Family Search and Engagement Services
GOBHI partners with Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Child Welfare to provide relative search and engagement services that support relationship permanency for children and youth. Services include identifying and engaging birth family members and other supportive adults, developing comprehensive contact lists and family trees and genograms, supporting appropriate family contact, and facilitating family meetings when appropriate or necessary to promote stability and long-term support regardless of placement.
Services are time-limited, typically provided for up to six months, and are available to children and youth of any age with permanency plans of reunification, adoption, guardianship, or APPLA.
How We Can Help
Are you looking for family connections for a child on your caseload?
We help identify and engage relatives and kin supports, facilitate family contact and meetings, and develop family trees and relative contact lists for caseworkers. We also work directly with children through life story work and supportive engagement to build meaningful connections, foster a sense of belonging, and promote lasting relational permanency.
Who Can Be Referred?
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Children and youth of any age in the care and custody of ODHS child welfare
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Permanency plans may include reunification, adoption, guardianship, or APPLA
Priority Populations for Referrals:
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Children in non-relative care within 3–9 months of entering substitute care who need relative search and engagement support
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Children in substitute care with higher needs, including BRS, QRTP, or extended time in care
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Children in non-relative care with no identified relatives or supports after unsuccessful diligent search efforts
Contact
Email: familysearch@gobhi.org