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News Release

ODHS Announces New Online Training On Recognizing And Reporting Child Abuse -04/28/25

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has launched its first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. The training rollout coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month and the announcement of a new safety initiative underway in Child Welfare.

Safety priorities in the initiative include improving safety for children in foster care and children who come to the attention of Child Welfare, in addition to providing training to the public and professionals known as mandatory reporters. Mandatory reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse, and include professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, social work and education fields, among others.

The new online training helps reporters recognize types of child abuse, how to report, and understand when a family needs material or economic assistance. Across the country and in Oregon, efforts to better distinguish between child abuse and neglect and family needs related to poverty are driving family support programs, sometimes called family preservation or prevention.

“We all contribute to child safety not only by being mandatory reporters, but by being mandatory supporters,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Division director. “This training provides the public with the tools needed to recognize signs of abuse that must be reported, as well as understanding when a family needs a community resource or support, rather than a report to the hotline.”

The interactive training takes about an hour to complete and is considered the official Oregon Health Authority and ODHS state course with the most up-to-date guidance on child abuse and effective reporting. Prior to the new training, ODHS used a shorter explanatory video about reporting child abuse.       

  

The course, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Oregon, teaches:

  • How to recognize signs of child abuse and understand the definitions.
  • The role and impact of personal biases when determining whether a report is required.
  • How to make a report and what information to provide to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.
  • What happens after a report is made.
  • How to connect a family with resources.

The training also aims to prevent unnecessary abuse reports. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) receives a high number of calls that are neither reports of child abuse nor require Child Welfare intervention. In 2024, ORCAH, received 176,393 contacts, resulting in 96,246 documented screening reports. Of the documented reports, 46,483, or 27% resulted in Child Protective Services completing an assessment. ORCAH data shows that 80% of reports are from mandatory reporters, largely from representatives of law enforcement, education and the medical field.

Data in Oregon and nationally show that Black and/or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native families are disproportionately reported to child welfare. The training addresses how reporters can recognize their personal biases, including how they view a child or family in need.

“We hope the training will help reduce disproportionality in reporting and get families connected to the services they need to thrive,” Flint-Gerner said. “Child safety is about early intervention in communities whenever possible, so that children who are unsafe get help quickly, and families who need resources get connected to supports. Prevention and early intervention are where the public and mandatory reporters can really make a difference.”


The new training is available on the Reporting Child Abuse web page in partnership with Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE).


 

Resources

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

Child Welfare Highlights Strategies To Lead Child Safety Reform In Oregon -04/23/25

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Child Welfare Director is sharing details of a broad effort underway to improve safety for children in foster care and children who come to the attention of Child Welfare through a call to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.

“The safety of children is our highest priority, and while the Child Welfare system has significantly improved in recent years, we know there is more work to do to ensure children are safe, both in our care and in the community,” said ODHS Child Welfare Director, Aprille Flint-Gerner.

Improvement plans are focused on the following goals:

  • Workforce development: Child Welfare needs a strong, supported workforce with access to resources, tools and knowledge to keep children safe. Initiatives in this area include enhanced training, changes to assessment policy and procedure, and technology improvements to help caseworkers work more efficiently.
     
  • Public engagement and trust: To keep children safe, the community needs to understand how to build safety around families and how to report concerns to the Child Abuse Hotline. A new mandatory reporter training for the public, a companion “mandatory supporter training,” and more easily accessible information online about child safety and progress will help meet this goal.
     
  • Vulnerable populations. Oregon faces multifaceted challenges around supporting families and children with complex needs. Child Welfare has safety initiatives around children who have been trafficked, children with disabilities, and children who need substance abuse treatment.

More details on these efforts can be found at this link.

Child Welfare is partnering with national experts to inform strategies and measure success of these ongoing efforts. Human Services Group (HSG) will partner with Child Welfare to conduct a review during the next 90-120 days to evaluate current safety-related practices, make recommendations that build on current practices and resources that help to safeguard vulnerable children in Oregon. The agency is also working with the neutral expert hired through in the collaborative agreement from the class action-lawsuit settled last year to conduct an initial review of the Oregon child welfare system and working with the department to develop outcome measures.

“Safety is core to the mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services, and our staff work hard each day to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children, older adults and people with disabilities,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “We are committed to continuously evaluating our work, to ensure we are doing all we can to support safety in all settings and communities.”

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of ODHS 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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Oregon Extends SNAP Replacement Request Deadline For Harney County Households Impacted By March 16, 2025, Floods, Mudslides, And Power Outages (Photo) -04/21/25

Due to ongoing impacts from the March 16, 2025, floods, mudslides, and power outages in Harney County, Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10-Day Timely Reporting requirement for requesting replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was spoiled or destroyed.

New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits in Harney County
Households in Harney County now have until April 30, 2025, to report food losses related to this event and request replacement SNAP benefits.

Approved County for the waiver extension:
Residents of the following county are eligible for the extended deadline:

  • Harney County

Counties not included in the waiver:
For individuals in all other Oregon counties, the standard 10-day reporting requirement remains in effect. Food spoiled or destroyed in disaster or misfortune must be reported within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits:
Individuals in affected areas can request replacement benefits using one of the following methods:

  • By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY)

  • In person: Visit your local office (find locations at Oregon.gov)

  • By mail: ONE Customer Service Center
    PO Box 14015 Salem, OR 97309

  • By email: Send requests to Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov

  • Online: Submit requests via the ONE online portal

Download and use the updated Form 0349D to make a request:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/de0349d.pdf

Attached Media Files: Oregon extends SNAP replacement request deadline for Harney County - Press Release 041825.pdf,

Oregon Department Of Human Services Joins Local, State And Tribal Partners To Support Flood Relief And Recovery -04/17/25

(Burns, OR) – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is leading coordinated recovery efforts in Harney County, working to strengthen local capabilities and support communities impacted by recent flooding. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is providing life sustaining supports to help Douglas and Harney counties and the Burns Paiute Tribe as they recover from recent flooding. In collaboration with OEM, the American Red Cross Cascades Region, Team Rubicon, faith-based organizations and Harney Hub - a Resilience Hubs and Networks grant recipient - ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) staff are participating in the Harney County Emergency Operations Center and helping connect people to the services they need to recover.
 

As of April 15, 2025, 37 ODHS staff have logged more than 2,683 hours of work dedicated to emergency response since flooding began on March 16, 2025. That is more than 67 full-time workweeks. Contaminated floodwaters created additional health and safety risks, placing early emphasis on shelter and sanitation support. In response, ODHS has provided 63 portable toilets, 33 handwashing stations, three shower trailers, and over 30,000 bottles of water. OREM also coordinated delivery of a 3,500-gallon water tank to Harney District Hospital.
 

While response efforts continue, OREM is supporting the transition to recovery through their State Recovery Function (Social Services). They have deployed Mass Care Response Team members who have worked with the Hines Fire Department to knock on 156 doors, finding 60 households that needed help with debris removal. They have also conducted long-term housing planning and case management for those most impacted.
 

OREM is one of seven State Recovery Functions operating under the coordination of OEM’s Regional Coordination Center (RCC),” OEM Voluntary Liaison Quinn Butler, said “Which helps ensure long-term recovery group development.”
 

OEM is also the lead agency for volunteer and donations management and has been working with philanthropic and private sector networks, as well as voluntary organizations across the nation to share the needs expressed by to these flood-impacted communities and connect them with much needed resources.
 

“I’m proud of the work our team has done to help support safety and health for individuals and families who have been impacted by the flooding – but we’re not in the clear yet,” said Ed Flick, Director of OREM. “As much of our focus now shifts to clean-up and long-term recovery, OREM remains ready to respond if flooding resumes.”
 

Another key component in response efforts is the government-to-government relationship between ODHS and the Burns Paiute Tribe. An ongoing sewage outage impacting the entire Burns Paiute Reservation and much of the City of Burns has further complicated the situation. In response, OREM has provided direct mass care assistance to the Tribe’s emergency manager. Together, they created and distributed a list of urgent community needs. Current priorities include restoring utilities, assessing housing damage, coordinating food and supply deliveries, and supporting long-term recovery planning. These efforts are strengthened through collaboration with partners such as the Oregon Health Authority, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Services, and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

“We are committed to working in partnership with the Burns Paiute Tribe and ensuring that support is coordinated, respectful, and responsive to the community’s needs not just in the moments of crisis, but for the long-term,” said Eli Grove, ODHS OREM Tribal Emergency Coordinator. “It’s also been inspiring to see other Tribes across Oregon step up in solidarity. This kind of intertribal support truly reflects the strength and resilience of Tribal communities.”
 

If you have been impacted by flooding and need help finding resources, call 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org.
 

If you would like to help support survivors, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management has a list of ways you can contribute.
 

Governor Kotek visited Harney County last week. Read more about her support to the community in this news release.

ODHS Encourages People In Oregon To Protect Their EBT Food And Cash Benefits From Electronic Theft (Photo) -04/15/25

Need to know

  • Take steps today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft
  • The ebtEDGE website and mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits
  • People with EBT cards are encouraged to lock their cards when not in use and block out of state and online purchases

(Salem, OR) - Electronic benefit theft is on the rise. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging people to take steps to protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards from electronic theft. Electronic theft includes card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

“We know that many individuals and families in Oregon rely on the food and cash assistance they receive through their EBT cards to meet their basic needs and to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Claire Seguin (she/her), director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “We urge everyone with an EBT card to take these simple steps to protect their benefits .”

How to protect your EBT card

Follow these three top tips for protecting your food and cash benefits:

  • Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, freeze the card for extra protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. 

Visit the ebtEDGE website (ebtEDGE.com) or use the ebtEDGE mobile app and find "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."

  • Block out-of-state and online purchases: You can block these purchases to protect your card from unauthorized use. 

Visit the ebtEDGE website or use the ebtEDGE mobile app and find "Protect My Account" under "Account Services." You can remove blocks at any time.

  • Monitor your EBT account activity:  Make a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. 

​If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately. Cancel your card and call the replacement line at 855-328-6715 or go to an ODHS benefits office.

Remember, the ebtEDGE website and ebtEDGE mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits. Bookmark the ebtEDGE login page (cardholder.ebtedge.com) in your browser for quick access. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play. Do not use any other website or app to check benefits.

And, beware of scams. Only trust social media posts and messages from ODHS official accounts. Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text. We will never ask for your benefits card information on social media.

Go to www.oregon.gov/odhs and search for “protect your EBT card and benefits” for more tips.

If your benefits are stolen

Cancel your card immediately and request a replacement card.

  • Weekdays: Call 855-328-6715.
  • Weekends: Call 888-997-4447 to cancel your card. Then, during weekdays, call 855-328-6715 to request a replacement card.

How to request replacement benefits

SNAP benefits stolen through electronic benefit theft after December 20, 2024, cannot be replaced.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)benefits stolen through electronic theft can be replaced. You can request replacement of stolen TANF benefits by contacting:

Resources to help meet basic needs

Attached Media Files: News Release - EBT Card Safety -040925 Final Final.pdf,

La Pine Oregon Department Of Human Services Re-welcomes Community To Its Newly Renovated, Inviting Space (Photo) -04/11/25

La Pine, Ore. -- Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) in La Pine is holding an open house Wednesday, April 16 starting at 1 p.m. to re-welcome the community to its completely renovated and redecorated office. The La Pine office is located at 16493 Bluewood Place in Bluewood Plaza.

The renovation work started March 6 and was recently completed. The revived office space offers a more welcoming, inviting and visually appealing experience with an emphasis on the comfort for the people they serve.

“This was the first office where we’ve done the work of changing the furniture and uplifting the space based on work functions. From here we will assess how the new furniture system affects workflow and how it is received by the public and by the staff,” Karuna Thompson, ODHS Facilities Director, said.

The next step will be assessing when ODHS buildings need additional space or changes in space. Part of that assessment will be looking at the furniture to decide if there is an actual space need or if using the current real estate in different way can better meet the program needs. Using office space more efficiently can be more cost effective than adding more square footage or moving, which is generally more expensive.

“It’s also important that people should be received with dignity and a sense of welcome and comfort when coming to us for help. We need to explore what trauma informed and culturally responsive spaces can look like for the people we serve,” Thompson said.

“Our office was very outdated. It had mostly mismatched furniture and low ceilings.  We got the leftover furniture from other offices. We made it work, but we had completely overgrown our space. If everyone showed up from all the programs there would not have been enough space for everyone to work,” Gray Evans, Oregon Eligibility Partnership Manager, said. The office also houses the Aging and People with Disabilities and Self-Sufficiency programs, which support people with food benefits, long-term care and other services.  

The office space was hard to get through and often people winding their way through the cubicles got lost. People would call out, “Marco” like in the children’s game. And someone would answer, “Polo,” to find where they were going.

“The layout didn’t work for the workflow. It was like walking into a true mousetrap game,” Thompson said.

During the renovation the office remained open but most of the 18-person staff worked from home. One Eligibility Worker, one Adult Protective Services worker, five Support Staff and Gray worked out of a small conference room so that the office would remain open to the community.

Now the space has light yellow walls, natural wood walls with black accents. The furniture is heather gray and blue gray with pops of orange, lime green and light tan.

“It is so light and bright and happy. It matches the energy that this team brings to work every single day. The space promotes even more collaboration and communication than before. It also shows the team that they matter. They work hard. They deserve equipment that works and promotes the great team that they are,” Gray said.

“We’ve been excited about the possibility of reimaging our space and transforming it from traditional cubicles to a warm, welcoming environment for employees and people we serve.  It was challenging to imagine how different our existing space could look and function. I appreciate our La Pine team being willing to embrace such a large-scale change,” April Munks, District Manager for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, said.

    

One of the best improvements in the office is the interview pod. It has the adaptability to accommodate people in wheelchairs and is also great for families. There’s a couch, which means it’s safer for kids than sitting in a chair that could topple over on a child. The space also promotes visibility for the safety of the staff. The pod also has a refresh button that brings in clean air between uses. Everything is wipeable and cleanable.

“The first client to use the pod was a woman in a wheelchair. Her husband was eyeing the comfortable looking lounge chairs located just outside the pod. She went to the pod. And he went to lounge chair by the window,” Gray said.

“If you think about it, our state of mind is shaped by the space we are in. If you walk into space that is warm and welcoming, it’s better for any business. This is a beginning to invest in people’s – both our staff and our community’s – well-being,” Thompson said.

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Attached Media Files: ODHS La Pine office now offers inviting spaces for staff and visitors., La Pine office after.jpeg,

UPDATE - Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Isaiah Johnson Has Been Found -04/11/25

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Isaiah Johnson.

Isaiah Johnson, age 16 months, is a child who went missing from Oregon City on April 1. He was found April 11.

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess 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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Missing Child Alert – Isaiah Johnson Is Missing And Believed To Be At Risk (Photo) -04/10/25

(Salem) – Isaiah Johnson, age 16 months, went missing with his mother Cierra Rosemon from Oregon City on April 1. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Isaiah may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Isaiah. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Isaiah or Cierra should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the NE Portland area; Vancouver, Washington; or Tacoma, Washington.

Name: Isaiah Johnson
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Dec. 11, 2023
Height: 32 inches
Weight: 24 pounds
Hair: Black and curly
Eye color: Brown
Oregon City Police Department Case #25-007198
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2047766

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess 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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Attached Media Files: Cierra Rosemon.jpg, Isaiah Johnson.jpg,

Oregon Department Of Human Services Launches Brain Injury Program -04/03/25

Salem, OR - The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) launched a new Oregon Brain Injury Program. The program is designed to help individuals with brain injuries navigate and access the services and supports available to them. Services are free and available to anyone in Oregon affected by a brain injury, including family members or others seeking information.

Free help is available through a toll-free phone line that accepts calls Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Services provided include:

  • One-on-one, free and confidential support.
  • Personalized referrals to resources specific to brain injury recovery and management.
  • Comprehensive resource information to help navigate available services and options.

Brain injuries are occurring at more frequent rates in Oregon, according to data published on the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Safety Dashboard. In 2023 alone, there were 38,718 brain injuries that required hospital or emergency department intervention and 1,177 fatal brain injuries in Oregon.

“Oregon’s Brain Injury Program is a step forward in ensuring people in Oregon are supported at every level of need and through every stage of life,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Director of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. “This program will improve access to services for people with brain injuries and take the burden off families who are trying to find support.” 

    

The Brain Injury Program serves people with brain injuries through four key areas:

  • Advocacy: Helping people advocate for their needs and access essential supports.
  • Options Counseling: Offering guidance on understanding and comparing available services and programs.
  • Resource Navigation: Connecting individuals to the right resources, whether medical, therapeutic or social.
  • Service Coordination: Facilitating connections between different service providers to ensure coordinated care and support.

Services are tailored to the needs of each person, ensuring they receive the help that best fits their situation.

The program also reduces barriers that exist as people seek help. Assistance and supports to people with brain injuries are not centralized under one government agency or program. Case managers or social workers who serve as guides for the people they serve are in short supply. The Brain Injury Program helps address these issues by helping people access services across agencies and programs.

“Without a resource like the Brain Injury Program help line, many individuals struggle to access services and resources that are available to them. Our goal with the program was to address the gaps,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.

Oregon’s Brain Injury Program was developed as a result of Senate Bill 420 (2023). Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon was among many advocates and organizations behind development and adoption of Senate Bill 420. "This new program would not exist without the incredible dedication and hard work of hundreds of Oregonians throughout the state who fought tirelessly to make this program a reality. Oregon's Brain Injury Program represents their commitment to making a better future for all of Oregon's brain injury survivors, their families, loved ones, and caregivers,” said David Kracke, Oregon's Brain Injury Advocate Coordinator at CBIRT.

The bill also calls for creation of a Brain Injury Program Advisory Committee, which will advise on the development of programs and activities to address the needs of individuals with brain injuries across the state. The Advisory Committee will be made up of 12 people who have knowledge and experience in brain injuries and who represent all of the geographic areas of Oregon. At least one-third of the members must have experienced a brain injury. Recruitment for the Advisory Committee is open now. Individuals can apply by submitting an application.

More information:

  • Brain Injury Program phone number: 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Interpreting services are available at no cost for people who need help in a language other than English. The Brain Injury Program accepts TTY calls by dialing 711.
  • Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Learn more on the Brain Injury Program webpage