{"id":7069,"date":"2020-01-15T12:49:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T20:49:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/?page_id=7069"},"modified":"2026-04-08T12:46:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:46:54","slug":"mandatoryreportingofchildabuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/mandatoryreportingofchildabuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;3%||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; min_height=&#8221;44px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||7px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#E02B20&#8243; divider_weight=&#8221;8px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; width=&#8221;90px&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;What is \u201cabuse\u201d under the mandatory reporting law?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>As defined by ORS 419B.005, abuse includes, but is not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Any assault of a child and any physical injury to a child caused by other than accidental means<\/li>\n<li>Any mental injury to a child, which shall include only observable and substantial impairment of the child\u2019s mental or psychological ability to function caused by cruelty to the child, with due regard to the culture of the child<\/li>\n<li>Rape of a child, which includes but is not limited to rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and incest<\/li>\n<li>Sexual abuse<\/li>\n<li>Sexual exploitation, including:\n<ul>\n<li>Contribution to the sexual delinquency of a minor<\/li>\n<li>Allowing, permitting, encouraging or hiring a child to engage in prostitution or patronize a prostitute<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child<\/li>\n<li>Threatened harm to a child, which means subjecting a child to a substantial risk of harm to the child\u2019s health or welfare<\/li>\n<li>Buying or selling a child<\/li>\n<li>Allowing a child on the premises where methamphetamine is being manufactured<\/li>\n<li>Unlawful exposure to a controlled substance that subjects a child to risk of harm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;What information do I need to report?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>If possible, provide the following information:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Names and addresses of the child and parent<\/li>\n<li>Child\u2019s age<\/li>\n<li>Type and extent of abuse<\/li>\n<li>The explanation given for the abuse<\/li>\n<li>Any other information that will help to establish the cause of abuse or identify the abuser<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;What if I don&#8217;t report?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Some mandatory reporters have also been sued for damages in civil court for failure to report.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;What if I learn of abuse from a long time ago?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who is a mandatory reporter?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>All \u201cpublic and private officials\u201d as defined by state statute, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>School Employees (Effective January 1, 2013, employees of Oregon higher education institutions are explicitly included in the law as mandatory reporters.)<\/li>\n<li>Certain State Agency\/Commission Employees<\/li>\n<li>Legislators<\/li>\n<li>Peace Officers<\/li>\n<li>Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personnel<\/li>\n<li>Members of the Clergy<\/li>\n<li>Child-Care Providers<\/li>\n<li>Doctors\/Nurses\/Dentists\/Chiropractors\/Optometrists<\/li>\n<li>Psychologists\/Professional Counselors\/Therapists<\/li>\n<li>Social Workers<\/li>\n<li>Foster Care Providers<\/li>\n<li>Attorneys<\/li>\n<li>Coaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Is there a \u201cresearch exemption\u201d under this law?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Please contact the Director of Human Resources about notification of reporting requirements you will need to give your research subjects.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who is a \u201cchild\u201d under the law? Are WOU students included in the definition of a \u201cchild\u201d for the purpose of complying with mandatory reporting requirements?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>A \u201cchild\u201d is any \u201cunmarried person who is under 18 years of age.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who is considered a higher education employee under the statute?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Higher education employees include all WOU faculty and staff, student workers, graduate assistants, and temporary employees.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who is not a mandatory reporter?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s expectation that volunteers, contractors, students and interns will report issues of suspected child abuse to their supervisors.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;As a mandatory reporter, do my reporting obligations under the law end when I am not working or I am not \u201con the job?\u201d&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s official capacity. In other words, the mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of children is a 24-hour-a-day obligation.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who do I contact if I suspect or learn of child abuse?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>You must immediately report to the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or a local law enforcement agency if you have \u201creasonable cause to believe\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>The law requires an \u201coral\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>You do not need to report to both DHS and local law enforcement. A report to one agency will be communicated to the other.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Who do I contact for more information on child abuse and neglect?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Do I have to prove that abuse occurred?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;How do I respond to a child who reports abuse to me?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>The reporter\u2019s 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\u2019s name be disclosed. Only people with firsthand knowledge of the child\u2019s situation can provide testimony proving that abuse has occurred.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Will my report be confidential?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>The reporter\u2019s 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\u2019s name be disclosed. Only people with firsthand knowledge of the child\u2019s situation can provide testimony proving that abuse has occurred.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;30px|25px|25px|25px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0C71C3&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Can I be sued if I report?&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat|700|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Valuable Links&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;17px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|auto|-5px|auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||3px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; positioning=&#8221;relative&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||8px||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Resources<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#E02B20&#8243; divider_weight=&#8221;8px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; width=&#8221;90px&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; min_height=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/DHS\/children\/pages\/index.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\">Oregon Department of Human Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/DHS\/children\/pages\/index.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Report Child Abuse<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.state.or.us\/Forms\/Served\/de9061.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">What You Can do About Child Abuse<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Human Resources Footer&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|5%|19px|5%|false|true&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;The Office of Human Resources provides training in areas&#8230;&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>CONTACT<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Human Resources<\/strong><br \/>\nLieuallen Administration 305<br \/>\n345 Monmouth Ave N | Monmouth, OR 97361<br \/>\n<strong>P: 503-838-8490<\/strong><span>\u00a0|\u00a0<\/span><strong>F: 503-838-8522<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span>|\u00a0<\/span><strong>E-mail:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:hr@wou.edu\">hr@wou.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FAQs What is \u201cabuse\u201d under the mandatory reporting&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1130,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-7069","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7069"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7069\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32842,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7069\/revisions\/32842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}