Child Abuse Investigations
Child Abuse Investigations
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office works with local partners through the Child Abuse Response Team (CART). CART is a multi-agency team that investigates criminal child abuse cases.
Local agencies tested the CART model in 1999 and formally established the program in 2000. Today, CART coordinates investigations to improve how agencies respond to child abuse cases.
Partner Agencies
The Benton County District Attorney’s Office supervises the CART program.
The following agencies participate in CART:
- Benton County Sheriff’s Office
- Corvallis Police Department
- Philomath Police Department
- Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)
- ABC House (All Because of Children)
- Benton County Juvenile Department
- Benton County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children
These agencies work together to investigate cases, support victims, and coordinate services.
Program Focus
CART works to:
- Improve the timely investigation and resolution of criminal child abuse cases
- Strengthen coordination between law enforcement and child protection agencies
- Improve outcomes and support services for victims
CART investigators primarily handle cases involving children under age 12.
When a child victim is age 12 or older, trained detectives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit handle the case.
What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse
If you suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, report your concerns as soon as possible.
The following resources can help you recognize signs of abuse and learn how to report it:
- ABC House provides information about the warning signs of child abuse and guidance on how to respond.
- Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services provides instructions on how to report suspected child abuse.
Mandatory Reporting in Oregon
Oregon law requires people in certain professions to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
If you work in one of these professions and have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, you must make a report.
Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website listed below to learn more about mandatory reporting requirements.
See the web links below for additional information.