How to reach the HelpLine
The HelpLine is open during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
In the Portland metro area, call 503-232-2540, ext. 246. Outside the local calling area, call toll-free at 1-866-608-1212.
What the HelpLine can help with
The HelpLine offers information, referrals, advice, and occasional brief service on a range of juvenile law subjects, including:
- Legal services: family mediation, courts, advice lines, and legal referrals
- Abuse reporting
- Juvenile court petitions for abuse and neglect allegations
- College scholarships for Oregon foster children
- Guardianship in probate or juvenile courts in Oregon
- Emancipation procedures for teens
- Housing issues for minors
- Teens' rights in foster care
- Public school enrollment
- School discipline, including suspension and expulsion
- Special education law (IDEA and Section 504) and the rights of parents and children
- Emergency programs and services for youth
- Domestic violence resources and shelters
- Runaway resources and shelters
- Alcohol and drug treatment
- Mental health services, including Oregon Health Plan-covered services
- Independent living programs
Children's Mental Health Access Project
The Children's Mental Health Access Project is a collaboration between the Juvenile Rights Project and the Oregon Advocacy Center. It helps parents, guardians, and others access appropriate mental health services for children enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.
To make a referral, contact the JRP HelpLine or JRP social worker Mark McKechnie at 503-232-2540, ext. 249.
Self-help information
For self-help reading, the Multnomah County Bar Association's handbook, Youth Faces the Law, was written for youth and their families. It covers student rights, employment for youth under 18, how the law treats young people before and after age 18, health and rights regarding your body, immigration, juvenile law, criminal laws and punishments, when to seek a lawyer, where to find resources for youth, and a glossary of legal terms.
Important things to know
A few points help the HelpLine serve you well and within its rules:
- HelpLine staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice during the initial call, though they can often provide information, referrals, or materials, and may consult with or forward a call to an attorney when needed.
- Information you share is kept within JRP unless JRP is legally required to disclose it. If a caller discloses information about child abuse, JRP is mandated to report it to the Department of Human Services.
- Because JRP represents many children and youth, staff cannot give information, referral, or advice if a question involves another JRP client. Before offering HelpLine services, staff will ask for the names of the people involved so they can check for conflicts.
Common questions
What are the JRP HelpLine hours?
The HelpLine is open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Can the HelpLine give me legal advice?
HelpLine staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice during the initial call. They can provide information, referrals, and materials, and may forward a call to an attorney when it is needed.
Does it cost anything to call?
The HelpLine provides information, referrals, and advice on juvenile law as part of JRP's non-profit mission. Call 503-232-2540, ext. 246, or toll-free 1-866-608-1212.