[R2R-OR] Mandatory Reporting: Guidance for Libraries

[Katie Anderson]

Dear Library Directors and Youth Services staff,

The passage of HB 4016 has expanded the definition of mandatory reporters to include all "Employee[s] or volunteer[s] of a public or private organization providing child-related services or activities that allow the employee[s] or volunteer[s] temporary care, control or supervision of a child..."

The State Library recommends that all public libraries seek advice from their legal counsel regarding the newly amended Oregon State Statutes<http://www.leg.state.or.us/12reg/measpdf/hb4000.dir/hb4016.intro.pdf> 338.115, 339.370, 339.372, 339.374, 339.378, 339.388, 339.392, 339.400 and 419B.005. Depending on the advice from your legal counsel, your library may consider creating a policy, procedure, or training requirement around mandatory reporting. If your library is already working on something along these lines, please consider helping other libraries by sharing what you're doing via this listserv.

A couple libraries have asked the State Library for assistance identifying mandatory reporter training opportunities in order to comply with the law as advised by their legal counsel. I have worked with a Child Welfare Analyst at the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop a short, but valuable list of resources libraries may use to educate themselves around mandatory reporting:

*  *Watch this 25 minute mandatory reporting video<http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/abuse/mandatory_report.shtml>,

* *Read this mandatory reporting guide<https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/de9061.pdf>, and/or

*  Contact your local DHS<http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/localoffices.shtml> Children, Adults, and Families Division to inquire about face-to-face mandatory reporting training.


*The video and guide are a little out-of-date, but still provide reliable content. Please keep in mind that they will not define mandatory reporters as broadly as the new language.

If you have questions about mandatory reporting, first ask your local DHS<http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/localoffices.shtml> Children, Adults, and Families Division. If they are not able to assist you, then contact the state DHS office by calling 503-945-6116.

Thank you,
Katie Anderson

Katie Anderson, Library Development Services
* Youth Services Consultant * Oregon Center for the Book Coordinator *
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
katie.anderson at state.or.us<mailto:katie.anderson at state.or.us>, 503-378-2528

If the hyperlinks don't work, try copying and pasting the following URLs into your browser or doing an internet search on 'Oregon mandatory reporting DHS'

HB 4016: http://www.leg.state.or.us/12reg/measpdf/hb4000.dir/hb4016.intro.pdf
Video: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/abuse/mandatory_report.shtml
Guide: https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/de9061.pdf
Local DHS contact information: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/localoffices.shtml

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