1. (1) When identifying potential general applicant adoptive resources for a child or sibling group, the caseworker may:

   1. (a) After discussion with their supervisor and on a case-by-case basis, consult with a parent to identify one to three potential adoptive resources; and
   2. (b) Provide a parent with non-identifying information from the adoption home study of a potential adoptive resource who is a general applicant not known to the parent or child.

2. (2) When more than one relative is interested in being an adoptive resource for a child or sibling group, the Department must consult with the interested relatives to facilitate agreement on the most appropriate potential adoptive resource.

   1. (a) When agreement cannot be reached, the Department considers relatives among both maternal and paternal family members who have expressed an interest, and may choose up to three relative applicants for adoption home studies.

   2. (b) When an adoption home study has been initiated and the relative applicant is not approved or withdraws, the Child Welfare Program Manager or designee decides whether the Department will initiate adoption home studies with additional relatives based upon:

      1. (A) The best interest of the child or sibling group; and
      2. (B) The impact on timeliness to achieving permanency.
   3. (c) For an Indian child alone or as part of a sibling group, the Department must identify potential adoptive resources and initiate adoption home studies as necessary to comply with the ICWA.

3. (3) The child's caseworker must comply with the requirements of all of the following subsections:

   1. (a) Make reasonable efforts to identify and place the child or sibling group with an adoptive resource in a timely manner.

   2. (b) Request input about the knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment a potential adoptive resource needs to best meet the current and lifelong needs of the child from:

      1. (A) Professionals who have worked closely with the child, when applicable; and
      2. (B) The child's attorney, CASA, an authorized representative from the Indian child’s Tribe, a RCWAC representative, and substitute caregiver, when applicable.
   3. (c) Receive and review adoption home studies in a timely manner.

   4. (d) Unless section (4) of this rule applies, following consultation with their supervisor, identify up to three potential adoptive resources following the order of preference in OAR 413-120-0730 to be considered for adoption placement selection who:

      1. (A) Meet the standards of an adoptive home in OAR 413-120-0246;
      2. (B) Have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment to raise each child; and
      3. (C) Have the capacity to meet the current and lifelong safety, attachment, and well-being needs of the child or sibling group under OAR 413-070-0640.
4. (4) Upon the recommendation of a caseworker and supervisor, and when it is determined in the best interest of the child, the Child Welfare Program Manager may submit a written request to the Child Permanency Program Manager for an exception to subsection (d) of section (3) of this rule to increase the number of potential adoptive resources to be considered for adoption placement who are in the order of preference as described in 413-120-0730(1)(c).
5. (5) In consultation with the supervisor, the caseworker must determine the appropriate adoption selection process pursuant to OAR 413-120-0020.
6. (6) The caseworker must consult with the adoption worker for each of the identified potential adoptive resources pursuant to OAR 413-120-0021(2).
7. (7) The caseworker must document the actions taken under this rule in the Department's electronic information system.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 109.309 & ORS 418.005

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 418.005, ORS 109.309 & ORS 419B.192

History

CWP 6-2026, amend filed 01/28/2026, effective 01/28/2026
CWP 123-2018, amend filed 12/12/2018, effective 12/12/2018
CWP 9-2017, f. 8-5-17, cert. ef. 8-6-17
CWP 2-2017(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-7-17 thru 8-5-17
CWP 21-2015, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-15
CWP 16-2015(Temp), f. & cert ef. 9-1-15 thru 2-27-16
CWP 20-2011, f. & cert. ef. 9-19-11
CWP 4-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-22-11 thru 9-18-11
CWP 35-2010, f. & cert. ef. 12-29-10
CWP 16-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10