Child Abuse Team
Washington County District Attorney's Office has a team of Deputy District Attorneys who are dedicated to prosecuting child abuse and neglect cases in Washington County. They work closely with DHS, CARES Northwest and the various police agencies to investigate and prosecute these cases. The Deputy District Attorneys are also members of the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team along with other community partners to develop investigative protocols, identify needed training and help coordinate procedures among partner agencies.
Child Abuse
The child abuse cases that the Washington County District Attorney's Office prosecutes include sexual and physical abuse against children. Physical abuse is injury to a child that is not accidental including head injuries, broken bones and sprains, burns, and internal injuries. Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult, adolescent or older child exploits a child for his or her own sexual gratification. Children are often afraid to talk about physical or sexual abuse inflicted on them for many reasons. The reasons include fear of punishment, thinking they are to blame or that they are bad, that they will get someone they care about in trouble, or the abuser has threatened them if they tell.
Child Neglect
Child neglect is the most common form of abuse. It is failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical care. It also includes exposing a child to illegal activities such as encouraging a child to use drugs or alcohol or exposing a child to parental drug use. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing adequate supervision, care, guidance and protection to children to ensure children are safe from physical or mental harm.
Reporting Child Abuse
If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, you can report abuse to DHS by calling their child abuse reporting hotline at 503-681-6917 or toll-free at 800-275-8952 or 855-503-SAFE. You can also report abuse to your local police department, county juvenile department, or Oregon State Police.
Additional information about child abuse and neglect is available through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) website.
Many public or private officials who have reason to believe that child abuse has occurred are required to report the suspicion of abuse per ORS 419B.010. For a detailed list of those identified as mandatory reporters as well as additional information about reporting child abuse, go to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Reporting Abuse website.
Child Abuse Resources
Local
CARES Northwest: CARES Northwest’s mission is to stop child abuse and neglect through multidisciplinary prevention, medical evaluation, and ongoing treatment in partnership with our community. 503-276-9000
Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS): The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is Oregon’s principal agency for helping Oregonians achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
- DHS Child Welfare hotline: 503-681-6917
- Beaverton Office: 503-646-7234
- Hillsboro Office: 503-648-8951
- Tigard Office 503-670-9711
Child Abuse Reporting Hotline: 855-503-SAFE (855-503-7233)
Youth Contact: Youth Contact is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to serving and strengthening children and families in Washington County, Oregon. Provides intervention, prevention and support services that are community-based, family-focused and child-centered. 503-640-4222
Oregon Sex Offender Inquiry System: Registrations of persons convicted of sex crimes who reside, work or attend school in Oregon.
Washington County Health and Human Services: Mental Health Services for Adults and Children. 503-846-4528
Pacific Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinic - Hillsboro: Located on the 2nd floor of Creighton Hall on the Hillsboro Campus of Pacific University, on 8th and Washington in the heart of downtown Hillsboro. Accessible by public transportation within one block of a MAX stop and public parking garage across the street from the clinic on 8th Avenue. 503-352-7333
Washington County Crisis Line: Offers a variety of crisis services to support you and your loved one. 503-291-9111
Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC): The Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) focuses on investigating, prosecuting and preventing the sexual exploitation of children on the internet. 503-378-6347
National
Related
