April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a nationwide movement to raise awareness and advocate for children and families at risk of suffering from abuse and neglect. With the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and wide-spread shelter-in-place orders, the need to support the work that these organizations do has never been greater. COVID-19 has posed major challenges for organizations devoted to protecting children in our state and around the world. Data and research shows that the number of children who enter foster care and need child welfare services will increase as more Oregonians lose their jobs and face economic stress, isolation, unstable housing, food insecurity and other unfortunate circumstances resulting from the pandemic. 'We are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of the overall impact of COVID-19 in the Salem and surrounding communities,' says CASA of Marion County Executive Director Shaney Starr. 'Our team is working around the clock to step up and advocate for 'our kids' in Marion County and to support our foster parents so we don't find ourselves facing an even larger shortage of foster placements'. In Marion and Polk counties alone, there are hundreds of victims of abuse and neglect and likely hundreds more unreported cases of children who desperately need assistance. Fortunately, multiple organizations in our community are stepping up to provide assessment, counseling, and support for children and families facing abuse, neglect, trauma or grief during these challenging and unprecedented times. The Salem Convention Center is proud to have partnered with many of these organizations through the years and to honor National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we've decided to highlight some of these organizations and the work that they do. CASA of Marion County CASA of Marion County, Inc., advocates for abused and neglected children who need safe and permanent homes through a network of trained and dedicated volunteers. These volunteers support children who have been removed from their homes by advocating for them through the legal and child welfare systems and ensuring their needs are a top priority. Liberty House Liberty House is a child abuse assessment center serving Marion and Polk counties that offers a safe, comfortable, child-friendly environment for children and their families facing concerns of abuse, neglect, trauma, or grief. Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties We're proud of our long-standing relationship with Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. This outstanding organization supports children, especially those considered at-risk, by helping them reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens through the development of a positive self-image and self-reliance. Family Building Blocks Family Building Blocks is a certified Relief Nursery committed to 'Keeping Children Safe and Families Together' in Marion and Polk Counties. The organization works to prevent abuse and neglect by partnering with parents of very young children to provide high-quality, critical, and voluntary services, programs, and resources to families with the greatest needs. HOW YOU CAN HELP Experts say everyone can play a role in preventing child abuse by simply calling and checking in on friends, neighbors and family members and friends, particularly if you suspect they may be at risk. Acts of kindness such as delivering a meal or bringing needed childcare supplies such as diapers, books, clothing can help relieve toxic stress. Consider volunteering or making a financial contribution to organizations like the ones mentioned above that serve to protect children and families. Follow these organizations on social media to keep up with virtual events and fundraiser and participate in virtual awareness activities like Pinwheels-for-Prevention to help spread the word. Other Resources preventchildabuseoregon.org www.kgw.com preventchildabuse.org
