(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Katelyn N. Smith, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Coos Bay on Jan. 20. Katelyn is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Katelyn and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Katelyn is suspected to be in the Coos Bay area. She may be in the presence of a 17-year-old male, or Trayton W. Glass, age 20.
Name: Katelyn N. Smith
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Aug. 3, 2004
Height: 5-foot-six
Weight: 120 pounds
Hair: Blue
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Katelyn’s lower lip is pierced; she has a nose piercing.
Coos Bay Police Department Case #P20220240
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1441272
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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Need to know
- Approximately $2.1 million is being awarded to organizations across Oregon to expand services and support for youth experiencing homelessness
- The money is being awarded to 19 organizations providing services to youth in 16 counties
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Youth Experiencing Homelessness program is awarding approximately $2.1 million to organizations that provide services and support to youth experiencing homelessness.
Youth experiencing homelessness face many barriers to meeting their basic needs. They experience hunger and difficulty accessing clean clothes, a place to shower, supports and resources, and safe, stable housing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made these experiences even more difficult for young people, especially for youth of color, members of tribal nations, and LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
To address these needs, ODHS is awarding approximately $2.1 million in grant funding to organizations across the state to improve services for youth experiencing homelessness. Most of these grant funds were appropriated by House Bill 2544 of the 2021 Session of the Oregon Legislature.
The approximately $2.1 million is being awarded to 19 organizations providing services in 16 counties to support:
- Creation and expansion of outreach and drop-in prevention services
- Shelter expansion
- Transitional housing opportunities
- Culturally-specific services
- Expansion of mental health and substance use disorder services
- Expansion of services in rural areas
Organizations receiving grant funding include:
- Alternative Youth Activities (Coos County)
- AntFarm (Clackamas County)
- Boys & Girls Aid Society (Washington County)
- Family Faith & Relationship Advocates (Douglas County)
- Hearts with a Mission (Jackson and Josephine Counties)
- Home Plate (Washington County)
- Integral Youth Services (Klamath County)
- J Bar J Youth Services (Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties)
- Jackson Street Youth Services (Linn and Benton Counties)
- Janus Youth Programs (Multnomah County)
- Lincoln County Youth Tides Shelter (Lincoln County)
- Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action (Marion and Polk Counties)
- Native American Youth Services (Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties)
- New Avenues for Youth (Multnomah County)
- Outside In (Multnomah County)
- Parrott Creek (Clackamas and Multnomah County)
- St. Vincent de Paul (Lane County)
- Yamhill Community Action Partnership (Yamhill County)
- Youth Era (Lane County)
Learn more about the ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/CHILDREN/Homeless-Youth/Pages/index.aspx.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
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(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is seeking public comment on changes to its administrative rules. The public may testify at public hearings or submit written comments by Friday, March 4, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Vocational Rehabilitation seeks input on the proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 582-070-0025 Vehicle repair, modification and purchase. This rule helps clarify the process for vehicle related purchases that may help a VR client overcome disability-related barriers to find, secure, maintain or advance their career. All input will be reviewed, and the proposed rules may be modified as a result of public input during this period.
The proposed rules are posted on the VR Policy web page.
Vocational Rehabilitation is updating OAR 582 to align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014 (Public Law No. 113-128) and with state and federal requirements. The rules match requirements in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, state policy, and clarify processes for vocational rehabilitation service.
How to comment or provide testimony:
- Email your comments to: .Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us">VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us
- Mail written testimony to: Oregon Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Robin Brandt, Policy Analyst, 500 Summer Street NE, E-87 Salem, Oregon 97310-1018
- Attend a virtual public hearing on Zoom by phone or online. The hearings will be recorded and will end when comments conclude. Staff will be available for comments for at least 30 minutes after the hearing starts. Public hearings will be held on:
- Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Register through Zoom.
- Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m. Register through Zoom.
- Friday, February 25, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m. Register through Zoom.
- Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 4-5 p.m. Register through Zoom
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided at every public hearing.
You can request accommodation in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer to submit public comment, attend a public hearing. Contact Robin Brandt at 503-507-5226 or by email at .Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us">VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or have a speech disability. For more information about relay service providers visit www.oregonrelay.com or www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/trs-providers. Please let us know of any accommodations at least a week in advance. We will to our best to accommodate all requests.
To receive notice of future public hearings, send an email to .Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us">VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us. Use the subject line “Public hearings”.
About Vocational Rehabilitation: ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job that matches their skills, interests and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success.
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Need to know
- Oregon has increased the income eligibility limit for food and child care assistance up to 200% of the federal poverty level
- Previous income limits were 185% of the federal poverty level
- Approximately 18,000 additional households in Oregon may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under these new income guidelines
- Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to Oregonians annually
- Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has increased the income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $2,147 a month for an individual or $3,660 for a family of three.
The previous income limit for these programs was 185% of the federal poverty level, or $1,986 a month for an individual or $3,386 for a family of three.
This change took effect in Oregon on Jan. 1, 2022, and approximately 18,000 new households are expected to be eligible to enroll in SNAP. Approximately $25 million in additional food benefits will be issued to Oregonians annually.
“Coming into the COVID-19 pandemic, life was difficult for many Oregonians, especially people of color, Oregon Tribal Nations, people with disabilities and older adults,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, we know that many are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families. This increase will provide critical food support to thousands of Oregonians.”
The ERDC program has two income limits to participate in the program, for when a family applies to participate in the program and when a family renews their participation in the program. The entry income limit to enroll in the program has increased to 200% of federal poverty level. Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 250% of the federal poverty level, or $5,303 a month for a family of three.
“It’s encouraging to see child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families,” said Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time – one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges.”
Oregonians can apply for medical, food, cash, and child care assistance in one place online at ONE.Oregon.gov, over-the-phone at 800-699-9075, or in-person at a local office. Due to COVID-19, Oregonians are encouraged to call ahead before their local office.
ODHS offers these tips to Oregonians to help them as they apply for benefits:
- Before you begin an application, compile all documents you think you might need ahead of time. This can prevent your application from being held up and taking additional time. These documents could include: Identification, proof of income, social security numbers or other documents to determine eligibility for anyone in the household who is applying for benefits.
- If you have already submitted an online, in-person or over-the-phone application, you do not need to reapply. ODHS has your application and will process it as quickly as possible.
- If you applied through the ONE online application, you can track your application’s status using the same system you used to apply. Log in to one.oregon.gov to start tracking. Note: This website is accessible on computers, tablets and phones, but it is not optimized for mobile viewing.
- If you prefer to apply over the phone, the ONE Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Currently hold times are lowest in the morning from 7 until 8 a.m.
- If you are only applying for medical benefits, you can get free application help from an OHP-Certified Community Partner. Community Partners are trained and certified to help clients understand and use their health coverage options, including helping them complete eligibility and enrollment forms. Find a Community Partner at https://healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/find-help.aspx
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Locate a child care provider by texting ‘children’ to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
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The new Oregon Department of Human Services trauma-informed building in Gresham is expected to open this month, January 2022.
Child Welfare Division offices in the new building are expected to be open January 24. Self-Sufficiency Programs offices are expected to be open January 31.
The three story, 96,000 square-foot building, located at 635 S.E. 223rd Avenue, will house Child Welfare and Self-Sufficiency Programs There will also be conference rooms available for community meetings. The addition of ODHS programs brings more access to anti-poverty resources to this community.
The trauma-informed design creates a physical environment that promotes a sense of safety and calm for the children, adults, and families we serve as well as ODHS staff. Trauma-informed design helps visitors and staff have a positive experience in our building. Research has shown that environments can increase or reduce our stress levels.
Some of the design features include: quiet areas that respect the privacy of people; outside seating; the type of art on the walls will selected to help reduce stress and bring a feeling of connection and an open plaza outside the building will have a bioswale watered from the roof’s rainwater runoff. A little bridge will cross the bioswale.
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The public is invited to join Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) leaders online for a preview of the ODHS’ priorities for the 2022 Oregon Legislative Session. This year’s priorities are centered on the ODHS’ commitment to equity and supporting human potential.
ODHS 2022 legislative priorities include requests to improve equity in service delivery; responding to emergencies and disasters; and to strengthen staffing to meet the growing demand for ODHS services. A presentation will be followed by a questions-and-answers session.
ODHS Community Briefing: 2022 Legislative Session Preview
Date: Friday, Jan. 14, 2021
Time: 9 to 10 a.m. PST
How: Online participation only. Pre-registration is required. Register online now.
Accessibility: ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided. A link for live captioning will be provided prior to the event.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
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SALEM, Ore. ̶ The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), in early 2022, will invite funding requests for community projects supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Of the $3 million available, at least $2 million will be designated for equity-related proposals serving Oregonians who have experienced barriers in accessing services and supports.
The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) provides the Innovation Fund to support projects that are not only unique in approach but have the potential to be long-lasting.
APD will be encouraging culturally specific organizations to submit proposals. Culturally specific organizations are defined as:
• Serving a particular cultural community and are primarily staffed and led by members of that community;
• Demonstrating personal knowledge of lived experience of the community including, but not limited to, the impact of structural and individual racism or discrimination on the community;
• Knowledgeable about specific barriers faced in the community and how those barriers influence the structure of their program or service; and
• Able to describe the community’s cultural practices, health and safety beliefs/practices, positive cultural identity/pride/resilience, immigration dynamics, religious beliefs, or other traditions, and how their services have been adapted to honor those traditions.
The Oregon Office of Contracts and Procurement will oversee the competitive selection process for funding recipients which is expected to launch sometime in February 2022; information will be posted on OregonBuys. For more information visit APD’s webpage, Funding Opportunities.
Salem, OR ̶ The Governor of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are seeking applicants for positions on the state Senior Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. This new council will consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor.
The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities invites applications from individuals who meet the following criteria:
• A person representing long-term care facilities (nursing facilities).
• A person representing residential care facilities (assisted living and residential care facilities).
• A person who is a nurse or clinician in a nursing, assisted living, or residential care facility.
• A person representing an urban or suburban fire department or a city fire department that provides emergency medical services.
• A person representing a rural fire protection district organized under ORS Chapter 478.
• A person who enters into agreements with a public sector entity to provide emergency medical services.
• A person who is a physician licensed under ORS Chapter 677 or other health care practitioner with expertise in emergency medical services.
• A person representing the Oregon Health Authority who has expertise in emergency services and trauma response.
• A person representing private emergency medical services providers.
• A person who is a:
o Family member of a resident of a nursing, residential care or assisted living facility;
o Caregiver in a nursing, residential care, or assisted living facility; or
o Member or representative of a group that advocates for seniors residing in nursing, residential care, or assisted living facilities.
The council was created by House Bill 2397 (2021). Each position serves a term that begins in 2022. The end dates for the positions listed above vary. The council will complete its work by Jan. 2, 2027. Individuals with lived and/or professional experience related to health and racial equity and community engagement are encouraged to apply by Jan. 14, 2022.
Members of the council are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses and serve as volunteers on the council.
To apply, complete the application process at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/admin/Pages/How_To_Apply.aspx. These recruitments will remain open until filled. Those applying will be asked to provide:
• A resume.
• A short personal biography.
• A brief statement of interest, which should include the positions the applicant is applying for.
• A brief statement on opportunities the applicant sees for the board to address equity.
• A brief statement on the applicant’s understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Individuals who are unable to complete the form electronically should contact the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov for assistance.