OR SB815

Clarifies when the Department of Human Services (DHS) becomes a party to juvenile court dependency proceedings, specifying four conditions: when DHS is the petitioner, has taken a child into protective custody, has been granted temporary custody by the court, or has legal custody of a ward for care, placement and supervision.

Separates DHS from "other child-caring agencies" in the statute, creating distinct provisions for each—DHS becomes a party based on its specific roles while child-caring agencies become parties only when they have temporary custody.

Updates cross-references in ORS 419B.646 regarding tribal representation in Indian child proceedings to reflect the renumbering of statutory subsections.

Passed the Oregon Senate on April 7, 2025, and the House on May 21, 2025, at the request of Governor Tina Kotek for the Department of Human Services.