Kinship Care Month: Celebrating the statewide launch of the Relative Pathway

During September's Kinship Care Month, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) honors the crucial role relatives play in providing children with stability and a sense of belonging. As part of efforts to increase placement of children with relatives, this August Oregon launched statewide implementation of a simplified certification process for potential relative caregivers to become foster (resource) parents.

The certification process, called Relative Pathway, is a collaborative way of working with relative caregivers as they move through the foster care certification process. Oregon developed the process following a 2023 federal change intended to increase placement with relatives by reducing barriers nationwide.

The Relative Pathway builds rapport with relatives around supporting the child's needs and reduces paperwork for certification. Though the Relative Pathway is a streamlined certification process, relative caregivers must meet the same safety standards and home study process as non-relative foster parents.

ODHS metrics show early or first placements with relatives trending upward, with an 18.77% increase statewide between January 2024 and August 2025. This percentage is expected to increase with the Relative Pathway model. Research shows that children placed with relatives experience better outcomes. Think of Us, an organization working to transform the child welfare system, published a 2004 study showing that children placed with relatives were more stable due to continued connections with their communities and families. These connections help reduce the trauma of family separation and are linked to better academic performance and improved mental and physical health.

"Child Welfare prioritizes placing children with relatives whenever possible, because we know children are more likely to thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and safety. The Relative Pathway will better serve relatives interested in becoming certified resource parents by streamlining the process," said Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia.

Oregon has one of the most expansive definitions of relative in the nation, honoring a range of close connections that provide children with a sense of family and belonging. ODHS partners with Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) to run Oregon Kinship Navigator, a statewide resource for relative caregivers that includes peer support groups, how to navigate ODHS Child Welfare and help with furniture, clothing and other household items through Every Child Oregon.

Resources

Oregon Kinship Navigator "Things to do first list" for kin caregivers

Oregon Kinship Navigator video training series for kinship families

KEEP Connecting Kin peer support groups