Child Safety

Keeping children safe while supporting families

Making sure children are safe and families have the resources they need is central to our work at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). We believe that children do best growing up in a family. We are working with partners across Oregon to transform the child welfare system. Our goal is to keep more children at home and in their communities, provide help early, and reduce stress and trauma.

Find a Child Welfare office Resources for families Frequently asked questions

Reporting child abuse

If you think a child is being abused, call 855-503-SAFE (7233). Trained child welfare screeners will talk with you about your concerns and decide if follow up or referrals are needed.

How to report child abuse or neglect

Safe surrender of a newborn baby

Oregon's Safe Haven Law

A parent can leave a newborn baby (60 days old or younger) in the physical custody of a staff member at an authorized safe location.

An authorized safe location is a hospital, doctor's office, birthing clinic, police station or fire station.
Physical custody is when the parent hands the baby to a staff member.
A staff member is an employee, agent, doctor or other medical professional who works at the authorized location.
The parent does not have to give their name or any information about themselves or the infant.

The parent will not face criminal charges as long as the baby is 60 days old or younger, has no signs of abuse or neglect, and is given to someone who works at the authorized location.

Information for parents

This is a big decision. If you need support, want to talk to someone or want information on adoption, counseling or other resources:

Call 211
Visit the 211 info website

Information for authorized facilities

When an infant is left at an authorized facility, staff must:

Notify ODHS within 24 hours by calling 855-503-SAFE (7233).
Share all information they have about the infant with ODHS.

By law, ODHS has protective custody of the infant from the moment the infant is left at the facility. ODHS must follow Oregon's laws regarding the infant, as outlined in ORS Chapter 419B.