What you can do about child abuse!

In Oregon, 10,186 victims of child abuse and neglect were identified by DHS/SCF in the year 2000 (a 9.4% decrease from the previous year.) There were 35, 552 reports (up 2.5% from the previous year) of child abuse or neglect made to DHS/SCF. The number of reports shows a 51% increase since 1991. Child deaths continue to be a tragic result of abuse and neglect. In the year 2000 there were 21 children killed by abuse or neglect. Twelve of these deaths resulted from neglect. Nine were caused by abuse.

Together, we can make a difference in preventing child abuse!

How can you help?
1	Reach out to kids and parents in your community. Anything you do to support kids and parents helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
2	Remember the risk factors. Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society but the risk is greater in isolated families and those where parents have problems with drugs or alcohol. Young children are at the greatest risk. Children ages from birth to two years old constitute 20% of all abused and neglected children. Abusive families often have at least one of the following additional stresses: substance abuse by parent, unemployment, parental involvement with law enforcement, and domestic violence. Don't make assumptions based on family income, race or culture, or education. Child abuse happens in wealthy families with educated parents, as well as in middle or low-income families.
3	Recognize the warning signs. The behavior of children may signal abuse or neglect long before any change in physical appearance.
4	Report abuse and neglect if you suspect that it's occurring. Call your local child protective service agency or the police.
5	Build resiliency in children. Even children who grow up in stressful environments can grow up to be thriving adults. Learn about resiliency here. 8 Ways to Love Your Child in English and in Spanish with a link to a PDF file that also includes Vietnamese and Russian..

How do I know if I should make a Child Abuse report?

You should report any reasonable suspicion of abuse; you do not have to prove it. If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, phone your local DHS office to discuss your concerns with a CPS-trained caseworker. You do not have to prove the abuse has taken place; determining whether abuse has taken place is the responsibility of the investigating CPS and law enforcement agencies.

Anyone can make a report of suspected abuse. All citizens have a responsibility to prevent child abuse and to protect children. Children are often unable to protect themselves, or do not know how to take the steps to get out of the abuse. Often the abuse comes from the people they love and trust the most. Concerned neighbors, teachers, health care professionals and other adults may be the only lifeline to safety a child has. Your report might even save a life.

People sometimes want to make an anonymous report because they don't want the family to know they were involved. The only time a reporter's name can legally be released is by a court order. DHS does not inform the family as to the identity of the reporter. However, depending on the circumstances, a family might accurately guess who made the report.

Who do I report Child Abuse to?

If a child is being hurt or is in danger right now,
call 911 immediately and ask for the police.

Child Abuse should be reported directly to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services (CPS) or to a local Law Enforcement Agency.

DHS and law enforcement agencies have a shared legal responsibility for taking child abuse reports and responding to them. Generally, reports are made by phone because the law requires an oral report. Sometimes DHS may ask for additional written material, such as medical exams, when the information is needed to assess the condition or safety of the child. Most DHS Child Protective Services offices are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. In The Dalles reports after those hours can be made by calling local city Police or the County Sheriff Department. When a report is made to DHS, it is shared with appropriate law enforcement agencies and vice versa. You only need to report to one or the other.

Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (Service Delivery Area 9):

Wasco-Sherman County: 541-298-5136
Open 8am-5pm, located at 700 Union Street, The Dalles, Oregon (on the second floor).
Gilliam-Wheeler County: 541-384-4252
Hood River County: 541-386-2962

Law Enforcement Agencies

Police: 9-1-1 (Emergency, if the abuse is currently taking place)
Police: 541-296-2233 (non-emergency, if the abuse is not currently happening but it is after normal business hours.)
Wasco County Sheriff's Office: 541-296-5454 (non-emergency, if the abuse is not currently happening but it is after normal business hours.)

Do I have to prove abuse occurred?

No. Your report is a request for an assessment to be made. The law clearly states you must report any reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused, then either a CPS-trained worker or a law enforcement officer will conduct an assessment. Sometimes DHS will get additional information about the situation, showing it was not abuse. It was still appropirate for you to have made that report.

How do you define 'child abuse'?

Child abuse and neglect are defined by Oregon law (ORS 419B.005-ORS 419B.045). Abuse is usually an action taken against a child, and neglect is usually the lack of care. Oregon law includes neglect as a category of abuse. Six different categories are listed:

1	Physical abuse There were 1,559 children physically abused in Oregon in 2000. The most common injuries are: bruises or cuts, head injuries and shaken baby syndrome, poisoning, including drug-affected infants, fractures, sprains, burns or scalds, internal injuries, electric shocks, death.
2	Abandonment & Mental Injury There were 728 children subjected to mental injury in Oregon in 2000. Mental injury includes: rejecting, abandoning or extensive rediculing of a child, terrorizing a child by threatening extreme punishment against him or his pets or possessions, ignoring a child over time by refusing to talk to or show interest in her daily activities. This must be so extreme there is no traditional parent-child relationship between the two. Isolating a child by teaching him to avoid social contact beyond the parent-child relationship. Corrupting a child by teaching inapprorpate behavior in areas such as aggression, sexuality, or substance abuse, exposing a child to violence. Allowing or forcing a child to repeatedly watch domestic violence against his parent or siblings.
3	Sexual abuse There were 1,185 children sexually abused in Oregon in 2000. Sixty-five percent of sex abuse occurred within the family. Child sexual abuse occurs when a person over the age of 18 years uses or attempts to use a child for their own sexual gratification. This includes incest, rape, sodomy, sexual penetration, fondling, exposure/voyeurism, sexual harrassment, sexual exploitation (prostitution, pornography, using children to gain money, drugs, food stamps, etc.). Abusers use threats to keep children quiet.
4	Neglect In 2000, there were 2,632 child victims of neglect in Oregon. Neglect is failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical care. Neglect is one of the most common contributors to child fatalities. Neglect includes exposing a child to illegal activities such as: encouraging a child to participate in drug sales, theft, etc., exposing a child to parental drug abuse, theft, etc., encouraging a child to use drugs or alcohol. Children must have supervision to protect them from harm. Children should not be given responsibilities beyond their abilities. When is leaving a child unattended considered neglect? Safe child care includes: a designated person who can take care of a child's individual needs, and a plan to reach the parent in an emergency. A child should not be left in a position of authority or be left alone in situations beyond his ability to handle. The law does not specify the age at which a child can be left alone, however, a child under age 10 cannot be left unattended for such a period of time as may likely endanger their health or welfare (ORS 163.545).
5	Threat of Harm (Oregon Law) There were 6,644 incidents of threat of harm in Oregon in 2000. Threat of harm is subjecting a child to a substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare. Substantial harm is defined as immobilizing impairment, life-threatening damage, or significant or acute injury to a child's physical, sexual, psychological, or mental development and/or functioning. The presence of domestic violence is a risk for children. Any action, statement, written, or non-verbal message which is serious enough to make a child believe s/he is in danger of being abused. Note: Threat of Harm isn't always easy to identify. As long as the potential for serious harm exists, the incident can be considered Threat of Harm. The child does not have to have actually suffered harm, only to have been exposed to the *risk* of substantial harm. An unsupervised two-year old wandering in the street does not have to be hit by a car to be considered at Threat of Harm. If a convicted child sex offender moves into the house where a child lives, the offender does not have to rape the child to be considered a Threatened Harm to the child. If a child is in the same room during a domestic violence incident or being held by a parent who is being battered, the child does not have to be hit to be considered at risk of serious harm. When should domestic violence be reported as child abuse or neglect? Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and/or coercive behaviors including physical, sexual and emotional abuses, as well as economic coercion that adults use against their intimate partners to gain power and control in that relationship. Domestic violence is present in all cultures, socio-economic classes, communities of faith, etc. Domestic violence almost always increases in intensity, severity and/or frequency. The presence of domestic violence is a risk for children. Hwoever, not all situations of domestic violence require a report to DHS or law enforcement. DHS's authority to intervene with families is based on whether a child is being physically abused, sexually abused, neglected, suffering mental injury, or is being subjected to an activity or condition likely to result in substantial harm. A report to DHS or law enforcement is necessary when there is reasonable cause to believe: 1) there is current domestic violence or the alleged abuser has a history of domestic violence AND 2) one of the following: There is reason to believe the child will or is intervening in a violent situation, placing him at risk of "substantial harm." The child is likely to be "harmed" during the violence (being held during violence, physically restrained from leaving, etc.). The alleged abuser is not allowing the adult caregiver and child access to basic needs, impacting their health or safety. The alleged abuser has killed, committed "substantial harm," or is making a believable threat to do so to anyone in the family, including extended family members and pets. The child's ability to function on a daily basis is substantially impaired by being in a constant state of fear. If you know a child is witnessing repeated or serious domestic violence and you are unsure of the impact on the child, call and consult a CPS screener.
6	Buying or selling a child Includes buying, selling, or trading for legal or physical custody of a child. Does not apply to legitimate adoption or domestic relations planning.

What if I am not sure if I should make a report?

If you have questions about whether or not to report, please call your local DHS office to consult with them. They can tell you if it is a situation that should be formally reported. Sometimes different people have different information about a child. You might be the second or third person to call about a particular child, giving DHS the critical piece of information they need to be able to help.

Voluntary reporters have legal immunity as long as the reports are made in good faith. It is a fact of life that children have accidents and get injured. CPS and law enforcement always consider that an accident or illness may have caused a child's injury when assessing abuse allegations. Your report may prompt an investigation, but is the investigator's responsibility to determine if abuse has occurred. You will be protected under Oregon Law, provided your report is made in good faith. Sometimes DHS will get additional information about the situation, showing it was not abuse. It was still appropirate for you to have made that report.

Making a child abuse report

Either DHS or a law enforcment officer will need a specific allegation of abuse before they can conduct an investigation. If you have a concern about a child, and you have a relationship with him or her that allows it, you could ask the child about your concern in a non-threatening, non-leading way. General questions like, "Is there anything wrong?" or "You look upset, is there something you want to talk about?" may help encourage him or her to talk to you.

DHS cannot respond unless there is a specific allegation of abuse. "Mary seems withdrawn and quiet," is not an allegation of abuse. If Mary comes to school with bruises on her face and tells you, "I don't want to go home because my mom hit me," you should report it.

Always pay close attention when a child tells you about being abused. If possible, provide as much information about the abuse as possible:

Names and addresses of child and parent
Child's age
Type and extent of abuse
Any previous evidence of abuse
Explanation for abuse
Information to help establish the cause of abuse or the abuser

You do NOT need to know the name of the abuser before you report. The more information you can provide DHS, the easier the assessment will be for the child and family.

Also, the more quickly you get the information to DHS/CPS, the more likely they can respond effectively. Bruises and other physical marks can fade, and it is important for the investigators to have as complete a picture as possible.

After the report is made, CPS follows a process which includes six possible decision points for every child abuse report:

Screening
Assessment
Determine whether abuse occurred
Decide if the child is safe at home
Agree on a plan for services
Close the protective services case

Who is a Mandatory Reporter?

Seventy-five percent (75%) of the child abuse reports made last year were made by mandatory reporters. In some cases, especially for small children, you may be the only person outside their family who sees them. The information you have is vital.

As a mandatory reporter, if you have reasonable cause to believe a child with whom you have had contact is being abused or a person has abused a child, you must tell either the Department of Human Resources CPS office, or a law enforcement agency (city or state police, sheriff or county juvenile department).

Oregon law defines mandatory reporters. A mandatory reporter is anyone who works in the following occupations:

Physician, including interns and residents.
Dentist.
School employee.
Licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
Employee of the Department of Human Resources, State Commission on Children and Families, Child Care Division of the Employment Department, the Oregon Youth Authority, a county health department, a community mental health and developmental disabilities program, a county juvenile department, a licensed child-caring agency, or an alcohol and drug treatment program.
Peace officer.
Psychologist.
Clergy.
Licensed clinical social worker
Optometrist.
Chiropractor.
Certified provider of day care or foster care, or an employee thereof.
Attorney.
Naturopathic physician.
Licensed professional counselor.
Licensed marriage and family therapist.
Firefighter or emergency medical technician.
A court appointed special advocate, as defined in ORS 419A.004.
A child care provider registered or certified under ORS 657A.030 and 657A.250 to 657A.450.

When does confidentiality override the need to report abuse?
If you are a mandatory reporter, your obligation to make a report applies regardless of whether or not your knowledge of the abuse was gained in your official capacity. Those people who have been granted the right of privileged communication by ORS 40.225 to 40.295 are not required to report information about abuse if the information is gained in a situation where the professional/client relationship is protected. If you have any questions, contact DHS or your licensing board.

What if a mandatory reporter doesn't report?

Mandatory reporters must make a formal report to DHS or law enforcement agencies. Reporting abuse to your work supervisor does not exempt you from the mandatory requirement of reporting. The report must be made by you. If you are a mandatory reporter and you do NOT report, you may face:

Criminal penalties
Civil lawsuits
Loss of professional accreditation

Failure to report is a crime, and carries a maximum penalty of $1,000.

Mandatory reporters have also been successfully sued for damages in civil court for failing to report. Some reporters have lost their professional certification for failing to report.

Should I make a report to my work supervisor?

As a mandatory reporter, you must report to DHS or a law enforcement agency; telling your supervisor does not fulfill your legal obligation. Your employer may have interenal policies asking you to inform your supervisor or other staff members. That is fine as long as you also make a formal report to DHS or law enforcement. It is important that DHS has an opportunity to talk to the person closest to the original source of information, so they can get all relevant details.

Isn't it better to let families work out their own problems?

There are two good reasons to report abuse.

First, it is required by law. Some parents are simply unable or unwilling to protect their own children. The State of Oregon has declared that the health and safety of children is so important that mandatory reports and investigations are necessary.

Second, if a family is abusive, they can be given professional help to learn how to be better parents. Almost every parent wants what is best for his or her children, including many parents who are abusive. Some people have not developed the skills necessary to provide the care children need. DHS often tries to work with the family to identify problems and help the parents develop the parenting skills they need. In many cases, a report of abuse will be the catalyst for a parent to mature, develop goals, and recognize the vital role they play in their children's lives, and to help the family learn the skills they need to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

Will DHS prosecute abusive parents?

No. Only a district attorney can prosecute a crime. District attorneys receive reports of possible criminal behavior from law enforcement officers.

Will DHS report to the INS?
No. DHS does not report to the Immigration and Naturalization Services.

How will children react after a report is made?

Even if abuse has occurred, it may be hard for the child to admit it, and it will be even harder for the child to keep telling his story to the social workers, police officers, lawyers, and others who may be involved in an abuse case.

How his family reacts will greatly affect how he reacts. Sometimes the non-abusing parent will immediately believe his story and support him. Somethimes parents or siblings do not believe him and will pressure him to change his story.

Children are not usually removed from their homes when abuse is found. However, if a removal is necessary, DHS will try to maintain ties the child has to family, friends, schools, etc.

All children react to stress differently. Some may act out, some may get depressed, etc. the important thing is to realize that the period after an abuse report is made is difficult for children and they need special attention and care from you.

Can I find out what happens to the child following a report?

You can be told:

If DHS can do an assessment.
If the report is founded.

What should I say to a child who tells me s/he is being abused?

Let the child know she or he is not responsible for the abuse. Don't look shocked, and don't talk about blaming anyone. Tell the child you will get in touch with people who can help he/him, and let the child know s/he may have to talk to those people.

Take any story of abuse seriously and report it. Don't force her/him to tell more than s/he is ready to reveal. This is a very difficult time for children, and they need your understanding, support and patience.

All you need to do is report a suspicion of abuse, not prove it happened. It is the job of DHS/CPS and law enforcement agencies to determine if abuse has, in fact, occurred.

How often do children lie about being abused?

Very rarely. Studies have shown that only 2-5% of all sexual abuse reports were deliberate lies by children. It is much more common for adults to misunderstand or misconstrue a situation.

After I report, will my name be made public?

The only time a reporter's name can be released is by a court order. However, you might have to testify at juvenile court or criminal court proceedings about the child's condition. DHS does not inform the family as to the identity of the reporter. However, depending on the circumstances, a family might accurately guess who made the report.

Can I be sued by the parent for making a report?

Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from liability in connection with the report.

What if the abuse happened a long time ago?

You should still report it. The abuser may have access to other children, and his/her earlier history could be important. There is no statute of limitations on the reporting of child abuse.

If a child is being abused, will DHS/CPS remove her/him from the home?

About 11% of total child abuse reports result in a child being removed from home and placed in relative or substitute care (28% of family foster care is relative care). Even while in foster care, the goal for the child is to reunite her/him with family whenever possible. Family visits and other services are offered to help the family learn the skills they need to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

Other DHS / CPS Branch Office Phone Numbers by Service Delivery Area (SDA)

SDA 1
Clatsop County:	(toll free) 800-643-4606
Columbia County:	(toll free) 800-428-1546
Tillamook County:	(toll free) 877-317-9911
SDA 2
Multnomah County:	503-731-3100
SDA3
Marion County:	(toll free) 800-854-3508
Marion County - Woodburn:	(toll free) 800-358-2571
Polk County:	503-623-8118
Yamhill County:	(toll free) 800-822-3903
SDA 4
Benton County:	541-757-4121
Lincoln County:	(toll free) 800-305-2850
Linn County:	(toll free) 800-358-2208
SDA 5
Lane County:	(toll free) 866-300-2782
SDA 6
Douglas County:	(toll free) 800-305-2903
SDA 7
Coos County:	(toll free) 800-500-2730
Curry County:	(toll free) 800-510-0000
SDA 8
Jackson County:	541-776-6120
Josephine County:	(toll free) 800-930-4364

a2z

SDA 9
Wasco-Sherman County:	541-298-5136
Gilliam-Wheeler County:	541-384-4252
Hood River County:	541-386-2962
SDA 10
Crook County:	541-447-6207
Deschutes County:	541-388-6161
Jefferson County:	541-475-2292x310
SDA 11
Klamath County:	541-883-5570
Lake County:	(toll free) 888-811-4201
SDA12
Morrow County	541-481-9482
Umatilla County - Pendleton	(toll free) 800-547-3897
Umatilla County - Hermiston	(toll free) 877-488-4939
SDA 13
Baker County:	(toll free) 800-646-5430
Union County	541-963-8571 x 270
Wallowa County	541-426-4558
SDA 14
Grant County	541-575-0728
Harney County	541-573-2086
Malheur County	(toll free) 800-445-4273
SDA 15
Clackamas County	(toll free) 800-628-7876
SDA 16
Washington County:	(toll free) 800-275-8952

This information has been taken (with slight adaptation) from "What You Can Do About Child Abuse," published November 2001 by the Oregon Department of Human Services, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

For a hard copy of this pamphlet (PAM 9061 Rev. 12/01), contact:
Oregon Department of Human Services
DHS Distribution Center
5500 Airport Road SE
Salem, OR 97310

DHS is especially happy to provide copies for child abuse prevention trainings and for trainings of mandatory reporters.

For more information about preventing child abuse, contact:

Prevent Child Abuse America
200 South Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
www.preventchildabuse.org
www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org

This page was last updated on March 17, 2003

This site is maintained by THUNDERBOLT DESIGNS
P.O. BOX 294 " THE DALLES, OREGON 97058 USA " 541-980-4832
Email the Web Concierge at:
WEB SITE URL: http://a2zgorge.info

DISCLAIMER: A2Zgorge.info is an information and referral service provider and is not liable or responsible for direct services provided by any individual, business or organization listed. Please report any problems you experience directly to the business or organization in question. If you do not receive satisfaction, we suggest you file a report with the Better Business Bureau . The information on this site is for information purposes only, and not to be considered legal advice, or to take the place of consulting an appropriate medical or mental health professional. Would you like to make a correction or an addition?

rss

Карта