April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we want to make sure everyone in Oregon knows you can call 855-503-SAFE (7233) if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected. To start, it’s important to know the warning signs of abuse. Children often can’t or won’t speak up if they are being abused. They rely on the people around them to recognize something isn’t right. Warning signs include: – Physical signs on the child such as unexplained or unusual injuries. – Things the child says or does such as running away from home, self-harm, or fear of their parent or caretaker. – Things the caretaker says or does such as ignoring the child’s needs or isolating the child. Keep in mind – any single concern may or may not mean a child is being abused. Always consider what is typical for the child, their family, and their culture and community. If you reasonably suspect abuse or neglect, call 855-503-7233 to make a report.
Here’s what will happen next:
- You will talk to a Child Welfare screener.
- They will ask you to give information about the child such as their name, age and where they live (if you know).
- The screener will ask about your concerns, including anything the child has said.
- What you share will be kept private (confidential). Other ways to report child abuse include calling a local police department, county sheriff, county juvenile department or the Oregon State Police.
Still have questions? Check out our guide “What You Can Do About Child Abuse”: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/de9061.pdf
NOTE: Social media is NOT a tool to report suspected child abuse, and we have disabled comments on this post to help prevent potential security issues with commenters sharing private or sensitive information publicly. Please call 855-503-7233 to make a report.
