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News Release

Oregon Department Of Human Services Appoints George B. Lopez As Director Of The Office Of Tribal Affairs (Photo) -07/08/25

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of George B. Lopez as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs, effective July 7, 2025.
 

Lopez joins ODHS with extensive experience in tribal governance and community leadership. Most recently, he served as General Manager for the Klamath Tribes, where he led key administrative and community-based programs, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and played a leading role in advancing tribal sovereignty and partnerships across education, public safety, and infrastructure development.
 

“This role is essential to ODHS’s continued collaboration with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “George brings a deep commitment to Tribal communities and a strong track record of advocacy across Oregon. His experience will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our government-to-government relationships. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and confident he’ll help advance our mission in meaningful ways.”
 

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process and will ensure continuity in leadership and support for tribal engagement.
 

"I'm excited to take on this role and work with the Nine Tribes of Oregon, ODHS staff and leadership, and our partners at all levels," said George B. Lopez, incoming Director of the ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs. "I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting efforts that make a real difference for Tribal children, families and elders across the state."
 

ODHS also extends its sincere thanks to Sherril Kuhns, who served as interim director. Her dedication to tribal affairs and leadership during this transition have made a lasting impact on the agency’s work with Tribal Nations.
 

For more information about the Office of Tribal Affairs and ODHS’s government-to-government work, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs.


Media Contact:
ODHS Communications Office
ODHS-Media@odhs.oregon.gov
(503) 945-5600

Oregon Receives Approval To Extend The Time Allowed To Request SNAP Replacement Benefits Due To The June 2025 Wildfires In Wasco, Jefferson, And Deschutes Counties (Photo) -07/03/25

Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10 day time period allowed to request replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost or destroyed due to the Rowena Fire (June 11, 2025) in Wasco County and the Alder Springs Fire (June 16, 2025) in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits

Households in the approved counties below now have until the following dates to report food losses and request replacement benefits:

  • July 11, 2025, for impacted residents of Wasco County
  • July 16, 2025, for impacted residents of Deschutes and Jefferson Counties

What about other counties?

For individuals who live in a county not listed above, the standard 10 day rule remains in effect. Replacement requests must be made within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits:

Individuals who experienced food losses due to the fires can submit a request for replacement benefits using one of the following methods:

  • By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY)
  • In person: Visit a local office (find locations at: Oregon.gov)
  • By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  • ONE Customer Service Center PO Box 14015 Salem, OR 97309
  • By email: Send requests to Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
  • Online: Submit requests via the ONE online portal

The information necessary to make a request is available in the form 347D: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/de0349d.pdf

When does the waiver end?

The waiver remains in effect until:

  • July 11, 2025, for Wasco County
  • July 16, 2025, for Deschutes and Jefferson Counties

After these dates, the standard 10-day reporting rule will apply.

About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monthly food benefits to help low-income households buy healthy food. If you qualify, the SNAP program allows individuals and families pay for groceries at authorized stores, learn about nutrition and get job training and support. For more information or to request SNAP replacement benefits, contact your local office or visit the Oregon SNAP benefit website or call 800-699-9075.

Webinar Series To Honor 35 Years Of Disability Civil Rights Kicks Off July 8 -06/27/25

(Salem, OR) — The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities, as well as how to remove barriers.

Topics by date are:

  • July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
  • July 15: Working toward equal access employment for people with disabilities
  • July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities
  • July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities," said Mark King, Chair of ODC. "We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA."

The series will take place every Tuesday throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 8. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event web page on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies and shareable flyers, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission:

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Ways For People To Protect Their EBT Card -06/27/25

Salem, Ore. — Imagine suddenly losing $250 of your monthly budget. What would you have to give up—meals, medication, peace of mind?

For more than 1,500 families in Oregon, this wasn’t a thought exercise. It happened to them in 2024 when they reported their food or cash benefits were stolen, likely through organized fraud.

This theft of food and cash benefits­­—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)—are a growing and serious problem nationwide and here in Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working hard to fight this theft. The agency urges everyone who uses SNAP or TANF to protect their EBT card and benefits. Easy ways to protect your EBT card include:

  • Freeze the card between uses
  • Block out-of-state and online purchases
  • Check EBT account regularly

More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

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How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:

  • In your language: Help in Your Language.
  • By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075. Some self-service features are available 24/7, such as checking your benefit status or ordering a new EBT card. All relay calls are accepted.
  • Online at: benefits.oregon.gov.
  • Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores.
  • In person at an office near you: Find an office.
  • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309.
  • By fax at: 503-378-5628.

 Resources to help meet basic needs

  • Find food resources.
  • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or adrcoforegon.org.
  • Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

ODHS Distributing Emergency Kits And Batteries To Eligible Older Adults And People With Disabilities -06/18/25

Salem, OR — Older adults and people with disabilities who qualify for assistance can request free emergency kits and batteries to stay safe during disasters.

Emergencies like wildfires, heat waves and floods can happen at any time. It’s important to be ready. But for many people, it’s hard to know where to begin. They also may not have money for supplies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) saw that many people needed help getting ready for emergencies. This was especially true for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Many of them rely on electricity for important medical and safety equipment.

To help, ODHS got support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Two ODHS programs — the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) — used ARPA funds to give emergency supplies to those in need.

What’s available now?

APD has about 18,000 emergency kits and 1,200 power stations available for older adults and people with physical disabilities who get Medicaid in-home supports. Those who qualify get long-term services and supports through APD and some county governments

These items include:

  • Emergency kits — These kits are filled with supplies like flashlights, blankets, first aid items and food.
  • Power stations — These are portable, rechargeable batteries. They can provide power when the electricity is out.

If you think you qualify and want supplies, please contact your case manager. If you don’t know who your case manager is, call or visit the local office where you receive APD services. ODHS lists contact information for all state and county offices that provide services.

What has already been done?

APD has given out roughly:

  • 2,000 emergency kits
  • 500 power stations

ODDS worked with its partners to give out:

  • 20,137 emergency kits
  • 7,047 power stations
  • 1,276 generators

Some ODDS partners held distribution events, trainings and emergency fairs. They also helped connect service providers with local emergency teams. These efforts reached 22,780 people, 478 service sites, and 41 emergency hubs across Oregon.

Being ready can make a big difference. ODHS is proud to support the safety and well-being of people across Oregon.

The American Rescue Plan Act

Oregon is among the states that have led the nation in innovative ways to provide home and community-based services (HCBS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon Department of Human Services used funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to sustain, recover and expand the state’s services. These essential investments continue to benefit people with disabilities, older adults and the workers who serve them. This project was funded by the ARPA.

Photo information

Staff from the Multnomah County Department of Human Services gave out emergency supplies at weekly events last fall and winter. Watch a video about these events. Photo courtesy of Multnomah County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer. Contact ODHS at 503-945-5811 or odhs.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, blind or have low vision. For more information about relay service providers visit https://www.oregonrelay.com or https://www.fcc.gov/general/internet-based-trs-providers.

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events Across Oregon Highlight Importance Of Preventing, Reporting Abuse -06/18/25

(Salem, OR) – Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and community partners joined together to spotlight the importance of preventing and reporting abuse of older adults in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This observance serves as a critical reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the safety, dignity and rights of older adults across Oregon.

Every year, thousands of older Oregonians are subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial and neglect. In Oregon in 2024, there were 18,535 alleged victims, according to data collected by the Adult Protective Services (APS) unit within ODHS. However, many cases go unreported due to fear, isolation, or lack of awareness. Education and community engagement are essential to ensure people know what to do if they are being harmed or suspect someone they know could be at risk.

“Anyone can be a victim of abuse. Understanding the many forms that abuse takes and what to do about it is everyone’s responsibility,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., Director of ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time to strengthen our commitment to educate ourselves, check in on neighbors and relatives, and speak up when we see or suspect harm.”

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is on June 15 each year, communities across Oregon held events this month, sharing educational materials and connecting with local organizations to help foster a safer environment for older adults.

In Klamath County, APD partnered with the Klamath & Lake Counties Council on Aging, the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, and other local agencies to host a community resource fair on June 10. The event featured guest speakers, educational booths, engaging activities, giveaways, and a free lunch. A similar event was held the following day in Lake County at The Center (formerly the Lake County Senior Citizens Center). Hundreds of community members participated in the two events, showing strong local support for older adult abuse awareness and prevention. Events were also hosted virtually. Several APD leaders gave an informational presentation on June 12 at the Oregon Health Care Association’s Elder Abuse Prevention Summit 2025. The presentation focused on best practices facilities can implement to prevent abuse. Other topics covered at the summit included long-term care facility resident rights, effective abuse report investigations and navigating conflict.

Resources:

Anyone who suspects elder abuse is encouraged to call Oregon’s SafeLine at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). Reports are confidential and can be made twenty-four hours a day. Warning signs of abuse can include:

  • Physical: Unexplained injuries or physical signs of punishment or restraint.
  • Emotional: Anxiety, depression, or behavior changes.
  • Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, weight loss or unsafe living conditions.
  • Abandonment: A dependent person left alone.
  • Sexual: Withdrawal, distress or physical symptoms.
  • Financial: Unexplained bank transactions, late bill payments or missing assets.

For more information on how to help spot, prevent and report abuse, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/report-abuse/pages/default.aspx

“Hope On The Horizon”: ODHS Directors Tour Resilience Hubs On North Oregon Coast (link To Video Footage At Bottom) (Photo) -06/18/25

SEASIDE, OR — Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht, Deputy Director Liesl Wendt, and Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director Nate Singer, toured three sets of emergency preparedness equipment on the North Oregon Coast—Oceanside, Cape Meares and Seaside—to witness firsthand how communities are transforming emergency preparedness into a beacon of hope.
 

This equipment is called a typed package and includes supplies like food, sanitation, generators and radios. Supported by ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management’s (OREM) $10 million Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant, the packages are pivotal in empowering local communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The grant, established through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, allocated funds to develop resilience hubs and networks throughout the state.
 

“Visiting these communities today reinforces the profound impact of local resilience,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Each hub is a testament to the strength and unity of Oregonians, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and solidarity.”
 

The tour included stops in Oceanside, Cape Meares and Seaside. The grant recipients are the Oceanside Protection Society, Cape Meares Community Association and the Seaside School District.
 

“These hubs are more than just physical spaces; they are lifelines,” said Ed Flick, Director of the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “They embody the spirit of Oregonians coming together to build a future where resilience is a shared responsibility and a collective achievement. We know coastal communities are likely to be cut off from the rest of the state during the Cascadia earthquake. Emergency services will be overwhelmed, and help may not arrive for days. In those critical early hours, neighbors will be the first line of support. These supplies enable communities to act as their own first responders, saving lives and sustaining hope until help arrives.”
 

The Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant program has funded 87 organizations across Oregon, providing essential resources and support to communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by emergencies. The program aims to strengthen communities by creating spaces where people can come together daily to share resources, support one another, and find assistance during emergencies.
 

As Oregon continues to face various challenges, the commitment to building resilient communities remains steadfast. The efforts in Oceanside, Cape Meares and Seaside exemplify the hope and determination that define the state’s approach to emergency preparedness.
 

If passed, House Bill 3170, currently being debated by the Oregon Legislature, would provide $10 million for a second round of grants.
 

For more information on the Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant program, visit ODHS Resilience Hubs and Networks Grants.
 

Photos attached to this release. Downloadable video footage available on Vimeo. Package includes interviews and b-roll of the three sites. Interviews with:

  • Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director
  • Ed Flick, ODHS OREM Director
  • Jerry Keene, Oceanside Protection Society President
  • Mary Faith Bell, Tillamook County Commissioner
  • Dave Posalski, Seaside City Council President
  • Spencer Kyle, Seaside City Manager

ODHS Invests In Father Engagement Programs To Improve Child Well-being -06/13/25

During this month of appreciation for fathers, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is highlighting the critical role fathers play in a child’s physical, emotional and social development. ODHS is working to better support fathers involved in the child welfare system through two programs that provide peer mentorship, parenting skills and supports for incarcerated fathers, as well as a Father’s Advisory Board that provides regular input to ODHS Child Welfare leadership and frontline workers.

The two programs focus on peer mentorship and advocacy to help fathers navigate the system and reconnect with their children. Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) runs the Incarcerated Fathers Program serving African American men during incarceration and post-release. Fathers receive skill building classes to strengthen their parenting skills and build strong relationships with their children. ODHS also partners with Morrison Child and Family Services to connect fathers with open child welfare cases to peer mentors for support and encouragement.

ODHS is investing in these programs because of the expressed need for services and training that do a better job of locating and engaging fathers, and keeping fathers connected to their children after a child welfare intervention. When children enter the child welfare system, fathers are often sidelined or overlooked due to negative perceptions about their interest or capacity to be involved in their children’s lives. National studies show that caseworker bias against fathers can prevent equal outreach to fathers after a child welfare intervention. Yet national child welfare experts say father-inclusive practices in child welfare are essential to child safety and well-being and can minimize the amount of time children are separated from their family. Children with involved fathers are more likely to do well in school, have high self-esteem and avoid high risk behaviors, according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Head Start Bureau

Negative bias toward fathers is particularly strong if fathers are in recovery or have been/are currently incarcerated. This, in addition to racism and disproportionate numbers of Black, American Indian and Alaska Native children in the foster care system add to the challenges facing fathers who want to stay connected to their children.

Fathers are vital to a child’s well-being, and it is our job to engage fathers and invite them into the process of reunifying their families. We do that through concerted efforts that show respect and value for the role fathers play as a nurturers and resources for their children,” said ODHS Child Welfare Director Aprille-Flint Gerner. “We are grateful to our community partners for leading culturally responsive programs that support fathers for long-term success.”

After a child welfare case is opened, caseworkers begin working with parents to establish a plan for a variety of services, supports and a plan for reunifying the family when a child has been removed from the home due to safety issues. When parents are separated, do not live together, or a father is incarcerated or in recovery, the mother is the primary contact for child welfare. The perspective of the father is often absent in discussions related to their children, and most resources and supports are designed with the assumption that mothers are the primary caregivers. These assumptions can keep fathers from having a voice in critical decisions related to child welfare cases, visitation, and input into case planning to prepare for the child’s return to their family.

Services and programs for fathers are also minimal compared to those available for mothers. Statewide, there are 250 residential treatment beds for mothers in substance use disorder treatment to be with their children while in treatment. For fathers, there are just 10 beds available through the OnTrack Rogue Valley Dad’s Program in Medford. ODHS awarded OnTrack a grant in 2022 to renovate the Cobblestone Village Complex in Medford to add six more beds for fathers in treatment, among other design upgrades and residential facilities to serve families. The renovated complex is due to open in 2026.

The ODHS Father’s Advisory Board members, many of whom work as peer mentors through Morrison Child and Family Services, are making a difference by advocating for the perspective of fathers in ODHS caseworker trainings, and by regularly advising ODHS Child Welfare staff and leadership in Multnomah County.

One peer mentor and Father’s Advisory Board member stated, “Child welfare programs have made progress, but we still need more active outreach and connection with dads. Sometimes dads are informed about a decision, not consulted as an equal parent. The system is confusing and can be really discouraging for fathers who feel judged as deadbeat dads,” he said. “But as advocates, we are here to give other dads hope and let them know, you can do this, you can be there for your kids. It is about making life better for the kids. If I can do it, you can do it.”

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About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

Resources

Programs for incarcerated fathers or fathers involved with child welfare

Other community programs for fathers

UPDATE - Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That Amani Ray Keith Has Been Found -06/11/25

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

Amani, age 3, is a child who went missing from Beaverton on June 6. She was found June 11.

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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Missing Child Alert – Amani Ray Keith Is Missing And Believed To Be At Risk (Photo) -06/10/25

(Salem) – Amani Ray Keith, age 3, went missing with her mother Emma Keith from Beaverton on June 6. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Amani may be at risk and is searching for her to assess her safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Amani. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Amani or Emma Keith should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the Vancouver, Washington or Portland Metro area.

Name: Amani Ray Keith
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: April 28, 2022
Height: 3-foot-6
Weight: 26 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Case #50 2025-7882
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Case number pending

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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Attached Media Files: Amani.PNG,

UPDATE - Oregon Department Of Human Services Announces That The Yellowtail Brothers Have Been Found -06/10/25

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

Julian Yellowtail, age 14, Silas Yellowtail, age 15, and Trenton “Ty” Yellowtail, age 18, went missing in May from Portland. All three of the brothers were found on June 9 and 10.

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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