Oregon Senate Approves Bill Granting Foster Children Freedom of Religion and Enhanced Sibling Contact Rights

On Monday morning, the Oregon Senate approved SB 875, a bill that significantly improves the rights of foster children in the state.

Oregon Foster Childrens Rights Expanded

The Oregon Foster Children’s Bill of Rights, established in 2013 to ensure basic rights- like safety, education, and visitation, was amplified through a law passed in 2017 to allow siblings separated in foster care to stay in touch with each other.

SB 875 expands on this legislation by introducing several more rights for foster children, including allowing them to decline participation in religious activities that conflict with their personal beliefs- the first time a statute explicitly recognizes a foster child’s freedom of religion or non-religion.

SB 875 also extends foster children’s right to legal representation during law enforcement or abuse investigations and the right to appear at their own court hearing regardless of their age.

Foster children would also be allowed to transport their belongings in proper luggage, like a suitcase or tote bag, when moving between foster homes to address the lack of specific rights about personal belongings.

The Oregon Foster Children’s Bill of Rights ensures foster children are informed about their rights. SB 875 seeks to ensure childcare facilities are given an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate rights document within 60 days of placement in a childcare facility.

It would also require all foster homes and childcare agencies to prominently display these rights in accessible areas.

Affirming that contact with siblings is a right, not a privilege, and the bill provides that contact could only be restricted by a court if necessary for a child’s safety.

Siblings are now entitled to receive notification of major life events, such as births or relocations, unless limited by a court order.

Several state Republicans voted against the bill which now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for further discussion.