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Frequently Asked Questions



Oregon Youth Authority supervises youth ages 12 to 24 who commit crimes before age 18. We serve youth who are unsuccessful at the county level or who need more services than the county can provide.

OYA youth must show that they are safe and stable enough to be in the community before they are eligible for foster care.

When you apply to be a foster parent, our certifier will talk more specifically with you about what types of youth you feel comfortable having in your home.


The maximum number of youth in a home is three.

The number of youth in a home depends on the size of the home, the size of the family, what the foster parents can offer the youth, and the foster parents’ skill level.

Youth cannot share bedrooms with any member of the foster family. 

They may share bedrooms with other OYA youth, but there are restrictions depending on their age and their crime. Your foster care certifier can tell you more.

​All OYA foster youth who have not yet finished their high school diploma or GED are required to attend school.

Most youth can and do attend public school near their foster home.

Some need additional educational assistance and may need to attend alternative schools or other programs available in the area.

Foster parents need to: 
  • Role model appropriate behaviors.
  • Hold youth accountable for their behaviors.
  • Support youth in learning new skills and behaviors.
  • Provide structured supervision.
  • Supervise and know where the youth is at all times. 
  • Help the youth learn to budget and save money.
  • Provide a safe and clean home environment.
  • Work with the youth’s juvenile parole/probation officer (JPPO) to establish a case plan that meets the needs of the youth. This may include:
    • Contact with the youth’s family. 
    • Goals around vocational training, school, employment or treatment.

​This is determined by the youth’s case plan.​

​OYA can certify family members or individuals who are interested in fostering a specific youth. Regular foster care applicant requirements still apply. Contact your county’s certifier for more details.​

​Yes, this is possible, depending on your circumstances. We review each case on an individual basis.​