Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about when juvenile dependency cases arise. Oregon’s mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting statute requires professionals who have reasonable cause or suspicion of child abuse or neglect to make a report, which the Department of Human Services (DHS) will then investigate. Dependency cases usually begin when DHS receives such a referral. DHS conducts an investigation and, based on the findings, may request that a parent voluntarily agrees to collaborate with them, engage in services, and follow specific stipulations. Alternatively, DHS may petition the Circuit Court’s juvenile department for court orders. These orders might require placing the child or children in foster care or mandating that parents take or avoid certain actions to ensure a safe and suitable environment for the children.