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News Release

New Oregon Department Of Human Services Child Welfare Report Tracks Progress, Challenges - 12/01/25

Salem – This month, the Oregon Department of Human Services published a new, quarterly report with key data points and information showing progress, challenges, and work under way to improve the Child Welfare system.  

 

ODHS historically has provided monthly progress reports to the Governor, but has expanded the format so it can give the public access to more comprehensive information about Child Welfare.  

 

“The work we do in Child Welfare is critical and impacts the lives of families and communities across the state every day,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS Director. “We have heard loud and clear the need for increased transparency about how we are doing and what plans we have in place to make things better. This report is an important step in that direction.”  

 

Highlights in this quarter’s report include: 

  • We are increasing the placement of children with relatives (family and friends), which is crucial for health child and adolescent development.  

  • ODHS is among only a few states that are meeting or exceeding all three of the federal standards for ensuring that children transitioning from foster care find permanent homes with families, either by reunifying with their parents or through guardianship or adoption. 

  • Through focused attention on staff recruitment, retention and professional development opportunities, we have reduced caseworker vacancies.  

The report also includes key metrics tracked by the department, such as timely assessments, maltreatment in care, the number of children in care and foster care capacity, and the number and types of reports coming into the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH). 

 

Earlier this year, ODHS initiated a Safety Action Plan to improve safety for children in care and those who come to the attention of the agency through ORCAH. The plan includes changes in screening, assessments, safety decision making and critical incident review.  

 

“Keeping children safe is the fundamental goal of the Child Welfare system,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim Child Welfare director. “While we have made great strides, we know there is more work to do. The changes we are making through the Safety Action Plan aim to accelerate progress in improving outcomes for children and families.” 

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New Oregon Department Of Human Services Child Welfare Report Tracks Progress, Challenges - 12/01/25

Salem – This month, the Oregon Department of Human Services published a new, quarterly report with key data points and information showing progress, challenges, and work under way to improve the Child Welfare system.  

 

ODHS historically has provided monthly progress reports to the Governor, but has expanded the format so it can give the public access to more comprehensive information about Child Welfare.  

 

“The work we do in Child Welfare is critical and impacts the lives of families and communities across the state every day,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS Director. “We have heard loud and clear the need for increased transparency about how we are doing and what plans we have in place to make things better. This report is an important step in that direction.”  

 

Highlights in this quarter’s report include: 

  • We are increasing the placement of children with relatives (family and friends), which is crucial for health child and adolescent development.  

  • ODHS is among only a few states that are meeting or exceeding all three of the federal standards for ensuring that children transitioning from foster care find permanent homes with families, either by reunifying with their parents or through guardianship or adoption. 

  • Through focused attention on staff recruitment, retention and professional development opportunities, we have reduced caseworker vacancies.  

The report also includes key metrics tracked by the department, such as timely assessments, maltreatment in care, the number of children in care and foster care capacity, and the number and types of reports coming into the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH). 

 

Earlier this year, ODHS initiated a Safety Action Plan to improve safety for children in care and those who come to the attention of the agency through ORCAH. The plan includes changes in screening, assessments, safety decision making and critical incident review.  

 

“Keeping children safe is the fundamental goal of the Child Welfare system,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim Child Welfare director. “While we have made great strides, we know there is more work to do. The changes we are making through the Safety Action Plan aim to accelerate progress in improving outcomes for children and families.” 

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ODHS Encourages People In Oregon To Act Today To Protect Their SNAP Food And TANF Cash Benefits From Theft (Photo) - 11/25/25

Need to know

  • In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards.
  • Take action today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft by locking your cards when not in use, blocking out of state and online purchases, and changing your PIN regularly.
  • Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
  • Link to video

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

 

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

 

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

 

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

 

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

  • Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
     
  • Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
     
  • Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
     
  • Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN number:​
  • Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
     
  • Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
     
  • Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
     
  • Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it 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 request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

October reports of EBT benefit theft to ODHS

  • Number of Oregon households affected: 223
  • Number of failed theft attempts because people took steps to protect their EBT cards: 104
  • Number of thefts by program: 49 TANF, 559 SNAP
  • Dollar amounts of stolen benefits:
    • Total: $85,902
    • TANF (CASH): $17,108
    • SNAP (FOOD): $ 68,794

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

 

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

 

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

 

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

 

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

 

About SNAP in Oregon

 

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

 

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

 

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Attached Media Files: skimmer2.JPG, skimmer1.JPG,

ODHS Encourages People In Oregon To Act Today To Protect Their SNAP Food And TANF Cash Benefits From Theft (Photo) - 11/25/25

Need to know

  • In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards.
  • Take action today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft by locking your cards when not in use, blocking out of state and online purchases, and changing your PIN regularly.
  • Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
  • Link to video

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

 

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

 

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

 

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

 

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

  • Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
     
  • Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
     
  • Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
     
  • Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN number:​
  • Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
     
  • Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
     
  • Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
     
  • Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it 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 request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

October reports of EBT benefit theft to ODHS

  • Number of Oregon households affected: 223
  • Number of failed theft attempts because people took steps to protect their EBT cards: 104
  • Number of thefts by program: 49 TANF, 559 SNAP
  • Dollar amounts of stolen benefits:
    • Total: $85,902
    • TANF (CASH): $17,108
    • SNAP (FOOD): $ 68,794

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

 

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

 

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

 

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

 

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

 

About SNAP in Oregon

 

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

 

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

 

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Attached Media Files: skimmer2.JPG, skimmer1.JPG,

Oregon Department Of Human Services Milton-Freewater Office Moves To New Location Monday, December 8 - 11/19/25

Milton-Freewater, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Milton-Freewater office plans to move into a new location Monday, December 8. The office will move from its current location at 309 N. Columbia Street to 151 Sykes Boulevard, Suite A.

 

The new office will include Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP), Oregon Eligibility Partnership, Child Welfare (CW), Aging and People with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Also, several community partners will be in the new office on select days, including: Oregon Employment Department, Training Employment Consortium and Domestic Violence Services. The office will be open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 18 staff members will move in throughout the weekend through Monday morning.

 

“It will be such a meaningful change, and we’re truly excited about the new office,” Dianna Ilaoa, SSP District Manager, said. “This isn’t just a new building — it’s a space created with care for our staff, our clients and the community we serve. We hope everyone who walks through the doors feels supported, welcomed and valued.” Lidwinner Machado is the CW District Manager.

 

The new office has an indoor and an outdoor play area for children. The space is designed to be trauma-informed, with calming colors, quite spaces, white noise for privacy in conversations and modern, comfortable furniture for client visits. There will be increased bus service for several weeks in the area for greater convenience to people coming to the new office. ODHS will be leasing half of the 151 Sykes Boulevard building. They had been in their former building for more than 30 years.

                                                               # # #

About ODHS

The ODHS programs provide financial supports to families which include SNAP, TANF, Domestic Violence Survivor Benefits, child care and medical benefits. The JOBS program connects families to a Family Coach for an assessment and supports to achieve their goals and create pathways out of poverty. ODHS staff assist individuals and families in navigating resources, including finding and funding childcare, providing gas support, and offering transportation to domestic violence shelters, medical appointments, and other essential visits. ODHS collaborates with various partners to address family needs and connects families to affordable housing, as well as mental health and other needed resources. ODHS works with other providers to provide employment and education opportunities, ensuring access to vital community resources.

Oregon Department Of Human Services Milton-Freewater Office Moves To New Location Monday, December 8 - 11/19/25

Milton-Freewater, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Milton-Freewater office plans to move into a new location Monday, December 8. The office will move from its current location at 309 N. Columbia Street to 151 Sykes Boulevard, Suite A.

 

The new office will include Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP), Oregon Eligibility Partnership, Child Welfare (CW), Aging and People with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Also, several community partners will be in the new office on select days, including: Oregon Employment Department, Training Employment Consortium and Domestic Violence Services. The office will be open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 18 staff members will move in throughout the weekend through Monday morning.

 

“It will be such a meaningful change, and we’re truly excited about the new office,” Dianna Ilaoa, SSP District Manager, said. “This isn’t just a new building — it’s a space created with care for our staff, our clients and the community we serve. We hope everyone who walks through the doors feels supported, welcomed and valued.” Lidwinner Machado is the CW District Manager.

 

The new office has an indoor and an outdoor play area for children. The space is designed to be trauma-informed, with calming colors, quite spaces, white noise for privacy in conversations and modern, comfortable furniture for client visits. There will be increased bus service for several weeks in the area for greater convenience to people coming to the new office. ODHS will be leasing half of the 151 Sykes Boulevard building. They had been in their former building for more than 30 years.

                                                               # # #

About ODHS

The ODHS programs provide financial supports to families which include SNAP, TANF, Domestic Violence Survivor Benefits, child care and medical benefits. The JOBS program connects families to a Family Coach for an assessment and supports to achieve their goals and create pathways out of poverty. ODHS staff assist individuals and families in navigating resources, including finding and funding childcare, providing gas support, and offering transportation to domestic violence shelters, medical appointments, and other essential visits. ODHS collaborates with various partners to address family needs and connects families to affordable housing, as well as mental health and other needed resources. ODHS works with other providers to provide employment and education opportunities, ensuring access to vital community resources.

UPDATE - Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Tristen Dilinger Evans And Blake Ryan Evans Have Been Found - 11/06/25

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tristen Dilinger Evans and Blake Ryan Evans.

 

Tristen Dilinger Evans, age 17, and Blake Ryan Evans are children in foster care who went missing from Eugene in October, they were found on Nov. 6.

 

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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UPDATE - Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Tristen Dilinger Evans And Blake Ryan Evans Have Been Found - 11/06/25

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tristen Dilinger Evans and Blake Ryan Evans.

 

Tristen Dilinger Evans, age 17, and Blake Ryan Evans are children in foster care who went missing from Eugene in October, they were found on Nov. 6.

 

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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