Child Safety

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Child Safety

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​​​​Child Abuse in Oregon

The first step toward helping is to recognize signs of child abuse. Children often can’t or won’t speak up if their parents, caregivers, or third-party individuals are abusing them. They rely on you and others in the community to recognize when something isn’t right and to act upon your suspicions in order to  help protect them.

Warning signs include: 

Any single concern may or may not mean that abuse is occurring. But observing any of these indicators –– especially when more than one is present –– should prompt you to think about what might be happening and report your suspicions.​

Oregon’s children are relying on you and others in the community to observe, recognize and report concerns of child abuse. For additional information, review the What You Can Do About Child Abuse Guide​. ​For guidance surrounding recognizing the signs of child abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic, review the Guidance for Helpers in a Virtual Environment​ infographic.​

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​Reporting Child Abuse

Reports are made by phone to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The hotline is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • Suspicion of abuse is all that is necessary to report.
  • Reports are confidential.
  • If known, provide the child's name, age, address, gender, school attended (if possible), and names of parents.
  • You will be asked to describe your concerns for the child including observations and statements made by the child.

​Prevention and Resources

​Families often come in contact with ODHS Child Welfare because they need help. Some partner organizations are listed here:

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​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is child abuse?
  • What happens after I call?​
  • Who is a mandatory reporter?
  • How do I contact a local Child Welfare office?
  • Can I access my case records? 

See the complete list of FAQs