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Mandatory reporting for DHS employees Note: Mandatory reporting information for other professions can be found under the specific topics on the Abuse & neglect Web page.Children under the age of 18 | Elderly 65 and over | Adults with developmental disabilities | Adults with mental illness | People in nursing homes | Definitions | Failure to report | Resources | Reporting matrix As an employee of DHS you are a Mandatory Reporter. You are required by law to report alleged abuse of the following individuals: children, adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities, the elderly, and individuals in nursing facilities. DHS staff having reasonable cause to believe that an individual has suffered abuse or that any person has abused an individual shall report suspected abuse to the proper authority. If you are uncertain regarding the proper reporting authority, request assistance from your manager. Children under the age of 18 When you must report: You must report child abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This requirement applies whether you observe the abuse or neglect during your work activities or on your personal time.To whom you report: Report either to your local child welfare office (see local office listings) or to your local law enforcement agency. The law that applies: ORS 419B.005 to 419B.045 Elderly, 65 and over When you must report: During your official capacity only.To whom you report: Report to your local DHS office or Area Agency on Aging (see local offices listing), or to local law enforcement. The law that applies: ORS 124.050 to 124.095 Adults with developmental disabilities When you must report: During your official capacity only.To whom you report: Report to your local DHS office or local community developmental disabiltiy program (see local offices listing), DHS Office of Investigations, or to local law enforcement. The law that applies: ORS 430.735 to 430.765 Adults with mental illness When you must report: During your official capacity only.To whom you report: Report to your local DHS office or Area Agency on Aging (see local offices listing), DHS Office of Investigations, or to local law enforcement. The law that applies: ORS 430.735 to 430.765 Residents in nursing facilities When you must report: During your official capacity only.To whom you report: Report to your local DHS office or Area Agency on Aging (see local office listing), or to local law enforcement. The law that applies: ORS441.630 to 441.680 Definitions There are different types of abuse; abuse can be physical abuse, sexual abuse & sexual exploitation, neglect, abandonment & mental injury and threat of harm or physical pain or injury. For specific definition of abuse pertaining to each client population, access the Oregon Revised Statutes.Failure to report There could be criminal and civil penalties for failure to report. For more information regarding these possible penalties, visit the Oregon Revised Statutes website.Resources Official capacity - For more information on the definition of "Official Capacity," contact the Department of Human Services, Office of Human Resource, (503) 947-5415. |
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