Oregon Refugee Children Assistance Services (ORCAS)
What Is ORCAS?
The ORCAS program supports children and families with eligible immigration statuses in accordance with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) guidelines and Oregon Administrative Rules. The ORCAS Program provides comprehensive, culturally responsive support to refugee children and their families across Oregon. Funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services, ORCAS promotes educational success, emotional well-being, and long-term integration for families navigating resettlement.
By working in close partnership with schools, community organizations, and local leaders, ORCAS is building inclusive pathways for refugee families to thrive in their new Oregon communities. With a strong emphasis on dignity, trust, and inclusion, ORCAS helps families navigate the challenges of resettlement and thrive in their new Oregon communities.
Who is Eligible?
The program serves individuals with eligible immigration statuses as defined by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and Oregon Administrative Rules, including refugees, asylees, some humanitarian parolees, and others fleeing conflict or persecution.
ORCAS ensures that every child and family served receives equitable access to education, health resources, and social support, regardless of their income or current enrollment in other state benefit programs. To access services, we invite eligible families to complete the ASI ORCAS Client Intake Form.
Where is ORCAS available?
The ORCAS Program operates throughout the state of Oregon, connecting refugee children and their families with trauma-informed, culturally responsive support. Services are delivered by regional providers, each responsible for specific counties:
⬜ ASI
Serving: all counties in Oregon except those assigned to other regional providers listed below.
🟨 Catholic Community Services of Lane County
Serving: Lane County
🟧 Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Serving: Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties
Serving: Benton, Linn, Marion, and Polk Counties
ORCAS is committed to supporting refugee families living in Oregon’s rural and remote communities, where access to services may be limited. By partnering with local schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, we work to ensure that all children and families—regardless of location—have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. If your organization serves refugee families and is interested in partnering with us, please take a moment to complete the ORCAS Community Partner Form. This short form helps us understand your community's needs and how we can collaborate to extend services where they’re needed most.
What Services are Available through ORCAS?
Families in the ORCAS Program can access a range of supportive services designed to help children and youth succeed in their new communities. These include help with school enrollment, immunizations, and transportation, as well as guidance through the U.S. and Oregon school systems.
- Parent Orientation – Learn about the U.S. school system or your child’s local school.
- Grade Promotion Support – Help for students to successfully complete their current grade level and advance.
- School Enrollment Assistance – Guidance enrolling children in appropriate schools for their age and needs.
- ESL (English as a Second Language) Support – Assistance for students who are learning English.
- IEP (Individualized Education Program) Support – Help navigating special education services and advocating for students with learning needs.
- Academic Tutoring – One-on-one or small group support in subjects like math, reading, and science.
- College and Career Planning – Guidance and resources for older youth preparing for higher education or job training.
- Parenting Resources – Workshops and materials that promote positive parenting and healthy child development.
- Youth Enrichment Activities – After-school and weekend programs in the arts, sports, STEM, and leadership.
- Cultural Navigation & Interpreting Services – Help understanding U.S. systems and access to interpretation when needed.
- Healing through Arts & Storytelling – Creative programming that fosters emotional healing and cultural expression.
All ORCAS services are referral-based or coordinated through partner agencies, and begin with an intake, needs assessment, and a family-centered service plan. Our goal is to reduce barriers and help newcomer families build stability, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging in their new environment.