Oregon families will live happier, more secure lives when they no longer need worry about terrorism caused by overzealous SCF or law enforcement action. SCF agents will be able to do far more for families in the system if their caseload is substantially reduced. Both require more stringent filters, increased standards, and better accountability. Filters should be based on a definition of child abuse that is more generally acceptable than a singular bruise or welt. Accountability should be in the form of mandated recognition of harm caused by intervention, and through civil liability.

A single injury which requires a physician's attention, such as a second or third degree burn, a broken bone, or open sores. (In such cases, the local law enforcement agency shall request immediate removal authorization from a judge. Law enforcement will have primary jurisdiction.) - OR -

Three or more separate incidents of willfully given bruises. A single report may be used as justification for an investigation in which additional reports are sought, through interviews of neighbors, teachers, or other family members. SOSCF shall have primary investigative jurisdiction, and may request a court order for a child's removal from the home.

• Modify ORS 419b to state that no child shall be removed from a home on a first report of abuse unless the investigating agent or officer has probable cause to believe the child is in immediate danger of serious bodily harm.

• Insert a new clause into ORS 419b stating that refusal to talk to an investigating officer or agent shall not be construed as justification for removal of a child, nor as evidence that abuse has occurred.

• Mandate sensitivity training for SCF agents to trauma caused by forcible separation of children from their families.

• Insert language into SCF policy, acknowledging substantial trauma from forcible separation of families. Mandate that agents may take a child into custody only when the child's danger clearly exceeds trauma to the child and family caused by forcible separation.

• Mandate balanced interviews by requiring at least half of questions asked by investigating officers to request positive information on parenting skills and family condition.

• Mandate that SCF develop a list of parental rights, which shall be supplied to parents during first contact with the family, and when any child is being taken into custody, by either law enforcement or SCF.

• Mandate that SCF publish in its annual report, the number of agents accused of overzealous behavior, the number disciplined, and the number discharged.

• Mandate that SCF develop statistics that show it is having a net positive benefit to Oregon families, and quantifying that benefit.