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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2000)
5 Sheriff and CRD work together for tribal families JANUARY 15, 2000 I I. rfflfv 'III I V . ' A 111. I, . I ft I !- . l2- By Tom O'Brien Deputy Sheriff December 25, 1999 I felt transported to another time and place this morning in the wee hours of the day while patrolling Hwy 18. On the ra dio was Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas." It reminded me of my parents and of perhaps gentler times. I reflected on how I was just informed that I will be a grand father this summer. I was enjoying the moment and feeling blessed. All this is in contrast to my most recent seminar in Flagstaff, Arizona I attended with some tribal staff. I want to say thank you to the Tribal Coun cil, EO Bob Martin, and to whomever else arranged for me to attend this eye-opening seminar. The seminar was sponsored by the U.S. Depart ment of Justice and hosted by the Navajo and Hopi Nations. The seminar dealt with violence against Native American Women and the legal system's response to the family violence. We were compar ing notes and searching for ways to improve how we respond to this concern. It was apparent that times are different today, there and here. Shortly after our return all the seminar partici pants met with the Tribal Court. The lessons learned by the group were discussed and com pared. The Tribe's Civil Court is currently look ing at ways to improve how it will address family violence here. The court is looking at adopting tribal ordinance that will compliment state statue. Our open reservation in Grand Ronde differs from the reservation in Arizona and most other places. The Tribe and its agencies have a much closer working relationship with local and state govern ments." Our agencies are coordinated.- Thus re sponse time to crime is shorter and obtaining as sistance easier. Concerns of legal jurisdictions experienced on most reservations are not a prob lem here, allowing for the closest cooperation be tween governments. r ( "1 r1 71:1 PS? v I Li r L Grand Ronde deputies and Community Resources staff attended an awareness training in Arizona. Here, CRD manager Anthony Gagliardo and Sharon Woods, Domestic Violence Caseworker. A difficult problem within tribal families is know ing that a family member is abusive and attempt ing to deal with the problem as a "family matter," rather than seeking processional help. Most times this approach leads to a worsening of the prob lem. Our discussions lead us to realize that solu tions were somewhat painful, as most of us usu ally with this type of problem would just go away. Professional workers that deal with children and families in a daily setting know they have legal : obligations to report violence in the family, espe cially when it deals with our children. As adults and family members we owe it to ourselves, our families and our community to report all family violence to the proper authority. No abuse should occur without realizing consequences. No abuse cures itself, it won't just go away. No one, whether it is a victim, an assailant, or an innocent family member is immune from the heartache this crime causes. No one gets the much needed help with out total community support and involvement. The Community Resources department is work ing with the Tribal Court to improve their re sponses to family violence and child abuse. I'm pleased that the Grand Ronde deputies are be ing included in this process. We as a community can contribute to the process by being responsible citizens and worthy adult role models. Contact the deputies and Community Resources when you become aware of local family violence. We are concerned that our families are free of violence and we are truly here to help. May 2000 bring you good tidings and your fami lies' good health. The Oregon Legislature has found that for the purpose of preventing abuse, and safeguarding and enhanc ing the welfare of children, adults who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled and elderly persons, it is necessary and in the public interest to require mandatory reports and investigations of abuse. Oregon has a number of mandatory abuse reporting laws targeted at the following populations: Mandatory reporting of abuse of elderly or depen dent persons; O Mandatory reporting of resident abuse in health care facilities; O Mandatory reporting of abuse for mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons; O Mandatory reporting of child abuse. State law defines mandatory reporters of abuse. It should be noted that these mandatory reporters vary depending on the type of alleged abuse, although there are some mandated who cross over into every type. MANDATORY REPORTING Some jobs require reporting of abuse cases child abuse, Elder abuse or abuse of persons with disabilities or mental illness. Theyinclude; Physicians, including interns or residents O Naturopathic physicians 0 Chiropractors Nurses, licensed practical or registered Employees of the Department of Human Re sources, county health departments, community mental health or developmental disabilities programs O Peace officers O Clergy Licensed clinical social workers Osteopathic physicians Podiatrists O Nurse's aides, home health nurses, employees of in-home health services Physical speech or occupational therapists O Information and referral or outreach workers Psychologists Employees of private agencies providing con tracted mental health services 0 Attorneys O Senior Center employees Any public official who comes into contact in performance of official duties Additionally, mandatory reporting also includes the following professions: School employees Employees of county juvenile departments O Licensed child care agencies Employees of alcohol or drug treatment programs Certified day care or foster care providers Licensed professional counselors Licensed marriage and family therapists Firefighters and emergency medical technicians Its everyone's responsibility. If you do not find your occupation listed in any of the mandatory reporting categories, that does not mean you should close your eyes to abuse. Early reporting of abuse could save a child or adult's life or prevent himher from serious or permanent injuries. Reports of child abuse, Elder abuse and domestic violence can be made through the Tribe's Community Resources department at (503) 879-2034 or the 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-888-654-8198. First, if you believe a crime has been committed, you should contact your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Some general information will be asked of you in filing any type of abuse report. This includes: 0 the name, age, and location of the person; 0 name and addresses of persons, programs, or ' facilities responsible for the person's care; 0 the nature and extent of the alleged abuse, including any evidence of previous abuse; 0 any information that led the person making the report to suspect abuse occurred; 0 any information that the person believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of the abuse and the identity of the alleged perpetrator(s); 0 date of the incident. To report suspected abuse of adults, 18 years or older, with developmental disabilities or mental illness, contact your local County Mental Health Program. For statewide information regarding adults with de velopmental disabilities and abuse issues, contact the ODDS Abuse System Coordinator. To report suspected abuse of children under the age of 18 years, contact your local Services to Children and Families office. To report suspected abuse of senior citi zens, contact your local senior citizens agency. Reports may also be made to the Tribal Community Resources department at (503) 879-2034.
