Missing Child Alert – Wesley Vaughn Chace Hugmeyer Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/23/26

Polk County – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Wesley Vaughn Chace Hugmeyer, age 15, who went missing from Dallas on April 22. They are believed to be in danger. 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Wesley Chace Hugmeyer and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Wesley. 

Wesley Chace Hugmeyer is suspected to be in Dallas area. 

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report suspected 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. 

Child Legal Name: Wesley Vaughn Chace Hugmeyer 

Child Preferred Name: Wesley or Wes

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 15

Height: 5-foot-8

Weight: 135

Hair color: Brown

Eye color: Brown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Shoulder length hair

Polk County Sherrif Office Case #DAS265079

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #2085313

Date Missing: 4/22/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Dallas, Oregon

CORRECTION: ODHS Shares How Oregonians Can Regain SNAP Benefits As Impacts Of Federal Work Rule Changes Begin To Show - 04/22/26

ODHS shares how Oregonians can regain SNAP benefits as impacts of federal work rule changes begin to show

CORRECTION:

This news release has been corrected to reflect the accurate numbers of cases and individuals impacted in March and April. We apologize for the confusion.

In late March, 13,399 cases closed, affecting 13,898 individual SNAP recipients, after people did not meet work rules or qualify for an exemption. Those cases include 13,898 individual SNAP recipients. As a result, they did not receive April benefits.

The initial news release said that 13,898 cases closed at the end of March.

In April, 6,948 additional cases are at risk of closing at the end of the month, affecting 6,948 individual SNAP recipients.

Note: Most, but not all, individuals with ABAWD status are on single-person SNAP cases, so the number of cases and individuals may differ.

Salem, Ore. — As the impacts of recent federally-directed changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules begin to show in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is sharing information to help people who have lost benefits, or may lose them soon, understand how they may be able to get them back.

The federal bill HR1 significantly expanded SNAP work rules, increasing the number of Oregonians subject to time limits. More adults must now meet SNAP work rules to continue receiving benefits. People who do not meet these rules and do not qualify for an exemption can only receive SNAP for three months within a three-year period. These are called countable months.

“SNAP plays a critical role in Oregon, helping 757,700 people, or one in six Oregonians, put food on the table,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director. “In some communities, particularly in rural areas, people may not have easy access to jobs, training, transportation, or WorkSource offices, making it harder to meet work rules and increasing the risk of losing reliable access to food.”

Many households receiving SNAP have very low incomes, with 35 percent at or below half of the federal poverty level which is $15,960 per year for a single individual. ODHS has been working to connect with people before benefits stop. Of the approximately 20,000 people who were notified in March that their benefits would close, about 6,000 connected with ODHS and were able to either qualify for an exemption or meet work rules to keep their benefits. In late March, 13,399 cases closed, affecting 13,898 individual SNAP recipients, after people did not meet work rules or qualify for an exemption. Those cases include 13,898 individual SNAP recipients. As a result, they did not receive April benefits.

In April, 6,948 additional cases are at risk of closing at the end of the month, affecting 6,948 individual SNAP recipients. Additional individuals are at risk of losing benefits in upcoming months as more people reach time limits.

ODHS is encouraging people to reach out as soon as possible if they have questions about their benefits or work rules. Many people may not realize they can regain SNAP after benefits stop, or may not know the steps to take.

If someone has used their three countable months and lost SNAP benefits, there are several ways they may be able to regain eligibility.

People may qualify again if they meet work rules. This usually means completing about 80 hours of approved activities each month. These activities may include paid work, searching for a job, training programs or volunteering. If someone meets the required hours for at least 30 days, they may qualify for SNAP again.

People may also regain SNAP if they qualify for an exemption. Exemptions are based on a person’s situation and may include health conditions, caregiving responsibilities or other life circumstances. Some activities, such as receiving unemployment benefits or taking part in certain programs, may also count toward meeting rules.

In some cases, changes in a person’s situation may affect whether time limits apply. This may include changes in the household or where someone lives.

“If your SNAP benefits have stopped, contact us right away,” said Hoffman. “Benefits do not restart automatically, but we can review your situation and help you understand your next steps.”

Even after benefits stop, support is still available. ODHS and the Oregon Employment Department can help people connect to employment and training services and work toward regaining eligibility.

ODHS encourages anyone who has questions about their SNAP benefits or work rules to reach out as soon as possible. Contacting ODHS early may help people keep or regain their benefits.

For full details about SNAP work rules, exemptions and how to report activities, visit:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: Oregon.gov/odhs/es/alimentos/Pages/limites-tiempo

People can also contact the ODHS ABAWD team:

• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For more information about SNAP benefits:

• Online: benefits.oregon.gov
• Call: 1-800-699-9075

Missing Child Alert – Logan Anthony Divens Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/16/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Logan Divens, age 15, who went missing from Eugene, Oregon on January 26, 2026. He is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Logan Divens and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.

Logan Divens is suspected to be in the Eugene area.

Child Legal Name: Logan Divens

Child Preferred Name: Logan

Pronouns: He/him

Age: 15

Height: 5’7

Weight: 235

Hair color: Dark Blonde

Eye color: Blue

Law enforcement agency name and report #:  Eugene PD #26-01400

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2076121

Date Missing: 1/26/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Pheasant Park Apartments in Springfield

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Missing Child Alert – Chayton James Owings Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/08/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 14, who went missing from Tigard, on March 19. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Chayton Owings and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Chayton.

Chayton Owings is suspected to be in Portland Metro area, East River Promenade in Portland. Homeless camps in and around Hawthorne Bridge Area.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Child Legal Name: Chayton Owings

Child Preferred Name: Chayton (Street Name: Jabber)

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 14

Height: 5’2

Weight: 102 pounds

Hair color: Brown

Eye color: Blue/Grey

Specific Identifying Characteristics: Chayton has short, unevenly cut hair.

Tigard Police Department Report #260005328             

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2081530

Date Missing: March 19

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Tigard, and surrounding Metro area

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UPDATE: Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Marcus Taylor Carmicle Was Located On April 7 - 04/07/26

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

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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 – Marcus Taylor Carmicle Is Missing And Is Believed To Be In Danger (Photo) - 04/07/26

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Marcus Taylor Carmicle age 12, who went missing from Milwaukie on April 6. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Marcus.

Marcus is suspected to be in the Milwaukie area.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Child Legal Name: Marcus Taylor Carmicle

Child Preferred Name: Marcus

Pronouns*: he/him

Age: 12

Height: 5’8

Weight: Average build, 130 pounds

Hair color: Dark/black hair

Eye color: brown eyes

Specific Identifying Characteristics: He was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and a black head wrap

Milwaukie Police Department Case# 26-1787

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2083327

Date Missing: April 6, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Trimet stops, Milwaukie area

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April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Learn How To Prevent, Recognize And Report Child Abuse In Oregon - 04/06/26

(Salem) – Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) asks everyone in Oregon to learn how they can help prevent, recognize and report child abuse in their communities.

As Governor Kotek’s proclamation states, “In order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, elevating lived experience, centering the needs of families, breaking down bias and barriers, and inspiring action.”

“When families are struggling to meet their basic needs and are in crisis, this can increase the risk of child abuse,” said Rolanda Garcia, interim director of the ODHS Child Welfare Division. “When we work together to help families access the supports and resources they need to thrive, we prevent child abuse.”

One way to help is to learn about the supports and programs available to help families who are in crisis. Sharing information about local food banks, how to enroll in food and cash benefits, and sharing information about supports and services that a family might need helps to strengthen families and protect children.

Recognizing and reporting child abuse

People are also encouraged to learn the warning signs of child abuse and to confidentially report any child safety concerns they have to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

There are three warning signs of child abuse:

• Physical signs present on the child.
• Behavioral signs or statements made by the child.
• Behavioral signs or statements made by the parent or caregiver.

To help everyone in Oregon know how to recognize these warning signs and know what to do if they see them, there is an interactive training online that is free for the public to take. The training also helps people identify types of child abuse, learn how to report, and recognize when a family needs material or economic assistance.

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise

All information reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline is confidential. ODHS is committed to upholding Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law, we do not assist with immigration enforcement, and we do not share information for that purpose.

Resources and supports for families in Oregon

• Get help with food in Oregon
• Apply for medical, food, cash and child care benefits
• 211info.org (also by dialing 211) offers connection to local and regional resources for food banks, housing assistance, and mental health services.
• Lines for Life, a nonprofit dedicated to substance abuse and suicide prevention: call or text 988.
• ​Reach Out Oregon, a part of the Oregon Family Support Network, has a "warm line" at 833-732-2467 for parents, families and caregivers. It also has a website and a chat room.
• Oregon Child Abuse Solutions: https://oregoncas.org
• Prevent Child Abuse Oregon: https://preventchildabuseoregon.org
• Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries: https://www.oregonreliefnurseries.org

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Free Help Can Ensure Teenagers Don’t Miss Tax Refunds Oregon Department Of Human Services’ Partners Offer Tax Help In-person Or Online (Photo) - 03/31/26

Free tax help is available to meet the needs of young people, some of whom may be earning income for the first time. This help is available through a network of community partners funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. 

What young people need to know  

• Young people in their first jobs or working part-time may be owed a refund of some  ̵  or even all  ̵  of the taxes withheld from their paychecks. 

• Even if a young person is claimed as a dependent on their parents’ or guardian’s return, they still file their own tax return to report their income. 

• A correctly filed tax return by a child who is a dependent would not interfere with exemptions claimed by their parents or guardians on their returns.  

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds IRS-certified community organizations and Tribal governments that provide free tax filing help for youth and all people with low incomes.  

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program also funds projects through educators.  

Young people helping young people  

As part of an ODHS grant, teachers at Salem’s McKay High School trained about a dozen students this school year using free, IRS-approved tax-filing software, so they can help their peers. They hold tax filing clinics where students prepare their own returns using the software program and the grant provided incentives, such as coffee gift cards, to get students involved. Teacher Marcia Latta said that in the first clinic a student got $269 back, a recent graduate came back to file and got almost $1,200.  

“Most get money back. They’re so pleased,” Latta said. “I love that we provide this extra opportunity to our students to develop these skills and it’s great to see them get this money back,” Latta said.  

Oregon State University’s Shelly Krehbiel said their student-led team has trained about 90 university students this year to provide free tax filing assistance. The Corvallis students also lead site operations, marketing efforts, and training development, including support for outreach teams at OSU Cascades in Bend and OSU Extension Service in Eugene. Krehbiel, who is the Program Manager for Extension and Partner Operations for OSU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), said the program also partners with South Eugene High School’s Finance Club, training about 10 students as tax-filing facilitators and helping them reach out to others at their high school to help them file their taxes.

“From the people they’ve helped there is such surprise. They say, ’Oh, that was so easy.’ When people walk into our locations, they look scared and anxious. They walk out smiling and relieved. It’s great to see,” Krehbiel said.  

Students who participated in a 2023 ODHS pilot project in nine high schools across the state received state and federal tax refunds ranging between $95 and $1,246.  

Where and how to get free help 

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program partners with Get Your Refund, a free online tax filing service through which individuals can have their return prepared or file it themselves using free tax software. Help is available in English and Spanish. To get started, go to  GetYourRefund/OR. 

In-person help is available through community organizations at ODHS-sponsored sites that  

offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum. Those sites by location are: 

• Beaverton, Gresham, Portland: CASH Oregon, 503-243-7765, info@cashoregon.org. CASH Oregon offers virtual help for people who live outside these areas.  

• Bend, Redmond: Latino Community Association, 541-382-4366, info@latinocommunityassociation.org 

• Corvallis, Eugene, Bend: Oregon State University, 541-737-3371, vita@oregonstate.edu 

• Coos Bay, Roseburg: Moneywise Oregon, 541-670-5054, dan@moneywiseoregon.org 

• Medford: United Way Jackson County, 541-864-5092, https://unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance/

• Monmouth, Independence: Western Oregon University, 503-751-4132, wouvita@wou.edu 

• Ontario, Portland: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 971-331-9811, elizabethz@irco.org  

• Woodburn: Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos, 503-982-0243, debbiec@centrodspc.org 

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.