History

A New Direction for Human Services

Based on the work of the Children's Care team, the 1993 Legislature set a bold new direction for Oregon Human Services. In addition to providing vital safety net services and treatment at the state level, the legislature decided Oregon State Government should do more to empower its communities to support children and their families. House Bill 2004 created the Oregon Commission on Children and Families and 36 local county commissions with a clear agenda.

Local County Commissions' Agenda

Empowering local action

Local commissions are able to leverage business and community participation in supporting local children and families.

Changing the system

We must change the human service system to bring help directly to the families, through collaboration among all who support families in a community.

Delivering results

We must plan services based on the outcomes we expect and demand to make sure we spend tax dollars appropriately and effectively.

The Challenge

House Bill 2004 challenged each county in Oregon to develop a comprehensive plan to enable families and communities to help their children realize their full potential. It was a call to action for communities to improve their systems and define their goals and guidelines to support children and families . . . the real needs of children and families in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan for Children and Families

The 1999 Oregon Legislature adopted Senate Bill 555 that declared, "Communities provide the context for healthy children and families, and strong families and healthy communities are interdependent." To support this focus on children, families, and communities, the legislation directs state agencies and local communities to plan together to provide programs that address needs, strengths and assets. Through a local coordinated comprehensive planning process, communities will engage in examining their capability to support and nurture children, youth, and families. This framework is the first step in implementing the collaborative planning effort envisioned in SB555.

See: The Lincoln County Commission's priorities list