ORS 418.937: Placement decision; order of preference for placement.

When making any placement decision involving a refugee child under ORS 419B.150, 419B.152, 419C.080 or 419C.088, the Department of Human Services and the juvenile court shall consider that child’s culture and tradition. Unless shown to be inappropriate and inconsistent with the best interests of the child, the department and juvenile court shall place the child with the following in order of preference:

      (1) Natural parents.

      (2) Extended family members.

      (3) Members of the same cultural heritage.

      (4) Persons with knowledge and appreciation of the cultural heritage of the child.