ODHS employees are mandatory reporters
If you work for the Oregon Department of Human Services, you are required by law to report alleged abuse of:
- Children
- Adults age 65 and over
- Adults with developmental disabilities
- Adults with mental illness
- Residents in nursing facilities
When and how to reportFailure to reportResources
When and how to report
The requirements depend on who you are making a report about. See below for information. If you have any questions, ask your manager.
Child definition: A child means an unmarried person who is under the age of 18, or under 21 if they are a child in care as defined in ORS 418.257.
What situations require a mandatory report of child abuse: Any time you have reasonable cause to believe any child you come in contact with has suffered abuse, or any person you come in contact with has abused a child.
When you must report: You are a 24/7 mandatory reporter. The report must be made immediately. This requirement applies whether you observe the abuse or neglect during your work activities or on your personal time.
How to report: Report either to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233) or to your local law enforcement agency.
The law that applies: ORS 419B.005 to 419B.045 and
ORS 418.257.
See the video and guide:
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
Failure to report
Resources
Training
To find more information on mandatory reporting:
Definitions
Child definition
A child means an unmarried person who:
- Is under 18 years of age, or
- Is a child in care, as defined in ORS 418.257.
A child in care means a person under 21 years of age who resides in, or receives care or services, from:
- A child-caring agency or proctor foster home subject to ORS 418.205 to 418.327; 418.470; 418.475; or 418.950 to 418.970 (Oregon Revised Statutes), or
- A certified foster home, or
- A developmental disabilities residential facility.
Types of abuse
Oregon laws 419B.005 and 418.257 define the types of abuse that apply to a child.