GOBHI Foster Care in Oregon: Community-Based Support for Children and Families

Supporting Foster Care in Oregon Through Connection, Care, and Community

Foster care plays a critical role in supporting children and families across Oregon. With GOBHI’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program, our mission is to provide safe, supportive, and nurturing foster homes while strengthening communities through education, connection, and trauma-informed care.

As Oregon continues to face a need for compassionate foster parents and supportive services, organizations like GOBHI help bridge the gap, ensuring children experience stability, dignity, and belonging during times of transition.

What Is Foster Care?

Foster care provides temporary, safe homes for children and youth who are unable to remain with their biological families due to safety concerns or family crises. The goal of foster care in Oregon is always reunification when possible, while prioritizing the child’s well-being.

Children in foster care may stay with foster families for days, months, or longer, depending on individual circumstances. During this time, foster parents offer consistency, care, and encouragement, often during one of the most vulnerable periods of a child’s life.

GOBHI Foster Care: Serving Children and Families Across Oregon

GOBHI (Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc.) is a community-based organization dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral health and foster care services throughout Oregon.

GOBHI Foster Care focuses on:

• Supporting children and youth with diverse needs

• Providing trauma-informed foster care services

• Equipping foster parents with training, resources, and ongoing support

• Partnering with Oregon communities to strengthen family systems

Our foster care programs are built on the belief that children thrive best in safe, nurturing homes supported by a strong care team.

Why Foster Care Matters in Oregon

Oregon’s foster care system relies on committed foster parents and community partners to meet the needs of children across urban, rural, and frontier areas.

Some children enter foster care due to:

• Family instability or crisis

• Safety concerns

• Temporary housing or health challenges

By becoming a foster parent or supporting foster care services, individuals help ensure children experience stability, compassion, and continuity, even during difficult transitions.

What Sets GOBHI Foster Care Apart

GOBHI Foster Care stands out for its relationship-centered approach. We prioritize not only the well-being of children, but also the sustainability and success of foster families.

Key elements of our approach include:

Trauma-Informed Care

Children in foster care often carry experiences of trauma. GOBHI provides trauma-informed training and support so foster parents feel confident responding with empathy and understanding.

Ongoing Foster Parent Support

Foster parents are never alone. GOBHI offers:

• Regular check-ins

• Access to behavioral health professionals

• Training and education opportunities

• Community connection and peer support

  
  

Oregon-Focused, Community-Based Services

GOBHI is deeply rooted in Oregon communities. Our programs are designed to reflect the needs, cultures, and strengths of the regions we serve.

Who Can Become a Foster Parent in Oregon?

Many people are surprised to learn how diverse foster parents are. You can become a foster parent if you:

• Are over 21 years old

• Have a stable living environment

• Are willing to complete training and certification

• Want to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life

Families, couples, and individuals from many backgrounds can become foster parents. There is no “perfect” foster parent, only caring adults willing to show up.

Ways to Support Foster Care Without Becoming a Foster Parent

Not everyone is in a position to foster, but everyone can support foster care in Oregon. Ways to help include:

• Following and sharing foster care awareness content

• Participating in community events or drives

• Supporting foster families through encouragement and advocacy

• Learning more about how foster care works in Oregon

Awareness is a powerful first step.

Help Spread Foster Care Awareness in Oregon

At GOBHI, we believe community awareness leads to stronger outcomes for children and families. Through education, outreach, and storytelling, we aim to:

• Increase understanding of foster care

• Reduce stigma

• Encourage informed community involvement

If you’re exploring becoming a foster parent or simply learning more, your engagement helps build a stronger, more compassionate Oregon.

Learn More About GOBHI Foster Care

If you’re interested in learning more about foster care services in Oregon or want to stay connected with our work:

• Explore our website

• Follow GOBHI Foster Care on social media, @gobhiforstercare 

• Attend our monthly Virtual Info Sessions on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00pm PST. 

• Check back monthly for foster care education and updates

Together, we can support children, strengthen families, and grow foster care awareness across Oregon.

This blog is part of GOBHI Foster Care’s ongoing effort to provide educational resources and build community understanding around foster care in Oregon.