Services for Foster (Resource) Parents

Why a Physical Assessment?

Every child who enters foster care in Oregon needs to have a mental, physical and dental health assessment. Children entering foster care may or may not have had regular visits with their doctor and received childhood immunizations. Some children may have chronic medical problems that have not been identified or have gone unchecked.

Getting a physical exam within the first 30 days of the child entering foster care can help spot problems, start or complete immunizations the child may have missed, and answer any health questions the foster parent may have.

Why a Dental Assessment?

Often, children don’t see a dentist until there’s a problem. This can cause many problems including: pain, difficulty with chewing, and speech.

A prompt dental exam within 30 days of placement into foster care is important for spotting a problem early and/or preventing them from happening.

When Should My Foster (Substitute) Child Be Assessed?

Assessment Type	Due Date	Child’s Age
Physical Assessment	Due Date Within 30 days	Child’s Age All children regardless of age.
Mental Assessment	Due Date Within 60 days	Child’s Age All children age 3 and up. Children age 0-2 by doctor recommendation.
Dental Assessment	Due Date Within 30 days	Child’s Age All children age 1 and up.