Family Engagement
Locating important connections for youth
The Family Engagement Program locates relatives and other important individuals for youth in the custody of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and helps them become supportive, caring adults in the youth’s life.
Our Family Engagement Specialists conduct relative search and engagement using a variety of platforms to find and connect with people. They are also trained by Seneca Family Services in techniques for family engagement. Their primary goal is to expand the connections youth have and involve kith and kin in the youth’s placement planning.
The program serves youth of all ages across the Portland metro area (Districts 1, 2, 15, and 16), the Mid-Valley and Coast (Districts 3, 4, and 5), and parts of Southern Oregon (Districts 6, 7, 8, and 11).
Now open for referrals!
As a Case Worker, you’ll work with someone who:
Seeks out relatives and does the initial engagement work with them
Engages youth in exploring and expanding their support network
Facilitates initial connections and visits for youth with kith/kin
Helps build a stronger support system around your youth and potentially expand placement options
What our team believes:
Every child has a family. They can be found if we try.
Loneliness can be devastating, even dangerous, and is experienced by most children in out-of-home care.
A meaningful connection to family helps a child develop a sense of belonging.
The single factor most closely associated with positive outcomes for children is meaningful, lifelong connections to family.