Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Oregon

Last Reviewed:

State and Statute: Oregon, Stats. §§ 419B.005 et seq.

What Is Reportable “Abuse”: Physical, sexual, or mental abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation. [419B.005]

Mandatory Reporters: Any “public or private official” having reasonable cause to believe that any child with whom the official comes in contact has suffered abuse or that any person with whom the official comes in contact has abused a child shall immediately report. A public or private official includes a “member of the clergy,” school employee, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, a child care provider, and any employee or volunteer of any private religious organization providing child-related services or activities through youth groups, centers, and camps. [419B.005(5) and 419B.010(3)]

A report need not be made if the public or private official acquires information relating to abuse by reason of a report made under this section, or by reason of a proceeding arising out of a report made under this section, andthe public or private official reasonably believes that the information is already known by a law enforcement agency or the Department of Human Services. [419B.010(2)]

How and Where to Report: “(O)ral report by telephone or otherwise to the local office of the Department of Human Services, to the designee of the department or to a law enforcement agency within the county where the person making the report is located at the time of the contact.” [419B.015(1)(a)]

Timeline to Report: Immediately. [419B.010(1)]

Clergy Privilege: A member of the clergy “is not required to report such information communicated by a person if the communication is privileged.” [419B.010(1)]

Penalty for Knowingly Failing to Report: Class A violation. [419B.010(5)]

Civil Liability for Failure to Report Recognized? No statute recognizes civil liability. Consult with legal counsel to ensure no recent court decisions in Oregon have recognized civil liability.

Immunity for Inaccurate Report: “Anyone participating in good faith in the making of a report of child abuse and who has reasonable grounds for the making thereof shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed with respect to the making or content of such report.” [419B.025]

Disclosure of Mandatory Reporter’s Identity: Department authorized to exempt reporter’s identity from any reports and records disclosure when the department determines the reporter’s safety and well-being may be jeopardized and if that concern outweighs the public’s interest in disclosure. [419B.035(2)(a)]

Additional Information for Oregon:

All information provided here was most recently verified in March of 2023.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

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