[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6318651,"mediaKeyId","2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c","parentId",2364680,"title","Committee orders introduction of legislative concept directing DHS caseload forecasts","audioSeconds",43,"startMs",29000,"endMs",72000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c&start=29&end=72","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c/thumbnail_29000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6318651/Oregon/Committee-orders-introduction-of-legislative-concept-directing-DHS-caseload-forecasts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318651-4d6c90728199a249c2b1ce889550ae24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195671&Signature=RkOSyYCf171kL1sLHowGtnOBU-5hxZmAp4YFOjokbJe0O4IMuqfHlyxTPhdggE9QsNIHIsHOy8TFHAubkcxoPVBl-wruAvbhn~mkF0qQoKm7AsjuWma-WD0u~MpLAl5TVPns1M4U0N25m-XF28QrjMt5NwrD7RI~tZ~n~jo4YIzDmfhR7zQlHFayoh8ppioYWay1xzr-Y~5JJcAgT1hrj~mVdOe2L6s9RDgQkipi652wuKgGREhii22ALuy1ZJxMC75rsWI2AhuHDOgdq96ShNNwsr3-fqSF2ZlKWmq6zIDL0xANq8U5b06vfPJk2jAmM5J5uIKqzUcnO1M6jfIWhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oregon State Legislature","date","2025-02-20T08:15:00Z","article","During a work session at the Feb. 20 meeting, the Senate Committee on Human Services voted to introduce Legislative Concept LC 3,900 (dated Feb. 12, 2025) as a committee measure. Senator Nash moved to introduce the measure; the committee raised no objection and the introduction was ordered.

Committee staff described LC 3,900 as a concept that would direct the Department of Human Services to prepare accurate caseload forecasts for older adults and individuals with disabilities served by the department. Committee members clarified that introduction of a committee measure is procedural and “may or may not” return for further action; introduction does not indicate committee support or opposition.

The motion to introduce LC 3,900 was made on the record by Senator Nash and ordered without further debate. No additional materials or formal vote tally were recorded in the oral hearing transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee On Human Services 02/20/2025 8:15 AM","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Committee on Human Services voted to introduce Legislative Concept LC 3,900, directing the Department of Human Services to prepare accurate caseload forecasts for older adults and individuals with disabilities; the introduction is procedural and does not indicate support or opposition.","taxTitle","Human Services, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Oregon","taxId",17924,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6318657,"Committee reviews housekeeping bill easing ILP fees and background checks",0,4098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c&start=4098&end=4098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c/thumbnail_4098000.jpg","/articles/6318657/Oregon/Committee-reviews-housekeeping-bill-easing-ILP-fees-and-background-checks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318657-f515d3780b2dde2205749ca15d4b707f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195671&Signature=UL0JZZYSqsFaVoScnxwrdcYHWhkitkNI4~CLFD9KbJLzMbV-n1LSSfkYSqXWxD2Mop4tFNqwtYy~WqfRaXIyxu5bCuz016mDCHiZPtRFw-SWKBe7lrxiZVgbP0ebdmI-~z6qzLnHP4iNAHjnk9nOnnGkYAHorbx7hmLnsBHnzMvl5T9KCFCFACr5TDueikjXHC8SplYBFhKpqX8z09OynAJkFI7H7alX3lTddFM2xXvOFmZY5w5OX8c5Tx1HDRFtWZqFGJ3cums0PDCj4x~N47IDFDtxHION~HuH5MTCoNF7ljj10eCPMDtUdpu7d4MW9Hd97W-t0NExTAuahQEEVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Human Services heard public testimony and committee discussion on Senate Bill 944 on Feb. 20. The bill contains two provisions: it removes a requirement that youth residing in certain independent living facilities pay some or all housing expenses from their own funds, and it authorizes the Department of Human Services to exempt an individual who was placed in a home before turning 18 from a criminal records check conducted before a later foster placement in that home.

Committee members described the bill as largely a corrective or housekeeping measure intended to resolve statutory language that creates unintended requirements or administrative duplication. Committee staff said the department will file written testimony explaining the practical reasons the changes are needed, including how the federal background‑check regime interacts with state placement requirements.

Senators raised questions about the draft language. One question flagged by provider groups was whether the phrase “any other person in the home” in the background‑check provision could be read to require background checks of casual visitors over 18; the committee asked the department to clarify in written testimony whether the statutory change was intended to target household members rather than transient visitors.

Chair Gelser and other members said they will invite the department to provide written briefing and possibly appear for an explanation of current practice and how the statutory change would align state law with federal requirements and implementation realities.

No committee vote was taken at the hearing. The bill was described as low‑controversy but the committee requested agency documentation to resolve form‑and‑style questions before moving the measure.","Senate Bill 944 would remove a requirement that youth in some independent living facilities pay for housing from their own funds and authorize ODHS to exempt certain placements from criminal records checks; sponsors described the measure as housekeeping and said the department will submit written testimony explaining the need.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6318662,"Senate hearing backs ban on using trash bags for foster children's belongings",1877,2216000,4093000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c&start=2216&end=4093","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c/thumbnail_2216000.jpg","/articles/6318662/Oregon/Senate-hearing-backs-ban-on-using-trash-bags-for-foster-childrens-belongings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318662-6f56290726836569e04234942a97c502/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195671&Signature=jAKcAmp~aEqLeS4EFkSWpXvjmVvCjJfb4vKNfoPACXsRl7znggrGkFI9ZSzwmQQVIxfYBbH~ePZ24cqnYgbLGINZkPUEyC27Nkxd5uwHdW5lcsi2urlpLVq1GRjghB4EmAHiFVsNeOFcQ7xxQPTTkldZwWMe2sLjHdLDxIWTIJptWePCJAtStgW2q-wCtroBJXc0--7O2vbehD5CxjKd74ncZmh8q7QnPOxbQLVElFu50jkdRSDDZbEFUajUMY9T5mrk2UEcHhb5rZ8n9-x6zkQcWNVqROXy5ROt8RHqaeJpzEmb1dXRytS6WH7XFpqJZINx6ht3HAHCgkKRZxyB7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Human Services on Feb. 20 heard public testimony in support of Senate Bill 1016, which would prohibit the Oregon Department of Human Services from using trash bags to transport a foster child’s personal effects and would modify the department’s reporting requirements on the practice.

Senator Janine Salman (District 15), the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure is the culmination of several years of advocacy led by a constituent and nonprofit organizers who distribute duffel bags to foster children. Salman described efforts to accomplish the same goal through agency rulemaking after Senate Bill 548 passed in 2023 and said implementation has been inconsistent. “This is a growing national movement,” Salman said, urging the committee to pass clearer statutory language so the department cannot fall back on handing children trash bags.

Riley, a former foster youth and advocate with Project Never Again, gave extended testimony on the emotional effect of being moved with belongings in garbage bags. Riley described the experience as long‑lasting trauma and contrasted being given a tote or duffel bag with being handed a tied garbage bag. “The trauma that a trash bag can inflict on a child, no matter their age, is lifelong,” Riley said.

Salmon and witnesses said the sponsored legislation would also include technical amendments requiring the department to provide an annual report to the legislature for five years and would broaden the statutory definition of acceptable luggage carriers to accommodate sanitary concerns (for example, allowing temporary use of a sealed tote or box when items must be decontaminated before a duffel is provided).

Committee members expressed frustration that prior statutory language and rulemaking had not removed the practice in every case and asked staff to schedule further agency briefings. Senator Kosinski suggested inviting the agency head to a future session to explain implementation. Several senators said the measure is about restoring dignity to youth undergoing a traumatic transition and that clearer statutory language should remove ambiguity about exceptions.

The committee took public testimony and did not vote on the bill at the hearing. Testimony and proposed technical amendments will be entered into the record for further consideration.","Senator Janine Salman and former foster youth advocates urged the committee to bar the Department of Human Services from handing children trash bags when they are moved; Senate Bill 1016 would clarify and strengthen a 2023 law and require annual legislative reporting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6318666,"Committee hears bill to set uniform payment method for independent living program",1995,133000,2128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c&start=133&end=2128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364680-bc971f7f6e35729d646fff1f4a6c5d1c/thumbnail_133000.jpg","/articles/6318666/Oregon/Committee-hears-bill-to-set-uniform-payment-method-for-independent-living-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318666-b4cba6d48c7d8fa7bfb6a5d25c0ee1a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195671&Signature=UbGYUft1~UBCdJvVoKGc9VgKUt3zt5smZOW~2vcGxZne03rTx7IYdIPuH0bOS~8IjDnW~HaO1lYYrCP0hJ~qrGYy8lnkOlrus3v-nkdxeSKbOiSZJ36UHDxjI~3nQ0mgvZ~OFPlq0p8-DQ3j50rwvNbHg3dlIwyu05jxUqtiXtHTN~nUDFmfsGY5xc8vpQMmmqsZ7Vbobmn3YLGJ1HOEzGDYErSxl3W1tQQyVDW5lp1dKmF7rSdgRcWi5CK5EETBhfGqSGoFRz2eYI0ZoacmMZcC6fDlTGkm3FfrGpqSS756H40GeML3-CJ1Qu3FVOejLzUxzh34cMhXM-N2XmGxaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Human Services on Feb. 20 heard testimony on Senate Bill 911, a measure that would require the Oregon Department of Human Services to adopt rules establishing a uniform payment methodology for providers of Independent Living Program (ILP) transition services for foster youth aging out of care.

The bill’s sponsors and provider witnesses told the committee the current payment structure is administratively burdensome and does not reflect the true cost of service. Andrew Grover, executive director of Youth Villages, said ILP workers meet with most youth at least once a month and that about 20% of participants need weekly contact. “The system is very unstable. It’s been dramatically underfunded for many years,” Grover said, adding that Youth Villages’ tracking shows “well over 80 percent” of youth they serve are in safe, stable housing and in school or employed one year after services.

The bill as described during the hearing would require the payment methodology to account for the number of in‑home service hours provided, the time spent on outreach to youth who are difficult to reach, and adequate capacity and staffing levels based on average monthly population served. Kelly McKnight, chief executive officer of Options Counseling and Family Services, testified that current contracts commonly limit most youth to one hour of in‑person contact per month and allow extended time for only up to 20% of a provider’s caseload. “We continue to expend more on ILP than the revenue supports,” McKnight said, citing rural challenges for group payments and staffing turnover.

Simon Fulford, executive director of Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, told the committee his program is paid roughly half of the actual cost of service delivery. Providers and advocates described service tasks that include housing supports, employment help, parenting assistance, transportation, securing identification documents and coordination with medical providers. Several witnesses described gaps that emerge when a provider reduces service or closes a contract: Project Lemonade reported stepping in temporarily in summer 2024 to serve youth when another Multnomah County provider closed.

Members pressed for clarification about the bill’s scope. Chair Gelser said the committee understands three related pieces in play: (1) the overall funding ask (the chair referenced an example figure of $10,000,000 as a separate budget request), (2) the statutory change Senate Bill 911 would make about how costs are determined and (3) a planned rate‑model study to develop an appropriate reimbursement structure. “What will be built into that is the recognition that kids need more than an hour a month,” Chair Gelser said.

Former and current program participants also testified. Camilla Durham, who said she has been an ILP participant for about seven years and is now a mother and student, described weekly contact with a long‑term ILP worker and credited the program with help finding childcare, school support and employment. Natalie Delgado, a Portland State University student and former foster youth, described ILP assistance with enrollment, housing navigation and transportation funding for a driver’s license.

Witnesses urged the committee to support the bill to build a stable, sustainable provider network and avoid losing providers and geographic coverage. Testimony cited roughly 15 providers statewide serving an estimated 600–700 youth at a given time, with perhaps 1,200 eligible individuals in total. Providers said the existing compensation structure (including a reported $100 per participant group payment that pays nothing for groups under four participants) is particularly challenging in rural areas.

The committee held the public hearing and did not take a vote on SB 911 at the session. Staff and providers noted a separate, collaborative rate‑model study is expected to follow the policy changes the bill would authorize.

The committee’s record will include written materials from the Department of Human Services and provider groups; senators said they expect further briefings and budget testimony as the bill advances.","Witnesses told the Senate Committee on Human Services that Oregon's Independent Living Program is underfunded and administratively unstable; Senate Bill 911 would direct the Department of Human Services to adopt rules establishing a uniform payment methodology that accounts for hours of service, outreach and capacity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee orders introduction of legislative concept directing DHS caseload forecasts

Committee reviews housekeeping bill easing ILP fees and background checks

Senate hearing backs ban on using trash bags for foster children's belongings

Committee hears bill to set uniform payment method for independent living program