Portland, OR family law attorney Matthew Muenzen talks about when juvenile dependency cases arise. He mentions that Oregon has a mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting statute. Professionals who have reasonable cause or suspicion to believe a child has been abused or neglected are required to make a report, which the Department of Human Services (DHS) then investigates. Dependency cases typically arise when DHS receives such a referral. The agency investigates and, depending on the circumstances, may request that the parent voluntarily participate in services and comply with certain stipulations. Alternatively, DHS may file a petition in the Circuit Court juvenile department to seek court orders requiring either that the child be placed in foster care or that the parents take—or refrain from—specific actions to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.