Oregon Child and Elder Abuse Reporting

Lawyers in Oregon, like many other mandatory reporters, may not be experts in identifying child abuse and elder abuse. The mandatory reporting statutes in Oregon are intended to identify possible victims of child abuse and elder abuse so that the allegations can be assessed by qualified child welfare and adult welfare professionals. Lawyers will often encounter victims of child abuse and elder abuse but must critically analyze their ethical obligations, their attorney-client relationship, and their statutory obligation to report abuse. Additionally, lawyers in Oregon are required by the Oregon State Bar to receive regular training in child abuse reporting as a part of their continuing legal education requirements.

This course, a former police officer turned attorney, Matthew Muenzen, will cover who must make mandatory reports of child abuse and elder abuse, how to make mandatory reports, how to identify potential child abuse and elder abuse, and any exceptions to the mandatory reporting requirements for lawyers. Additionally, this court will cover the balance between mandatory reporting of child abuse and elder abuse and a lawyer's obligation to protect the attorney-client relationship as outlined in the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the importance of mandatory reporting in Oregon
2. Define the mandatory reporting law for children and the elderly
3. Identify mandatory reporters in Oregon law and what must be reported
4. Discuss exceptions to reporting requirements
5. Break down of how to properly report child abuse and elder abuse