Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting

Types of Abuse

Includes:

• Physical injury not accidental
• Mental cruelty causing substantial impairment
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Neglect endangering health or welfare
• Threatened harm or exposure to harmful substances
• Sale of minors
• Exclusions: Reasonable discipline not resulting in the above conditions

Reporting Past Abuse

Report suspected abuse of anyone who is a child at the time of the report. Report suspicions of past abuse if there’s a risk of future harm to a child.

Proof Requirements

Report whenever you have “reasonable cause” to believe abuse occurred. You don’t need proof, as professionals will assess based on your report.

 

How to Make a Report

• Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Reporting: Reports should be made orally in the county where the incident occurred. In Multnomah County, call 503-731-3100 (local) or 800-509-5439 (toll-free). Reports to law enforcement also fulfill reporting obligations. Here is reporting information for other Oregon counties.

What to Include in Your Report

Provide available information without conducting an investigation:

• Child’s name and age
• Nature and extent of abuse, including any prior incidents
• Explanations given for the abuse
• Names and addresses of parents or caregivers
• Any other pertinent details that could identify the cause or perpetrator of abuse

After Reporting

DHS will evaluate reports, and reporters can often obtain general information about the handling of their reports.

Confidentiality & Immunity

Reports are confidential, and reporters acting in good faith are immune from criminal or civil liability.

• DHS website
• Mandatory Reporter training video
• What You Can Do About Child Abuse
• Questions? 

Helen Howell 

Chief Human Resources Officer

helen@lclark.edu