ORS 417.788 Relief Nursery programs; rules

The Department of Early Learning and Care shall support Relief Nursery programs statewide as funding becomes available. Funding to support Relief Nursery programs may include, but is not limited to:

Administrative costs;

Costs for direct service personnel, equipment, supplies and operating expenses;

Start-up costs;

Classroom furniture and materials;

Playground equipment;

Computers; and

Transportation vehicles.

The department may encourage communities to establish Relief Nursery programs for young children who are at risk and their families. Communities may choose to establish regional Relief Nursery programs. The Relief Nursery programs shall be consistent with the statewide early learning system coordinated by the Early Learning Council.

Relief Nursery programs shall participate in a statewide independent evaluation conducted by the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries to document improved child safety, reduction in foster care placements, progress in healthy child development and improvement in family functioning and support.

Each Relief Nursery program that receives state funding shall have financial support from the community that, excluding any amounts distributed to the Relief Nursery program pursuant to ORS 131A.360 (4)(d) and 131A.365 (3)(d), is at least equal to 25 percent of any state allocation.

The department shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including rules requiring that any public funds received by Relief Nursery programs be used to achieve the outcomes identified in subsection (3) of this section.