Differential Response (DR) is a design for child welfare intervention that allows for more than one way of responding to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. It promotes engaging families and identifying family-specific needs, in the process of completing a comprehensive assessment to ensure the safety of a child. In order to implement this successfully in Oregon, this system requires the support and collaboration with the Department, Community Partners, Providers, and Stakeholders.

Please join one of our twelve orientations across the state. All are welcome, but seating is limited.

May is Older Americans Month. Americans are living longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. In Oregon, thirteen percent of the population is age 65 or older. Oregon Department of Human Services recently launched a major initiative to support older Oregonians in their home communities: The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (Oregon ADRC).

Between eight and ten thousand Americans turn 65 every day. In Oregon, thirteen percent of the population is age 65 or older. However, by 2030 it is projected to reach twenty percent. In other words, two decades from now one in five Oregonians will be 65 or older.

With strong community involvement, the Department of Human Services believes we can improve outcomes for our children and families. Read FIVE WAYS we are working to prevent child abuse and keep children safe in their families. These five new ways of working with families represent a significant change and continuing improvement for Oregon. The efforts are based on research that demonstrates that outcomes for children, families and communities are better when children are raised in their families and supported by their community.

Oregon continues efforts to ensure the most appropriate use of psychotropic medications in the child welfare system. Based on this progress, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced today that Oregon has been chosen as one of five states that will be part of a national pilot project focused on improving use of medication among children and adolescents in foster care with mental and behavioral health needs.