The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding out-of-state placements for children in Oregon's foster care system. The meeting focused on the procedures and oversight involved in such placements, particularly in light of recent instances where children were placed out of state to access necessary medical care.

The discussion began with inquiries about the involvement of Oregon caseworkers in inspecting out-of-state treatment facilities. Chair Hartman and Representative Walters raised concerns about the adequacy of oversight for children placed outside the state. In response, it was noted that Oregon had not placed any children out of state since 2019, except for a recent emergency placement last summer, which was necessitated by a legal requirement to provide life-saving care. The Child Welfare agency's licensing coordinator conducted a pre-placement inspection to ensure the facility's safety and appropriateness.

Once the child was placed, the caseworker or licensing coordinator visited the child weekly to monitor their well-being. Additionally, representatives from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) were involved in ensuring the quality of medical care provided to the child. The committee emphasized that if limited exceptions for out-of-state placements were to be allowed in the future, similar high standards of oversight and accountability would be maintained.

Further discussions addressed the financial aspects of these placements, confirming that all travel expenses for caseworkers and licensors, including overtime and meal stipends, were covered.

The committee also examined the reporting requirements related to out-of-state placements. An amendment proposed included notifications to various stakeholders, including the governor's office and the foster care ombudsman. However, concerns were raised about the absence of a quarterly report to the legislature regarding these placements. The committee acknowledged the need for transparency and indicated that data compiled for the System of Care Advisory Council could be shared with the legislature, although it would not be in the form of a quarterly report.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous oversight for out-of-state placements in Oregon's foster care system, ensuring that children receive the necessary care while also addressing legislative accountability through potential reporting mechanisms. The committee agreed to consider adding a formal reporting process to keep the legislature informed about trends and practices related to out-of-state placements.