Reporting Abuse/Neglect

How do I report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation?

How do I know which agency to call if I suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior or person with a disability?

I am not sure if something is abuse or neglect. What are the definitions for the types of abuse?

What happens once I make a report of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior or persons with a disability?

What is the role of Oregon’s Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Program in cases of abuse or neglect?

Can I see the results of abuse investigations?

How do I report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation?
Immediately call (541) 682-4038 if you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior or person with a physical disability. In an emergency, call 911. Senior & Disabled Services (S&DS) provides Protective Services to elderly persons and adults with disabilities who live in Lane County. Investigations involve persons who are homeless, live in their own homes, adult foster homes, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, and nursing homes.

Certain people are considered mandatory reporters. When you call, your name, as the complainant, will remain confidential. You may also report abuse to DHS at 1-800-232-3020. Please visit the DHS web site for other information at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/abuse/main.shtm.

How do I know which agency to call if I suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior or person with a disability?
S&DS is responsible for responding to all allegations of abuse or neglect involving persons 65 years or older and people with physical disabilities who are 18 years or older. S&DS is also responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect involving residents of licensed care facilities such as Adult Foster Homes, Residental Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes.To learn more about the laws and rules governing S&DS authority in investigating abuse and neglect, visit the State of Oregon DHS website.

If you suspect abuse or neglect involving a person with a developmental disability or a person with a mental illness, different agecies will respond to your complaint. For people with developmental disabilities, call Lane County Developmental Disabilities at (541) 682-3695. For persons with a mental illness, please contact Lane County Mental Health at (541) 682-3608.

If you are unsure which agency to contact, please call S&DS at (541) 682-4038 and the triage worker will ensure your referral is directed to the appropriate agency.

I am not sure if something is abuse or neglect. What are the definitions for the types of abuse?
Abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of an elderly person or an adult with a disability. Abuse can occur in many forms including physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, abandonment, financial exploitation, or self neglect. More information about the definitions and signs of abuse can be found on the State of Oregon DHS website.

What happens once I make a report of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior or persons with a disability?
During normal business hours, your call will be immediately routed to a staff member who will gather preliminary information about your complaint. Your complaint will then be forwarded to one of our Adult Protective Services staff who will triage the complaint and make determination about how to respond. In many cases, S&DS will complete a formal investigation of the complaint and write a report. In some circumstances, the report can result in sanctions or civil penalties levied by DHS against licensed facilities.

What is the role of Oregon’s Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Program in cases of abuse or neglect?
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Office exists to enhance the quality of life, improve the level of care, protect individual rights and promote the dignity of each Oregon resident of a nursing facility, adult foster care home, residential care facility or assisted living facility. Staff from S&DS frequently work with the Ombudsman’s office to resolve complaints and promote the well being of facility residents.

Can I see the results of abuse investigations?
Community investigations of people living in their own homes or are homeless are confidential and cannot be released to the public. Complaints involving residents in licensed facilities are public and are kept in the public disclosure file. The disclosure file also contains information about a facility’s license history. Please contact our office at (541) 682-4038 if you are interested in viewing the public file.

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