Protective Services & Abuse Investigations

Overview

Our office is available to take complaints of abuse or neglect during business hours at (541) 967-3890, and confidential messages may be left after hours. These and other concerns around abuse of a child, elder, or otherwise vulnerable adult may also be reported to the Oregon SAFELine, 1-855-503-SAFE (7233.) 

 For all immediate threats to health and safety, please call 911.

Linn County DD is responsible to ensure protective services and completing abuse investigations when the alleged victim:

• Is over the age of 18
• Is enrolled in or has been previously found eligible for DD Services in Oregon

Protective Services

DD program staff review complaints of abuse and immediately take steps to assess further risk. In some cases, protective services may be offered to avoid further harm. Protective services may include but are not limited to:

• physical and mental status evaluations
• alternative living arrangements
• medical and legal services
• advocacy
• counseling
• changes to staffing assignments

Abuse Investigations

After initially assessing risk and working to protect anyone potentially experiencing abuse, Linn County DD will screen abuse allegations to determine whether or not an investigation will be initiated. Oregon Administrative Rule abuse categories include:

• Abandonment
• Death 
• Financial Exploitation
• Involuntary Seclusion
• Neglect
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Wrongful Restraint
• Verbal Abuse

Read OAR 407-045-0370 for more information on what may constitute abuse. Employees of Linn County Developmental Disabilities Program and our service providers are all Mandatory Reporters of abuse as prescribed in ORS 430.765.