Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 413 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS
Division 120 - ADOPTION
Section 413-120-0628 - Criteria for Using the Cooperative Adoption Mediation Process

(1) The fundamental criteria for referring a child for a cooperative adoption mediation process is the best interest of the child's well-being, permanency and safety. It is the responsibility of the department to determine if a referral for mediation is appropriate in accordance with the criteria of OAR 413-120-0628(1) through (3).

(2) Parent(s) who actively chose adoption for their child through voluntary relinquishment of parental rights and who do not present a danger to their child or to an adoptive family, may be most appropriate to participate in a cooperative adoption mediation process. However, parent(s) who have an adversarial relationship with the Department may be able to work cooperatively with a mediator and the adoptive family in a cooperative adoption mediation process.

(3) The decision of a birth parent(s) to relinquish parental rights or a Department decision to proceed to a termination of parental rights trial must be made independent from the Department's decision to refer a case for cooperative adoption mediation. One decision must not be conditioned upon the other.