Seventy-two percent of those deaths were children less than 5 years of age. The Child Abuse Reporting Law, ORS 419B.005 to 419B.045, was enacted in 1971 and has been updated several times. The law was designed to provide early identification of children who have been abused. When a report of child abuse or neglect is received, either by SCF or a law enforcement agency, the response is made according to the protocols of the local multidisciplinary team. The facts are reviewed to determine if a home visit is appropriate and, if so, which members of the team will be involved.
Law enforcement investigates the facts and determines responsibility for maltreatment of the child.
The SCF caseworker assesses risk to the child, the family's ability to provide safety, and supportive resources available to the family. After the investigation and assessment, a reported incident is determined to be founded, unfounded, or unable to determine because of lack of information. Wherever possible, the caseworker and other members of the team work with the family. They prepare an action plan to provide safety for the child and use the strengths of the family. Any mental injury to a child, which shall include only observable and substantial impairment of the child's mental or psychological abilities to function caused by cruelty to the child, with due regard to the culture of the child.