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Who must tell
Saturday, November 26, 2005 9:16 AM PST
Certain people are required by Oregon law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the local Department of Human Services child welfare office or a law enforcement agency. Mandatory reporters include a:
physician, including any intern or resident, dentist, licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, optometrist, chiropractor or naturopathic physician;
school employee;
employee of DHS, 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-serving agency, or an alcohol and drug treatment program;
peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician;
member of the clergy;
licensed social worker;
certified provider of foster care or an employee thereof;
child care provider, registered or certified;
attorney;
psychologist, licensed professional counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist;
court-appointed special advocate; or
a member of the legislative assembly.
Answers
Question: What should you do if a child reports abuse to you?
A: Tell the child that you believe him and that you are going to contact people who can help. Respect the privacy of the child. The child will need to tell the story in detail later, so don’t press for details. Don’t display horror, shock, or disapproval of parents, child, or the situation. Don’t place blame or make judgments. Believe the child if he reports sexual abuse. It is rare for a child to lie about sexual abuse.
Question: What information should you report?
A: If possible report the names and addresses of the child and parent; the child’s age; the type and extent of the abuse, as well as any previous evidence of abuse; the explanation given for the abuse; and any other information that will help establish the cause of abuse or identify the abuser.
Question: Is it confidential?
A: The reporter's identity will remain confidential to the full extent allowable by law. If court action is initiated, the reporting person may be called as a witness or the court may order that the reporter’s name be disclosed. Only people with firsthand knowledge of the child's situation can provide testimony.
Source: Oregon Department of Human Services
Web sites
Oregon Department of Human Services
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/index.shtml
SCAR/Jasper Mountain
http://www.scar-jaspermtn.org
Cares Northwest
http://www.caresnw.org/
Children First for Oregon
http://www.cffo.org
Report abuse
Residents on the South Coast and mandatory child abuse reporters should call the following offices to report possible child abuse:
Coos County
756-5500
(800) 500-2730
Curry County
(541) 756-5500
(800) 500-2730
Douglas County
(541) 440-3373
(800) 305-2903 |
