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 especially committed to reaching families living in Oregon’s rural and remote communities, where access to resources can often be limited. Through strong partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, we work to ensure that refugee children and their families—no matter where they live—receive the support, opportunities, and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
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.
The program supports ESL and IEP processes, offers referrals to special education, and connects students to tutoring, newcomer programs, and after-school and summer activities. Families can also access parenting resources, behavioral health referrals, and early learning opportunities for children ages 0–5. Older youth receive college and career planning support, including help with FAFSA and scholarship applications.
To ease cultural transitions, ORCAS offers navigation and cultural broker services, along with interpreting and translation when needed. The program also promotes healing and belonging through arts, storytelling, and community workshops.
All services provided under ORCAS are referral-based or facilitated through partner agencies. Services are tailored to the individual needs of each client, as identified through an intake, needs assessment, and a family-centered service plan. Our goal is to reduce barriers and help newcomer families build stability, confidence, and belonging in their new environments.