‘I should have reported that’: How helping hearts is training everyday protectors
By Tracy Christopher on Monday, March 30th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY — In Oregon, many people who work or volunteer with kids are legally required to report suspected abuse. But knowing how and when to report isn’t always clear. If you aren’t ahead of the problem you are behind from the start. Training is knowledge, knowledge protects our kids.” states George Kohlhepp.
Helping Hearts Child Advocacy Center has made mandatory reporter training a major part of its outreach, working with:
- Volunteers with groups like 4-H leaders
- Little League and youth sports coaches
- School staff and clinics
- Community groups and networks like Network of Care
In one recent training for community volunteers, the room started out tense—nervous and unsure of what to expect. By the end, participants were asking questions and coming forward with concerns.
“Many times we have been approached after the trainings by attendees who have concerns. We are really connecting with community members who have eyes and ears on Wallowa County’s kiddos,” shared Ashley.
Helping Hearts wants trainings to be live, relational, and practical, not just a checkbox video people half-watch while doing other tasks. They emphasize:
- What Oregon law actually requires
- What signs and patterns might suggest a child is unsafe
- How to make a report and what happens afterward
- How to support a child in a calm, non-leading way
The center also sends a clear message to potential bad actors: if you seek out positions around children for the wrong reasons, the community is watching. The more trained eyes and ears there are—coaches, club leaders, teachers, neighbors—the stronger the “shield” around local kids.
“Every group we train is another piece of that shield protecting our kids,” Erin explained. “Law enforcement, DHS, teachers, coaches—it all adds up.”
In addition to mandatory reporter training, Helping Hearts helps bring broader community education to Wallowa County. They have hosted presenters such as Rebecca Bender, the Zero Abuse Project, Rick Wistocki, Ross Szabo, and Tall Cop, sometimes leading the effort themselves and other times partnering with other local agencies to make these opportunities possible.
