As children across Oregon begin the new school year, it is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to support the health and well-being of the children and families in our communities. When we come together to support children and families and make sure that they are safe and that their basic needs are met, we help them grow and reach their human potential.

Educators, who are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, have a unique opportunity to get to know the children and families they see daily. They are there to share and experience a child’s victories, strengths, and challenges as they learn, grow and interact with friends at school.

As mandatory reporters, when educators have a reason to believe a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, they are required by law to report that concern to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

But what should an educator, or other caring adult, do when they see a child and family who is in need or crisis, but do not believe that a child is being abused or neglected? Many families in Oregon are still struggling to meet their basic needs, because of the impacts of COVID-19 and the rising costs of food and housing. These are families that need help getting connected to the resources available in the community, instead of being reported to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.

Our data tells us that many people turn to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline when they want to help and support a child and their family but are not sure how.

This year approximately 42,000, about 45%, of all calls to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline were not reports of suspected abuse or neglect.

These are calls from educators and other members of our community who recognize that a child and their family might need assistance because they are experiencing poverty, hunger, housing instability, job loss, mental or physical health issues, or other stressful situations.

Often these calls come to us because the callers are not sure where to turn for support.

There are many different resources and supports available in our communities to help children and families meet their needs. Sometimes, the best way to support child and family wellbeing and safety is to help them get connected to the resources they need:

Local supports in your community:

• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to local food, housing, child care and other supports in your community.
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://caporegon.org/find-services/

Mental and behavioral health supports

• Dial or text 9-8-8: The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis to call, text or chat online at https://988lifeline.org.
• Youthline: Call 1-877-968-8491, text teen2teen to 839863, chat at https://oregonyouthline.org
• https://LinesForLife.org/get-help-now/
• Oregon Behavioral Health Support Line: Call 1-800-923-4357 (24/7)
• Military Helpline: Call 1-888-457-4838 (24/7) or text MIL1 to 839863 (Monday through Friday, 2-6 p.m.)
• Alcohol & Drug Helpline: Call 1-800-923-4357 (24/7) or text RecoveryNow to 839863 (Monday-Friday, 2 - 6 p.m.)
• Resources to help educators provide mental health and social for support children and families are available at https://oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/equity/SchoolSafety/Pages/Mental-Health-Students-Families-Guidance.aspx.

Food support

• Find a food local pantry by visiting https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org.

Government programs and support

• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://adrcoforegon.org.
• Apply for government food, cash, child care assistance and the Oregon Health Plan online at Oregon.gov or by calling 1-800-699-9075.
• Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center: https://oregon.gov/dhs/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

Of course, when an educator or other caring adult suspects a child is experiencing abuse or neglect that person should, and may be required by law, to report that concern to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

We all want children and families in Oregon to be healthy, safe and happy. Child abuse and neglect is preventable when communities come together to support children and families, and there are many organizations, nonprofits, and people who can help support families and prevent a family’s crisis from becoming a child’s safety issue.

Rebecca Jones Gaston (she/her), Child Welfare Director

The D9 Community Closet (serving Hood River, Wasco, Gilliam, Wheeler and Sherman Counties) came together as a project by Jordan Redbird for the Metro Leadership Cohort 20-21 but began as her vision long before the training. Many families who come to Child Welfare tend to have walls up with the agency due to trauma. The purpose of Jordan's project was to serve families in need but also give a different face to the agency in hopes of breaking down these barriers.

The Community Closet allows anyone to come to ODHS, with or without ODHS services, and receive FREE food, clothing, and household items. We provide fresh produce in a large fridge, fresh bread laid out daily, and a large store of canned goods, snack items, and baking supplies. During the Spring, we have near endless supplies of seed packets for families to use to plant gardens. Our donations come from the Oregon Food Bank and our community. These community members often include the families who were once fearful of ODHS. Families who may have previously had Child Welfare history. They are now donating, calling previous workers to inquire about resources before they reach crisis point, and telling others in the community about how ODHS is changing. This is the Vision for Transformation in action.

A testimonial from one of the Closet's patrons is a US Vet who has been out of work for an extended period of time. He comes to the closet not only for food but also to meet with other families and to trade work skills. He will often help unload products for the Closet and is frequently there to tell a story and lend a hand. He's an individual who served our country and has been devastatingly impacted by lack of access to enough food, even losing 65 pounds in a year. He told Jordan, "This is the only place where I feel human."

The Community Closet is located at 700 Union St, Suite 230, The Dalles, OR 97058 on the second-floor lobby of the Child Welfare offices between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Project Never Again duffel bag event had another successful year! 3000 duffel bags were provided to across the state to all 16 Child Welfare districts to ensure children’s belongings are not transported in trash bags. Five of the districts helped out by picking up their bags from the delivery site at Sonrise Church and were able to meet and thank the program founder, Seema Steffany. She enjoys providing this gift to the kiddos and looks forward to continued work providing dignity through duffel bags. Keep an eye out for bags to arrive to your offices! Be sure to stock the vehicles so workers have them on hand in case of need.