Plans are underway for 3rd annual Eastern Oregon Child Abuse Conference
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office and the Guardian Care Center are getting ready for the third annual George Murdock Eastern Oregon Child Abuse Conference in April at Wildhorse Resort. Prior to the first conference, those needing training in being a first responder for child abuse had to travel west of the Cascades for training.
Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus says the event is well received and continues to grow.
“We’re expanding this year to the social worker side of things to add a different track,” he said. “First year was law enforcement. Then we added prosecutors. Now we’re adding social workers.”
Primus said the driving force behind the conference is Chief Deputy District Attorney Jaclyn Jenkins.
“This is Ms. Jenkins’ journey,” he said. “This is what she thrives on. This is why she took the job that she has and does the work that she does on behalf of child victims.”
Primus said they are negotiating contracts to bring in “some of the best speakers we have ever had.” Conference planners have sent letters to county businesses asking them to help sponsor the conference in order to keep it growing. He said it’s already making an impression throughout the state, not just in Eastern Oregon.
“I hear about it now when I go to annual meetings,” he said. “Our hope is to not only give them the tools to do the work. We want to inspire them to do the work, and also the wellness on the back end, taking care of themselves so that they can take care of victims.
File photo of Umatilla County Chief Deputy DA Jaclyn Jenkins, who Primus calls the driving force behind the conference.
