Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
FAQs
What is “abuse” under the mandatory reporting law?
As defined by ORS 419B.005, abuse includes, but is not limited to:
- Any assault of a child and any physical injury to a child caused by other than accidental means
- Any mental injury to a child, which shall include only observable and substantial impairment of the child’s mental or psychological ability to function caused by cruelty to the child, with due regard to the culture of the child
- Rape of a child, which includes but is not limited to rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and incest
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual exploitation, including:
- Contribution to the sexual delinquency of a minor
- Allowing, permitting, encouraging or hiring a child to engage in prostitution or patronize a prostitute
- Negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child
- Threatened harm to a child, which means subjecting a child to a substantial risk of harm to the child’s health or welfare
- Buying or selling a child
- Allowing a child on the premises where methamphetamine is being manufactured
- Unlawful exposure to a controlled substance that subjects a child to risk of harm.
What information do I need to report?
If possible, provide the following information:
- Names and addresses of the child and parent
- Child’s age
- Type and extent of abuse
- The explanation given for the abuse
- Any other information that will help to establish the cause of abuse or identify the abuser
What if I don’t report?
A mandatory reporter who fails to report is subject to prosecution of a Class A violation of the law, which can result in the imposition of a substantial fine.
Some mandatory reporters have also been sued for damages in civil court for failure to report.
What if I learn of abuse from a long time ago?
If you reasonably believe that another person with whom you come in contact abused a child or suffered child abuse in the past, your reporting obligation has no time limit and you must contact DHS or law enforcement.
Your reporting obligation regarding abuse inflicted on a person is only triggered when the person whom you think may have been abused is still a child (as defined above) at the time you have the reasonable suspicion of abuse. You are still encouraged, however, to provide information to DHS or law enforcement so as to avoid potential future harm by the accused against children currently covered by the law.
Who is a mandatory reporter?
All “public and private officials” as defined by state statute, including:
- School Employees (Effective January 1, 2013, employees of Oregon higher education institutions are explicitly included in the law as mandatory reporters.)
- Certain State Agency/Commission Employees
- Legislators
- Peace Officers
- Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personnel
- Members of the Clergy
- Child-Care Providers
- Doctors/Nurses/Dentists/Chiropractors/Optometrists
- Psychologists/Professional Counselors/Therapists
- Social Workers
- Foster Care Providers
- Attorneys
- Coaches
NOTE: Psychiatrist, psychologist, clergyman, or attorney shall not be required to report information communicated to him or her by a person if the communication is privileged under ORS 40.225 to 40.295.
Is there a “research exemption” under this law?
No, there is no research exemption even if the employee learns of suspected child abuse through research meant to help children (for example, in sex trafficking, parenting, and drug-related research). However, the legal responsibility to report is triggered only when you have reasonable cause to believe that any child with whom you come into contact has suffered abuse or that any person with whom you come into contact has abused a child.
Please contact the Director of Human Resources about notification of reporting requirements you will need to give your research subjects.
Who is a “child” under the law? Are WOU students included in the definition of a “child” for the purpose of complying with mandatory reporting requirements?
A “child” is any “unmarried person who is under 18 years of age.” Some students qualify under this definition and are covered by the mandatory reporting law. In addition, youth participating in academic and athletic camps or high school students attended Advanced Placement courses on campus are covered.
Who is considered a higher education employee under the statute?
Higher education employees include all WOU faculty and staff, student workers, graduate assistants, and temporary employees.
Who is not a mandatory reporter?
Volunteers, contractors, interns or students who are not employees are not mandatory reporters unless their profession is otherwise noted in the list in question. However, it is the University’s expectation that volunteers, contractors, students and interns will report issues of suspected child abuse to their supervisors.
As a mandatory reporter, do my reporting obligations under the law end when I am not working or I am not “on the job?”
No, they do not. Your obligations as a mandatory reporter are specific to you as an individual and are not limited to a time period, location or your role at WOU. By law, mandatory reporters must report suspected abuse or neglect of a child regardless of whether or not the knowledge of the abuse was gained in the reporter’s official capacity. In other words, the mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of children is a 24-hour-a-day obligation.
Who do I contact if I suspect or learn of child abuse?
You must immediately report to the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or a local law enforcement agency if you have “reasonable cause to believe” that any child with whom you come into contact has suffered abuse or that any person with whom you come into contact has abused a child. A law enforcement agency is a local police department, county sheriff, county juvenile department, or the Oregon State Police. For instances that related to WOU-authorized activities, employees are expected to make the report immediately to the local DHS office or local law enforcement. You may also contact the WOU Human Resources Director (503 838-8490 or 503 838-8131) for assistance.
The law requires an “oral” report, so reports are typically made by phone. You may be asked for additional written information from the agency you contact. Most DHS offices throughout the state are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact the Marion/Polk County Child Abuse Hotline at (503) 378-6704. After hours or emergency reports should be made to local law enforcement by calling 911.
You do not need to report to both DHS and local law enforcement. A report to one agency will be communicated to the other.
Who do I contact for more information on child abuse and neglect?
If you need more information on child abuse and neglect, contact the Marion/Polk County Child Abuse Hotline at (503) 378-6704 or the main office number (toll free) 800 854-3508.
Do I have to prove that abuse occurred?
No. A report is not an already established fact, but rather information which triggers an official assessment into the safety and condition of a child. By reporting, you are informing DHS or law enforcement of a situation that requires them to assess the incident. If you have questions about whether or not to report, please call the local DHS office.
How do I respond to a child who reports abuse to me?
The reporter’s identity will remain confidential to the full extent allowable by laws. 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 proving that abuse has occurred.
Will my report be confidential?
The reporter’s identity will remain confidential to the full extent allowable by laws. 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 proving that abuse has occurred.
Can I be sued if I report?
Oregon law (ORS 419.025) provides that anyone participating in good faith in making a report of child abuse and who has reasonable grounds for making the report will have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might occur with respect to the making or content of such report.
Resources
CONTACT
Human Resources
Lieuallen Administration 305
345 Monmouth Ave N | Monmouth, OR 97361
P: 503-838-8490 | F: 503-838-8522 | E-mail: hr@wou.edu