Oregon Dept. of Human Services & LGBTQ+ Foster Parenting in Multnomah County

Please enjoy this blog written by Multnomah County LGBTQ+ foster parents submitted to us by The Oregon Department of Human Services:

More than 1,400 children live in foster care in Multnomah County. The Oregon Department of Human Services is continuing to increase the number and diversity of foster homes available to reflect the diversity of children who come into care. Foster parents are making a difference in the lives of children every day, welcoming children in need into their homes. 

Current foster parents Rachel S. and Liane K. shared part of their story with us. Reflecting on their journey, Rachel and Liane write:

“For those of us in the LGBTQ community, the word ‘family’ has its own significance. We recognize that family is expansive and goes much deeper than blood. Over a decade ago my partner and I began to think about a non-conventional family of our own and opted to attend an informational meeting on foster parenting…Fast forward to today: we eventually realized that there is no ‘perfect time’ to get started, so we took the leap and have been foster parents for approximately two years, learning as we go…”

“The most important thing we’ve learned is that for a child to be removed from their family is likely the single most traumatizing event that they will ever encounter… Despite all the best intentions on your part, the kids entering your home will likely feel like outsiders; visitors to a strange and unfamiliar land. There will be enormous amounts of grief, manifesting in a variety of ways. It will in no way be like traditional parenting, and you will have multiple agencies interfering with your day to day life.”

“That said, I can assure you that the kids are worth it. If you’re looking to give your life purpose, there is no better opportunity. You can provide the emotionally stable, consistent, kind voice that guides these kids through their reunification journey, helping to make it manageable. You can relish in the plentiful rich moments of human connection and shared experience that are sure to occur. You will recognize that nothing is more valuable than showing up for these kids in this moment. You will go to bat for them over and over again. You will hold them in unconditional positive regard, no matter what. You will walk with them through the ups and downs and respond to their needs in a way that you didn’t know you were capable of...”

Rachel and Liane end by saying:

“Unfortunately, there are currently no tidy solutions to the endless stream of incoming cases. So, until then, please remember that it truly does take a village...will you join us?”

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please call the DHS training line at 971-673-1822 or email us at d2.metrotrainingcenter@dhsoha.state.or.us. The process of becoming a foster parent includes an application, home study, and 24 hours of Foundations Training. When you become a foster parent, there are additional resources to support you through community partnerships, such as Foster Parent Night Out, Project Lemonade, Every Child, and With Love, and others. If you are considering learning more, we would love to hear from you.