ORS 417.371 Notice to family members of meeting

If the Department of Human Services determines that the use of a family decision-making meeting is appropriate, the department shall conduct and document reasonable inquiries to promptly locate and notify the parents, grandparents and any other family member who has had significant, direct contact with the child in the year prior to the substitute care placement.

All family members notified by the department may attend the meeting unless the department determines that the safety of any attendee will be compromised by the attendance of any family member.

Any family member the department deems a safety risk may provide written statements that address the subject of any family decision-making meeting, including the determination of placement of the child or components of a service plan for the child and family members.

As used in this section:

“Family member” means any person related to the child by blood, marriage or adoption, including but not limited to parents, grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins or great-grandparents. “Family member” also includes a child 12 years of age or older, or a child younger than 12 years of age when appropriate.

“Reasonable inquiries” means efforts that involve reviewing the case file for relevant information, contacting the parents or guardians and contacting additional sources of information that may lead to ascertaining the whereabouts of family members, if necessary.