Lo que debe saber
- La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos de SNAP continuarán recibiendo los beneficios adicionales temporales de emergencia en julio
- Aproximadamente 422,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $68 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP
- Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19
- Encuentre recursos para cubrir sus necesidades básicas: marque al 2-1-1 o envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-21, www.211info.org
- Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon
(Salem) – La mayoría de los habitantes de Oregon que reciben beneficios de alimentos del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) recibirán pagos de emergencia en julio.
El gobierno federal ha aprobado pagos de emergencia todos los meses desde marzo del 2020. Esto da a los beneficiarios de SNAP apoyo adicional durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Estos beneficios de emergencia son un apoyo temporal que Oregon puede dar debido a la emergencia de salud pública federal por el COVID-19.
Debido a que el gobierno federal aprobó estos beneficios de emergencia para julio, Oregon también podrá darlos en agosto. Sin embargo, se espera que los beneficios de emergencia terminen cuando la emergencia de salud pública federal llegue a su fin.
En julio, aproximadamente 422,000 hogares que reciben SNAP recibirán aproximadamente $68 millones en beneficios de alimentos adicionales además de sus beneficios regulares de SNAP.
“Sabemos que muchos dependen de estos beneficios adicionales de alimentos de emergencia para tener suficientes alimentos saludables para ellos y sus familias”, dijo Claire Seguin, subdirectora de Programas de Autosuficiencia del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS). “También sabemos que muchos habitantes de Oregon todavía tienen dificultades para cubrir sus necesidades básicas y los alentamos a que se comuniquen con nuestros socios en el 211 y el Banco de Alimentos de Oregon para recibir apoyo durante este momento difícil”.
Los hogares que actualmente reciben SNAP recibirán el pago de emergencia el 12 de julio. Los hogares que no recibieron beneficios en ese primer depósito mensual recibirán el pago de emergencia el 29 de julio o el 2 de agosto.
Las personas que reciben SNAP no tienen que tomar ninguna acción para recibir estos beneficios adicionales ya que se depositarán directamente en sus tarjetas EBT.
Más información sobre los pagos de emergencia en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.
Si tiene preguntas sobre sus beneficios de alimentos de SNAP comuníquese con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de ONE al 1-800-699-9075.
Si su hogar recibe SNAP y sus ingresos o la cantidad de personas que viven en su hogar ha cambiado, eso podría afectar sus beneficios. Es importante asegurar que ODHS tenga su información más reciente.
Puede notificar cualquier cambio en sus ingresos o en su hogar de muchas maneras:
- En línea: ONE.Oregon.gov
- Por correo: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- Por fax: 503-378-5628
- Por teléfono: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711
Recursos para ayudar a cubrir sus necesidades básicas
- Encuentre una despensa de alimentos: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Infórmese sobre programas del gobierno y recursos en la comunidad para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades: Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad de Oregon al 1-855-673-2372 o www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Marque 2-1-1, mande un mesaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211, www.211info.org
- Encuentre recursos locales y apoyo comunicándose con su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Centro de ayuda para el COVID-19 del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon
Administrado por ODHS, SNAP es un programa federal que brinda asistencia de alimentos a aproximadamente 1 millón de familias y personas elegibles de bajos ingresos en Oregon, incluyendo muchos adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades. Los habitantes de Oregon que lo necesiten pueden pedir beneficios como SNAP, cuidado infantil, asistencia en efectivo y Medicaid. Obtenga más información en https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx.
Para información sobre recursos locales en su área, como alimentos o refugio, llame al 2-1-1 o comuníquese con la Conexión para Recursos de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad (ADRC por sus siglas en inglés) del estado al 1-855-ORE-ADRC o al 1-855-673-2372 .
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Sunriver on June 23, 2022. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Bow and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Bow is believed to be traveling to Bend and is known to spend time at the local parks, gas stations and homeless encampments in Bend. She also goes by the name Katie.
Name: Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Hair: Dyed blond
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information: Bow was last seen wearing a fleece red and black button up jacket with a hood.
Sunriver Police Department Case #2022-00003269
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1453942
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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Need to know
- Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will continue to receive temporarily increased emergency food benefits in July
- Approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits
- These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency
- Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
(Salem) – Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in July.
The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency benefits are a temporary support that Oregon can provide because of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.
Because the federal government approved these emergency benefits for July, Oregon will also be able to issue them in August. However, the emergency benefits are expected to end when the federal public health emergency ends.
In July, approximately 422,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $68 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.
“We know that many rely on these additional emergency food benefits to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Claire Seguin, deputy director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”
Current SNAP households will receive emergency allotments on July 12. Emergency allotments will be issued July 29 or Aug. 2 for households who did not receive benefits in the first monthly issuance.
SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards.
More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.
Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.
If your household receives SNAP and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information.
You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways:
- Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/benefits/Pages/index.aspx . For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
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(Salem) – Recently the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS) proposed changes to Administrative Rule 407-044-0310, regarding OTIS investigations into allegations of abuse at child-caring agencies, schools, daycares or by a third party.
ODHS is committed to transparency and recognizes the role transparency plays in identifying and preventing the abuse of children.
“Unfortunately, our previous statements and communication about this proposed rule change were inaccurate,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “This caused confusion about our intentions and many have expressed concern during the public comment period for this proposed rule change. We apologize for the confusion our previous communications have caused and we want to make certain that everyone understands this proposed rule change and why we have proposed it.”
Current ODHS practice related to OTIS investigations of child abuse
Currently ODHS maintains confidentiality of records related to open OTIS investigations. This protects the integrity of open investigations.
Records related to completed OTIS investigations are available through public records requests.
Impact of the proposed rule change
The proposed rule does not change current ODHS practice.
The proposed rule change formalizes current ODHS practice by prohibiting the disclosure of records related to an open investigation of child abuse conducted by OTIS.
This proposed rule change will not impact the disclosure of completed OTIS investigations and completed investigations will continue to be available through public records requests.
Intent of the proposed rule change
ODHS’ intent behind this proposed rule is to provide clarity and transparency to the public that records related to open OTIS investigations cannot be disclosed until an investigation is completed. This rule change may prevent a potential loss of federal funding due to the current lack of clarity on protecting confidential information while an OTIS investigation is still open.
Status of the proposed rule change
ODHS is committed to seeking and considering feedback from all interested members of the public about this proposed rule change. The public comment period for this proposed rule change as been extended to July 11 at 5 p.m. The public can share their concerns or feedback on this proposed rule change in writing by emailing Michelle.h.pfeiffer@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Once the public comment period has ended ODHS will thoroughly consider all public comment submitted, and will share this feedback with the Oregon Legislature. ODHS’ intention is to ensure that it is following their direction and intent when in regards to the transparency of OTIS investigations.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
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(Salem) – Child care reimbursement rates are increasing for providers caring for children of families who receive support with child care expenses through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
ODHS pays child care providers for child care provided to families receiving child care assistance through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
The new child care reimbursement rates are effective June 1, 2022 and increasing due to the passage of House Bill 4005 of the 2022 Legislative Session.
The average monthly reimbursement rates for full-time care are increasing by:
- 18% for family, friend and neighbor care
- Between 6 and 20% for child care centers
- Between 11 and 25% for licensed home-based care
“For many families the cost of child care can be a barrier to meeting their goals and entering and staying in the workforce,” said Claire Seguin, deputy director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “These reimbursement rate increases will ensure families have equal access to quality child care.”
“As our child care system continues to struggle with staffing shortages and lack of child care supply, this is an important first step to ensure our child care providers are paid a fair wage,” said Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “I appreciate the Legislature’s investment in our system and what this will mean for Oregon families who receive support for their child care expenses.”
Actual child care reimbursement rates vary depending on provider type, child age and what community the provider is in. A complete list of reimbursement rates can be found online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/CHILD-CARE/Pages/Rates.aspx.
ERDC helps eligible families pay for work-related child care expenses, including registration and enrollment fees. ERDC is a subsidy program, which means some families, depending on their income, may be required to pay a copay.
TANF supports individuals engaged in the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) program in attaining their goals by providing direct child care payments to providers as well as assistance with enrollment fees.
Oregonians can apply online for ERDC, TANF and other government supports online at One.Oregon.Gov or by phone at 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211 for help finding local resources and supports, including child care in your community.
- Visit www.211info.org for help finding local resources and supports, including child care in your community.
- Oregon Department of Human Services Resources
The Oregon Department of Human Services, Self-Sufficiency Programs operates the Employment Related Day Care program. The Employment Related Day Care program helps working families pay for child care, including registration and enrollment fees. It also works with partners statewide, including the Early Learning Division, to help families find quality child care.
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Salem, OR – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 is a reminder of how important it is to learn how to spot and stop scams. Everyone can learn how to prevent becoming a victim of a scam or help someone else.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have spent less time with family and friends and normal routines changed. This created more opportunities for scammers. Here are some simple ways to spot scams:
Protect your personal information
• Scammers often pose as bank staff, health care providers, government officials or a person from a trusted organization. They then ask for personal or financial information.
• Anytime you get asked for private information, be careful. Be especially cautious if you didn’t expect the request.
• Only communicate with people you know on the phone, by email, on social media or a text message.
• Be sure you know who you are talking to, before sharing information.
Take your time
• Don’t let anyone pressure you to act fast. Scammers often claim if you don’t respond right away, you’ll get in trouble or you’ll lose out on something.
• People and organizations you can trust won’t pressure you.
• Be cautious about special offers
• If a person offers you a cure or treatment, prize, loan, deal or an investment that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t sign documents that you don’t understand. A person may ask you to wire money or buy pre-paid debit cards or gift cards. This is the easiest way for scammers to get their hands on your money. Don’t do it!
Be suspicious if you’re asked to keep a secret
• Scammers often pose as a relative, neighbor or friend. They will tell you not to tell anyone they asked for help. They also sometimes claim a special opportunity needs to be secret.
• By asking you to keep this secret, scammers are trying to avoid being caught.
Seek help if you think you’re a scam victim
• Anyone can become a victim of a scam. If you think you’ve been scammed, ask for help from a trusted family member or friend.
• It is important to act quickly to protect yourself.
• Don’t be embarrassed. You didn’t do anything wrong. Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people. Millions of people become victims each year.
• Anyone can be a victim, and everyone can prevent a scam.
You may download an English flyer, and a Spanish flyer, with these tips.
Additional information
To find out more about how to spot common scams that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to: https://go.usa.gov/xJ5ka
To join the Scam Alert Network, go to: https://go.usa.gov/xJXrV
To learn more about consumer protection resources in Oregon, go to: https://go.usa.gov/xJXYc
Scams: If you spot them, you can stop them!
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington.
Bow, age 16, is a child in foster care who went missing from Sunriver on June 9. She was found June 10.
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Sunriver on June 9, 2022. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Bow and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Bow is believed to be traveling to Bend and is known to spend time at the local parks, gas stations and homeless encampments in Bend. She also goes by the name Katie.
Name: Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Hair: Dyed blond
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information: Bow was last seen wearing a fleece red and black button up jacket with a hood.
Sunriver Police Department Case #2022-00002988
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1450997
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Resilience and Emergency Management is providing $7 million in grant funds, equipment and other assistance to local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations to support cleaner air, warming and cooling shelters in communities throughout Oregon.
In 2021 and 2022 the Oregon Legislature passed legislation to support communities’ efforts to prepare for the 2022 extreme weather and wildfire seasons:
- Senate Bill 726 of the 2021 Legislative Session provides $5 million in grant funds and equipment to support cleaner air spaces for emergency purposes, such as when wildfire smoke makes breathing difficult.
- Senate Bill 1536 of the 2022 Legislative Session provides $2 million to support cooling, warming and cleaner air spaces for when extreme weather or wildfire creates unhealthy conditions for people.
The grant funds awarded may be used for initial program startup costs; the purchase, installation or improvement of air filtration system improvements; the set up or improvement of warming, cooling and cleaner air spaces.
“Many Oregon communities were blanketed with wildfire smoke over the last several years that caused unhealthy conditions for people with breathing problems,” said Ed Flick, director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “People living in homes without adequate air filtration and the houseless were unable to escape this unhealthy air. This created unhealthy conditions for many Oregonians. This legislative funding will help provide safe spaces during wildfire smoke events, as well as better support for warming and cooling spaces. This is an important step forward in helping Oregonians during extreme weather events.”
Application for the support is simple, representatives of local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations just need to notify ODHS of their interest online at https://arcg.is/v4y4v and ODHS will contact them as quickly as possible.
More information is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/EmergencyManagement/Pages/emergency-shelter.aspx
About the Oregon Department of Human Service’s role in emergency management
Oregon’s emergency and recovery plans give the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) responsibility to support impacted Oregonians during emergencies and recovery, at the request of and in partnership with local and tribal governments. This is in keeping with the agency’s primary role to assist people in meeting their basic needs while moving toward independence. ODHS is responsible for supporting the sheltering, feeding, emergency assistance and human services needs of people impacted by disasters. In this role, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management coordinates efforts among local and Tribal governments and nongovernmental organizations.
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(Medford, Ore.) - The Collaborative, a center for transformation and collaboration in service of women and gender diverse individuals, opened its doors in Jackson County this past month. This is a combined effort between the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Child Welfare Division and Self Sufficiency Programs, Jackson County Community Justice (JCCJ) and The Pathfinder Network (TPN). These three agencies will now be housed together with a mission to cultivate a space in service to participants, so they and their children and families can thrive in our community.
"It is inspiring to see the missions of all three agencies coming together to cultivate such a needed, intentional and innovative impact in this community. I am so proud of The Collaborative," says Leticia Longoria-Navarro, Executive Director of the Pathfinder Network.
The Collaborative's vision is to co-create holistic pathways to integrated and responsive services and supports. Efforts will focus on:
- Mitigating the impacts of trauma
- Decreasing social isolation for impacted community members
- Preventing misuse of substances
- Employing community-wide approaches to reducing harm associated with behavioral health issues
- Ensuring access and coordination of services
The Collaborative focused on redesigning its space to foster an inclusive and welcoming space, where individuals feel comfortable seeking support for themselves and their families. The voices of individuals who would use the space led the redesign. Former and current participants describe the environment as welcoming, calm, comfortable, safe and warm.
"The Collaborative is a great example of how we are putting the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation into action by creating a space where children and families are supported holistically across systems," says Kimberlee Whitney, Child Welfare District Manager. "Thank you to our partners within ODHS, Pathfinder Network and Jackson County for making this effort come to life."
Team members from all three agencies will support participants in their engagement with parole and probation and ODHS through a trauma, gender and culturally responsive approach and provide peer support in a space intentionally created to provide the best services and support. Individuals are welcomed in by team members as they enter the "living room" and are connected to staff in the building to assess their needs, connect them to resources, make referrals to other community resources, sign them up for group services and events at the center and provide on the spot peer support.
The Collaborative is a one stop shop for services that are working toward eliminating the barriers of access to services by working to stabilize families during a stressful time. Involvement within systems increases the likelihood of negative outcomes and costs for communities. The goal is to see better outcomes for individuals and families by providing evidence-based support and services.
"By putting people first, the outcomes will follow. We know that relationships, connections and focusing on strengths lead to people being successful,” says Eric Guyer, Director of Jackson County Community Justice. “This in turn results in increased public safety for the community. To do this work in partnership with professionals with lived experience is truly innovative, effective and an honor to be a part of.”
This effort would not have been possible without the integral partnership and support of AllCare Health, Jackson Care Connect and the Oregon Community Foundation, Creativity and Innovation Fund. Thank you to our partners.
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About the ODHS Child Welfare Division
The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is committed to transforming itself to better support the individual needs of families and to best serve Oregon’s children and young people. Read the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation to learn more.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
About Jackson County Community Justice
Jackson County Community Justice’s mission is to enhance community safety by creating lasting behavior change in individuals on community supervision. The Parole and Probation Officers in the Gender-Responsive Unit utilize evidence-based practices and programs designed to change criminal beliefs and behaviors using a relational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach. The Probation Officer works collaboratively with the individual to set goals, make treatment referrals, complete assessments and engage in skill building. Learn more on the Jackson County website.
About The Pathfinder Network
The Pathfinder Network provides justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in our communities. We envision communities that welcome all people, provide second chances, and create pathways to change. We believe all people have the capacity to change. We honor the dignity and worth of every individual, engage our clients and employees with compassion, and bring excellence to all we do. Learn more on the Pathfinder Network website.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) joined with community centers and partners in Klamath and Lake counties to co-host two fun, informational resource fairs that are tailored for older adults. The two free events are open to everyone. They will feature speakers, activities, giveaways, information and resource booths as well as lunch.
The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), in coordination with the APD Adult Protective Services Program, is co-hosting the events with the Klamath & Lake Counties Council on Aging, the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, Lake County Senior Center and other community partner agencies. Information provided will include tips on how to avoid the latest scams in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in June.
Here is more information on how to attend:
Klamath Falls Informational Event and Resource Fair
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
Where: Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, 2045 Arthur St., Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97603
Lakeview Informational Event and Resource Fair
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Where: Lake County Senior Center, 11 N. G St., Lakeview, Oregon 97630
Other details and accessibility: Lunch will be served at both events beginning at 11 a.m. For general questions as well as questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, contact Diane Mest at (541) 885-7628 or send an email to diane.mest@dhsoha.state.or.us.
The Oregon Disabilities Commission, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon are hosting a Lunch and Learn webinar series in July in recognition and celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The series will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays throughout July. Members of the public are welcome to participate.
Topics by date are:
• July 5: Intersections and Conflicts – The ADA and Impacts of COVID-19 Protocols
• July 12: Caregiver Workforce Shortages – Consumers Scramble for In-Home Services
• July 19: Dangerous Assumptions – Understanding Audism and Changing Perspectives About Communication
• July 26: Evolution of the ADA – Past, Present, and Future
Please register in advance through the event web page on Zoom. More information about the series will be provided on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.
The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided.
For questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, contact OregonDisabilities.Commission@dhsoha.state.or.us.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Trenton Yellowtail.
Trenton, age 14, is a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on May 26. He was found May 29.
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington.
Bow, age 16, is a child in foster care who went missing from Bend on May 27. She was found May 30.
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Trenton Yellowtail, age 14, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on May 26. He is believed to be in danger.
Trenton is suspected to in the Lents neighborhood of Portland. He may also be trying to travel to Washington or Montana.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Trenton and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.
Name: Trenton Yellowtail
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: June 3, 2007
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 170 pounds
Hair: Dark brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Trenton often wears a hoodie. When he was last seen his face was swollen due to injuries.
Gresham Police Department Case #22-19408
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1451699
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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(Salem, Ore.) – The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is seeking public comment on changes to its administrative rules. The public may testify at public hearings or submit written comments from Wednesday, June 1, 2022 through Thursday, July 21, 2022.
VR seeks input on the proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 582-070-0030 Limitations of Payments. All input will be reviewed, and the proposed rules may be modified as a result of public input during this period. Proposed changes include:
- Clarify the rule contents
- Update references to Vocational Rehabilitation as the Program
- Remove gender designation (he/she, his/hers with they, them, theirs)
- Change to a contribution schedule for financial needs tests that will be adjusted annually
- Remove OAR 582-070-0030 (7) Services Not Provided: (k) Gender reassignment surgery
The proposed rules will be posted on the VR Policies web page.
Updates to OAR 582 align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014 and with state and federal requirements.
How to comment or provide testimony:
- Email: Send comments to VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us
- Mail: Send written testimony to:
Oregon Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation
Robin Brandt, Policy Analyst
500 Summer Street NE, E-87
Salem, Oregon 97310-1018
- Attend virtually: Participate using Zoom on your computer or by phone.
- Phone: During the hearing, dial in as indicated for each meeting.
Public Hearings for OAR 582-070-0030 Limitations of Payments
Public hearings will be held virtually on June 22 from 9-10 a.m. and June 28 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Staff will be available for comments for at least 30 minutes after the hearing starts. The hearings end when comments conclude and will be recorded. ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided at every public hearing.
You can request accommodation in other languages, large print, braille or any other format you prefer to submit public comment or attend a public hearing. Contact Robin Brandt at 503-507-5226 or by email at VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or have a speech disability. Please let us know of any accommodations at least a week in advance. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.
Time: June 22, 2022 9 a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
- Join ZoomGov Meeting
- Meeting ID: 160 383 6216
- Passcode: 857829
- One tap mobile
- +16692545252,,1603836216#,,,,*857829# US (San Jose)
- +16468287666,,1603836216#,,,,*857829# US (New York)
Time: June 28, 2022 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
- Join ZoomGov Meeting
- Meeting ID: 161 146 0217
- Passcode: 592685
- One tap mobile
- +16692545252,,1611460217#,,,,*592685# US (San Jose)
- +16468287666,,1611460217#,,,,*592685# US (New York)
To receive notice of future public hearings, subscribe to receive email updates from Vocational Rehabilitation.
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About Vocational Rehabilitation: Oregon Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job or advance in their career that matches their skills, interests and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success
UPDATE: A previous version of this alert did not include a picture of Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington. This version does include a picture of her. No other edits were made to this alert.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Bend on May 27, 2022. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Bow and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Bow is known to spend time at the local parks, gas stations and homeless encampments in Bend. She also goes by the name Katie.
Name: Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Hair: Dyed blond
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information: Bow was last seen wearing a fleece red and black button up jacket with a hood.
Bend Police Department Case #22-28935
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1450997
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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