May 27, 2026 (Salem, OR) — As Foster Care Month comes to a close, Paid Leave Oregon reminds Oregonians that paid family leave may be available to eligible resource (foster) families and guardians before and after a foster care placement.
Paid Leave Oregon provides paid time off for many important family moments, including time to care for and bond with a child during the first year after the child is placed in a home through foster care – known as bonding leave. The program also provides pre-placement leave, which gives eligible workers time to complete necessary activities (such as court appearances and home studies) before a foster care child joins their family.
“Welcoming a child through foster care is a major transition, both for the child and for the family caring for them,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department. “Bonding leave gives eligible resource parents time to be present during those early days — to build trust and help a child feel safe and cared for.”
Eligible resource parents may be able to use Paid Leave Oregon at two important points in the foster care process: before a child is placed with them and after the child joins their home. Pre-placement leave can help cover required activities needed to complete a foster care placement, such as counseling sessions, court appearances, attorney consultations, physical examinations, home studies, or other required steps. After placement, bonding leave gives families time during the first year to focus on care, connection, and adjustment.
“Resource parents provide an essential service to children, families, and communities across Oregon,” said Juan Serratos, director of Paid Leave Oregon. “Pre-placement leave is intended to make that service easier for these families by giving them time to handle all the work that needs to happen before they welcome a child into their home.”
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a year. Paid Leave Oregon pays employees a percentage of their wages while they are on leave.
Resource parents applying for bonding leave related to foster care placement need documentation showing the child’s placement, such as a court order, a letter from an attorney, or a document from a foster care agency, adoption agency or social worker. For pre-placement leave, documentation must confirm the intended foster care placement and be dated within 180 days before the start of the requested leave.
To learn more about family leave, including bonding leave and pre-placement leave, visit paidleave.oregon.gov.
To learn about becoming a resource parent, visit https://everychildoregon.org/get-involved/foster/
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