Child Abuse Prevention

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child Abuse Prevention Rally

April 21, 2010
Noon to 1 p.m.
Marion County Courthouse

Download your April 2010 Child Abuse Prevention Month Calendar: Child_Abuse_Calendar_2010.pdf

Help us raise awareness and promote prevention at the Child Abuse Prevention Month Rally on April 21st at Marion County Courthouse from Noon to 1:00 p.m.  Keynote speakers will discuss elements of prevention, public policy and effects of abuse on children.  Service partners from Marion and Polk counties will also be on hand to discuss practical ways we can all prevent abuse.  Everyone in our community can make a difference.  Please join us!

Child Abuse Prevention Month rally and educational activitiesis an initiative of United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley and is brought to you by a coalition of local non-profits, government agencies, private partners and concerned citizens working to broaden awareness of child abuse, as well as prevention programs and services.

The Facts

- 1,621 children in Marion & Polk Counties were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect in 2008, a slight decrease from 2007.
- 10,421 confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect in Oregon in 2008, a 3% decrease.
- 14 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect in Oregon in 2008.
- Child abuse is a tragedy that comes in a variety of forms: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, and threat of harm.  In 2008 incidents of abuse in 3 of the 5 categories decreased, with slight increases in number of confirmed cases due to emotional and physical harm.
For more information click here!

What You Can Do

Some things you can do TODAY to stop child abuse and neglect:
- Find out how to participate in short-term foster care or become a foster parent (call Billy Cordero at 503-373-1200 x348)
- Report suspected abuse or neglect (call 503-581-5535 or a local law enforcement agency)
- Volunteer your time for an agency that serves children and families in our community (see below and visit www.HandsOnMWV.org)
- Contribute financially to organizations that work to prevent child abuse or help abused children.

Services and Information for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention are available at the following agencies:

CASA - CASA’s are community volunteers who speak up in court for abused and neglected children. (503)378-6327 ext. 369 and http://www.marioncountycasa.org

Catholic Community Services - programs that empower children, families & individuals to live responsibly in a safe, supportive home and community. (503)390-2600 or http://www.ccswv.org.

Child Welfare-A protective service agency assesses reports of child abuse and neglect.  Child Welfare provides case management and referrals for services-family counseling, sexual abuse treatment; parent training to high-risk families and children; A foster care and adoption agency. (503)378-6800

Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon – For 24 years has been the primary funding source for effective Child Maltreatment Programs throughout the State of Oregon. (503)222-7102 or http://www.ctfo.org

City of Salem Department of Community Services, Community Resources Division - A resource for all families, young and old alike, coordinating human rights and relations, social services, and community events, providing neighborhood services, and recreation and human development. (503)588-6261 or http://www.cityofsalem.net

Easter Seals Children’s Therapy Center - The Center’s full range of pediatric services focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for children.  Prevention services include: parent training classes, home visitation, Polk County Healthy Start, postpartum depression prevention, and child and family counseling.  (503)370-8990 or http://www.or.easterseals.com

Family Building Blocks – Works to break the intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing services for high-risk families that have children six weeks to five years old.  It focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parents and preserving families through comprehensive services including therapeutic classes, parent education, and home visitation.  (503)-566-2132 or http://www.familybuildingblocks.org

The Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project® is an effective tool and a key piece of the puzzle of abuse and violence prevention education. (503)587-4853 or (888)443-6299. http://www.handsproject.org

Liberty House – A child abuse assessment center providing specialty services for children who may have been abused or neglected. Educational classes & consultation available. (503)540-0288 or http://www.libertyhousecenter.org

Marion County Department of Children & Families - Engages citizens, communities, organizations and agencies in a planning and decision making process around the issues, supports and services for children and families. (503)588-7975 or http://www.co.marion.or.us/CFC

Marion County Sheriff’s Office - Working to protect children in Marion County. To report emergencies, dial 911; to report a non-emergency crime, please call (503)588-5032; for other information, please call (503)588-5094 or http://www.co.marion.or.us/SO

NWHS Crisis Hotline -A safe, confidential crisis intervention Hotline available to anyone, 24/7, 365. We provide reassurance, assessment and a link to resources that can meet longer term needs. We also provide limited emergency financial assistance and emergency food boxes & critical incident stress management services. (503)581-5535, 1-800-560-5535, TTY (503)588-5833 or http://www.northwesthumanservices.org

NWHS HOST Youth & Family Programs-24 hr. emergency shelter & respite care for runaway & homeless youth ages 12-18, or youth & families in crisis (503)588-5825 or http://www.northwesthumanservices.org

Salem Hospital - 24 hour Emergency, Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) services.  Information, parent education on prevention of child abuse, and assistance with finding community resources.  (503) 561-5200 or http://www.salemhospital.org

Salem Police Department - Working to protect children within the City of Salem.  To report emergencies dial 911; to report a non-emergency crime, please dial (503)588-6123.
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/Police

Salem-Keizer School District Human Resources– Information on community wide child abuse prevention presentations. (503)399-3061 or http://www.salemkeizer.org

United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley– works collaboratively with partners throughout Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties to identify community needs and address their underlying causes. United Way then invests resources (financial, in-kind and volunteer) in programs and initiatives that address these core needs, and that have lasting and measurable results on community conditions.(503)363-1651 or http://www.unitedwaymwv.org and http://www.HandsOnMWV.org