive parent], if adoption is disrupted, consider any relative or current caretaker who was not initially selected as prospective adoptive parent as adoptive resource. Prohibits department from moving child or ward to prevent person from establishing current caretaker relationship or caregiver relationship with child or ward. Declares child support arrears owed to State of Oregon are deemed satisfied upon termination of parental rights. Permits court to deem satisfied child support arrears owed to State of Oregon by parent. Modifies factors of failure or neglect for purposes of termination of parental rights proceedings to remove failure to pay for care and maintenance of child or ward in substitute care. Declares emergency, effective on passage.