Category: Volunteers and Supporters

A Thanksgiving Message From Our Executive Director

Greetings from Tammi Pitzen, CACJC Executive Director

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you on behalf of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County Board, Staff, Advisory Council, and volunteers!

As I am rush around today to try to get things wrapped up before the snow comes in and in preparation for a couple of days off for Thanksgiving, I am feeling so thankful for so many things!

I am thankful that I have the privilege and honor to work with a team who is incredibly talented, knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate…both on staff and as part of a larger multidisciplinary team. This work is so hard and so important! And so hard. Let’s just acknowledge that. So very hard.

I am so thankful that we have a community who prioritizes children and who is so supportive of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, our programs and the abused children we serve. We cannot do this work alone. It takes a community! Thank you so much for your time, talent and treasure.

I am so thankful for our volunteers who do not have to be here but who show up week after week with a smile on their face eager to help in whatever way is needed. That is really incredible when you think about that! They don’t get a pay check. Sometimes staff gets busy and forgets or misses an opportunity to say thank you! The children are not always pleasant when they are here in a time of crisis. Sometimes the parents are angry…but the volunteers keep coming and keep giving and continue to be empathetic and compassionate. I AM SO THANKFUL for ALL of YOU!!

We could not sustain this important work without all of you!

So Thank you!!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

Tammi Pitzen
All Adults are KEY to protecting our children from abuse
By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

April is Child Abuse Awareness month. I want to use this opportunity to talk to you about the unvarnished and raw truth about child abuse.

Generally, people do not like to talk about it. I have been in meetings where we are talking about events for child abuse awareness and people do not want to talk about the non-sugar-coated version of this public health issue. It isn’t because people do not care. I think it is because it is overwhelming. I think it is because if you only look at the statistics and not the things you can do to prevent or intervene in abuse…. it is downright depressing.

Here is the harsh reality….
- 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18^th birthday. In an average classroom in the United States there are somewhere between 20 to 30 students. That means in every classroom there are two to three children who have been sexually abused or who will be sexually abused
- In our country, between 4 and 5 children every day die from child abuse or neglect. That seems so high in a country as advanced as ours.
- In Jackson County in 2017 (the latest information that has been released) we have 850 confirmed victims of child abuse.
- In the state of Oregon in 2017 there were 30 children who died as a result of abuse or neglect.
- We all want to believe (and I am right there with you all) that child abuse does not happen in our community, in our circle of friends or in our family. But the statistics tell a different story. There are reports made. There are investigations initiated. AND there are reports found to be true and backed up by evidence.
Do you read those numbers and feel the same sense of urgency that I do to intervene…. to be a catalyst of change…. to be part of the tipping point?

These numbers are not just statistics. They are children. Every single number represents a child.

You may be asking yourself…. what can one person do? I am so glad you asked.

We are the key to protection for children. All of us. Singularly and in groups. We. Together. We are the solution.

Here are some things that any of us can do to help prevent child abuse:
1. You can take a class through the CAC’s Protect Our Children program to learn to recognize and respond to child sexual abuse.
2. You can support the prevention efforts of your local CAC by donating precious time or financial support to their prevention programs.
3. You can become a foster parent. While this is not primary prevention…. it certainly helps to break the cycle of abuse if we have good, stable, safe, homes to place children when they cannot remain at home.
4. You can smile at a stressed-out Mom or Dad who is yelling or not treating a child in a way that is appropriate. And tell them what a beautiful child they have. Believe it or not, it works. I have tried this and, on occasion, the situation de-escalates pretty quickly.
5. You can listen to and treat with respect your own children.
6. You can talk to your children — both those who were born to you and those who are in your life — about body safety, about consent, and about what “no” means.
7. You can be present in your child’s life by knowing who is in his/her life and setting rules about who can have access to him/her.
8. Become a volunteer facilitator for the CAC Protect Our Children program.
9. Do not be a bystander when you see a child being hurt or mistreated. Make a report.
10. If a child says that someone is hurting them, respond by making a report, by reassuring them, by believing them, and by thanking them for trusting you.
11. Get involved with the issue. Volunteer at the CAC. Volunteer at another child serving agency.
12. TALK ABOUT ABUSE. Break the silence.
13. Stop stigmatizing the issue and the children that are at the heart of the issue. If a child could make it stop…. they would. The issues lie with the adults and not with the child.
14. If you see a child that is disruptive and not pleasant to be around, remember that they may just be trying to survive. Offer them kindness instead of judgement.
15. Be present in your child’s life.
If you want to get involved by volunteering at the CAC either in our programming, as a facilitator of Protect Our Children or in support of Protect Our Children classes, please contact Danae Crawford, our Volunteer Coordinator at 541-734-5437 Ext. 1013.

Tammi Pitzen
Paying Tribute to a Champion of Children ~ Robert Blair Doolen

By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

On June 2, 2018 a great supporter of the Children’s Advocacy Center and the children we serve, left this life. Robert Blair Doolen passed away at home with family by his side.

Bob was born Sept. 27, 1939 in Aurora, Illinois to Helen Blair Doolen and Harold Morris Doolen, Sr. The family moved to Billings, in 1941. Bob graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1957. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in 1961 and a Master of Science in 1963.

Bob was devoted to his wife Karen. They were together for a life time. Literally. They met in high school. It was beautiful to see them together.

Bob volunteered his time and knowledge to the CAC, helping to create some of our policies and guiding us through setting up an avenue to receive donations of stocks and investments, but even beyond that, he was an Ambassador for our agency. It was not uncommon for Bob and his wife Karen, who serves on our Advisory Council, to bring their friends to events sponsored by the CAC or to bring them to the CAC for a tour and to learn more about our services.

The CAC was not the only benefactor of Bob’s talent, time and treasure. The Holly Theatre, the Asante Foundation, the YMCA in Billings Montana, the First Presbyterian Church in Medford, the Rotary, the Medford Budget Committee and the Medford Hospital Facilities Board, in addition to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, all received the benefit of Bob’s generosity, kindness and talents.

We will miss Bob. His gentle spirit. His never-ending generosity and loyalty. His friendly smile. His willingness to always help. His attention to details. His guidance.

As a new Executive Director four or so years ago, I remember being very thankful to have such a wonderful man and his lovely wife Karen helping me to find my footing. Now looking back, it is amazing the thousands of kids that have been impacted by this gentle, friendly, unassuming man. His work helped them find safety. His work helped them find their voice. His work helped build community. His work helped to restore good health for many.

He has left a legacy of health, happiness and safety for many of the children in our community. THANK YOU. And thank you, Karen, for sharing him with our community and for bringing him with you when you joined the Children’s Advocacy Center family.
Putting kids back together starts at the CAC

Bylle McCulley

This post is from a speech by foster parent, Bylle McCulley

I would like to share with you my personal experiences while receiving the services of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

10 years ago, my husband and I became foster parents here in Jackson County and we received children on an emergency placement.

Usually, our first stop was the CAC.

I was awe struck at how kind, gentle, and supportive the staff was, not only to the child, but also to me as the foster parent.

When I held a little girl’s hand while she was being examined, it required all the strength I could possible muster to say, “You can trust me. I’m not going to leave you.” Those reassurances had an impact, not only on the child, but also on me as a person.

I know from experience that putting kids back together again starts at the CAC.

We were able to adopt a special needs child from the foster care system. He came to us when he was 17 months-old and he’s now 12. During our 6-year journey, we received help first from the Children’s Advocacy Center, then Family Nurturing Center, Community Family Court, Jackson County Mental Health, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. I will always be grateful for the guidance and direction they provided to my family during this stressful time.

The most effective response to abuse and neglect requires a collaborative approach, which includes: teachers, first responders, law enforcement, medical, Community Family Court, attorneys, judges, CASA, elected officials, foster parents, the faith community and all the community partners who so generously come along beside us.

The process starts with the CAC to identify, investigate and provide treatment.

Please donate to the Children’s Advocacy Center now and don’t put it off. We either pay now or we pay more later. It will cost more later in mental health issues, chronic diseases and possible even the involvement of the criminal justice system. Join us. We we are always looking for community partners to plant a seed of healing for the abused children and teens of our community.
Spotlight on a Volunteer: Samantha Bohling

Samantha Bohling

When did you start volunteering at the Children’s Advocacy Center?

I started volunteering at the Children’s Advocacy Center on September 20, 2017.

How did you become familiar with the Center, how did you find out?

I became familiar with the Center through two sources: A list of possible internship facilities through the SOU website, as well as a recommendation from DHS.

What do you do at the Center?

I spend my volunteer time at the Center in the Medical and Therapy departments. There, I help with any administration tasks that need done, along with keeping the Center clean, stocked, and friendly for children. I also, when the occasion calls for it, help watch the children while their guardians are in a therapy session. I would say my main task, though, is to job shadow and see the everyday workings of the Center.

Why do you volunteer?

Along with volunteering for my SOU Capstone Project, I volunteer to bring experience and enrichment to my own life, as well as to be a helping hand within the community by creating a safe and friendly environment for abused children when they need it most.

What is your favorite part of volunteering?

My favorite part of volunteering, would be general job shadowing and learning the ins-and-outs of the Center, as well as being able to interact with the children we are helping.

What is the passion you have for volunteering at the center?

My passion I have for volunteering at the Center, is to be able to put my education and personal experiences about child abuse and mental health, into action. Being able to help others, not only through this volunteer experience, but also my other work with Crisis Text Line, is where I feel I belong in this world and can be the most useful to my community.

What are your thoughts about the Center, the work we do here and how it relates to you and your volunteering?

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County is an environment where children (and their non-offending guardians) who are already going through what is typically a traumatic experience, can feel safe and comfortable. Having a safe place, I think, is one of the most important things for a child to have. The work the Center does relates to me and my volunteering by showing me what it takes, not just the ins-and-outs of the Center and the legality and procedures, but also through support and compassion, to truly ‘be there’ for the abused children and their families of our community.

There is always room for more volunteers! Please let us know if you have a place in your heart to help children and their families. We can set up a time to for a Center tour and talk about how you might want to help the abused children and their families we serve.

Contact Ginny Sagal at vsagal@cacjc.org or call her at 541-282-5474 EXT 1013
It takes a Community Response

Diode Laser Concepts volunteers assemble our new train table

By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

Many of you have heard me say that child abuse is a community problem that deserves a community response. I actually say and write that frequently. It did not originate with me, and I actually can’t tell you who said it first. What I can say is that it resonates with me.

I can also say that I see my community step up and be a part of the response every single day.

Every time, it makes me proud of the community I live in and every time, it makes me feel humbled and in awe of the generosity of this community. Every time, it makes me feel a little emotional that so many people care about the outcomes of the children we serve at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County.

Some of you right now are asking yourself, “What is a community response?”

A community response is a group of runners who donated proceeds from the Siskiyou Outback (or as it is known by its more irreverent name ‘the SOB’) to provide safety to staff and to the children and families we serve in the form of an updated security system. This is so needed and is one of those things people may not think about.

Erin, Rob, John and Susan—those who run the race—came for a tour and decided that the gift of safety and security was one that the children we serve and the staff who serves them deserve.

I went out to Mt. Ashland to watch some of the day’s activities and was moved by the runners who were cheering each runner who crossed the finish line. It made me wish that each child who visits the Center for services could see a finish line…and made me hope that they felt that same level of support when they crossed the threshold of the door of the Center. I was moved again when I hugged each of those people who made this gift possible.

This is a big deal. This is a community response. This is one way to make kids who have had safety ripped from their hands feel safe again.

Thank you is inadequate. But it is all I have. That and my undying gratitude that they recognize the work we do and value the service we provide. Not only do they value the service, but value those giving and receiving the service.

A community response is a young man named Milan who coordinates and facilitates a one-day soccer camp to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center during the heat of early July. The soccer camp is free with a request of a donation to help the Center. This is an amazing camp that children from our community, both those who receive services from our agency and those from the general public, come together to learn social skills, to learn team building, to learn to play soccer, and to really just have fun. This all came about because a young man came on a tour and wanted to give something. His passion is soccer. He wanted to give his passion to the children of the Rogue Valley and to our agency in hopes of providing healing to the children who pass through our doors in need of compassion, safety, and healing.

A community response is Jeff Pevar, Inger Jorgensen and LOVEBITE playing a benefit concert at Grizzly Peak Winery to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and to raise money to help solve the problem. It was amazing to hear these talented musicians giving us their gift in an effort to make it possible to dream of a place where no child will ever feel unwanted, devalued, and minimized. A place where no child will suffer at the hands of another…where no child will bear the marks of abuse…where no child wears the hidden scars left by the trauma of abuse. A community response is a dance floor filled with people who came to support the cause and enjoy an evening listening to some really good music.

A community response is Dagoba Chocolate picking the Children’s Advocacy Center to do a service project to insure that children who need clothes in a time of crisis will have complete outfits put together with just them in mind.

A community response is Diode Laser Concepts who sends a small army once a month to take care of all of our “honey do’s”…which can be anything from cleaning out our gutters, getting spider webs off one of our buildings or putting together a new train table.

A community response is group of professionals from Banner Bank who painted offices as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.

A community response is a volunteer Board of Directors who shows up every month for meetings, who share their good fortune to support the programs we offer, who share their gifts with our agency…who provide guidance to an Executive Director whenever it is needed.

A community response is a volunteer Advisory Council who provides advice, connections, and support, so the children of our community have access to healing services.

I am humbled over and over again by the generosity of those who give their gifts to support the abused children who receive healing and recovery services from the Children’s Advocacy Center.

The ones written about in this blog are only the most recent. With each word typed, I am reminded of others who have given of themselves to help support our children. Perhaps they will be the inspiration for another blog.

Every gift counts. Every gift is valued. Every gift is precious. Every gift provides healing.

Today as I sit in my office working on grants, working on paying the bills, working on all the less glamorous things that are connected to running a nonprofit agency, I am so thankful.

I am thankful that I am surrounded by people in my community who see the unseen and rise to the challenge in a move to end child abuse. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Rob, Susan, Erin, John, Milan, Jeff, Inger, Paul, Jacob, and Matthew.

I am thankful that I live in a place that when someone says, “Child abuse is a community problem that deserves a community response”…that the community responds.

Tammi Pitzen
Volunteers: The Heart of the Center

By Ginny Sagal, Communication & Outreach Coordinator for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

It’s 9am and the Children’s Advocacy Center is open. Clients are coming in for a therapy session, therapy assessment, medical service, or forensic interview.

They are greeted by a CAC employee and many times by a volunteer.

This is a volunteer who has given their time and heart to help out at the Center. The volunteers who help out at the Children’s Advocacy Center are given a variety of tasks to do that are catered to their interest, skillset, and our client’s needs.

Many come to the Center to be with the children.

They play games, read stories, or just hang with them. Having kind and caring volunteers help out with the children makes the waiting sometimes not so scary. They also comfort the parents, who are sometimes just as scared and confused as the kids.

We have volunteers that also help with filing and keeping our closet, where we store extra clothing for our clients, organized. Some volunteers love to get involved in our once a year Winter Gala fundraiser that requires many hours of their time.

Once a week in the evening, we have a special parent therapy group that is totally run by the volunteers and facilitated by one of our therapists. The volunteers make dinner for the kids and parents. While the parents are in the group session with the therapist, the volunteers play games and make crafts with the kids. When the session is done, these dedicated volunteers stay to help clean up.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life.

We have some that are students who are working on college credits that pertain to social service and criminal justice work. There are companies that come to the Center as a team to help us out on a project. Many are retirees that have chosen our Center to help out in the next phase of their lives.

The Children’s Advocacy Center has a child sexual abuse prevention training that is done by volunteers. This program is called the “Protect our Children, Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children” training.

Being a volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center is like being part of a big family. Like most families, some days are easier than others, but the devotion and love that our volunteers give to our Center and our clients makes every day a special one.

There is always room for more volunteers. Please let us know if you have a place in your heart to help children and their families. We can set up a time to for tour and talk about how they want to help the abused children and their families at the Center. Contact Ginny Sagal at vsagal@cacjc.org or call her at 541 282 5474.

Ginny Sagal
Does child abuse happen in our state? In Jackson County?
By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

April is child abuse prevention/awareness month. This is my traditional April Blog recognizing and focusing on the problem of child abuse.

I was doing a little research to see what was going on in the world of child abuse. I found a page on the internet that is nothing but stories of child abuse. They are all true. They are all recent. They are all heartbreaking.

One tells of a child whose father found out she was having sex and so, as punishment, forced her to become a prostitute at a truck stop. There are stories of child fatalities; there are stories of parents beating their children. It is quite disturbing. It is a true crime website. I was simply looking for some compelling story to blog about and found a whole site. All from 2017.

Some will say that those horrible things do not happen in Oregon. Those things happen in other countries or other parts of this country. Sadly, this is not accurate.

There were 964 children abused in Jackson County in 2016. In the state of Oregon, there were 27 child abuse fatalities. 21 of those were perpetrated by a parent or parent figure. All 27 of the children who died knew their abuser. We call it child abuse fatalities, and as awful as that sounds, it does not sound as awful as murder. We look for words that are softer to describe these heinous acts.

Child abuse happens in Oregon. Child abuse happens in Jackson County.

The foster parent shortage that has been reported on is not just in other parts of the state. It is here in our county as well.

This is not someone else’s problem. It is ours. The problem has been long established. What isn’t as clear, is the solution.

How do we make a meaningful impact? Where is the catchy child abuse slogan? You know…like the “War on Drugs” or “No Child Left Behind”. Where is the rally cry to help keep kids safe from the dangers that lurk within their own homes?

People who work in the field of child abuse; particularly those who work in prevention, joke about “working themselves out of a job” and “putting the CAC out of business”. It is a good goal. But where is the rally cry? These of course are rhetorical questions. Unless you have an actual answer. Then I am all ears!

There are things that you can do all year long…..long after April has ended. You can:
- Find an agency that helps to protect children and support them in any way you can. If you can’t donate money, then donate time and talent. Nonprofit agencies are quite adept at leveraging whatever your gift is, with other gifts, to create the biggest impact.
- If you suspect abuse, make a report–even if it feels uncomfortable or even if you are unsure. The professionals will figure it out. You don’t have to figure it out.
- Not sure what abuse looks like? Take a training on recognizing abuse. The CAC of Jackson County offers several opportunities, either through our Protect Our Children program or through other offerings such as Responding to Allegations of Child Maltreatment offered this May. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/kwm6qx5
- Do you see a mom or a dad struggling? Offer to help.
- Let your legislative representatives know that children and child abuse is a priority for you and you want it to be their priority as well—both at the state and federal level.
- You can change the conversation from “Why didn’t she tell?” to “Why did he do that?”
- You can become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and learn how to advocate for children in the foster care system. We have hundreds of children on a waiting list right now who need an advocate.
- You can teach your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, your neighbor’s child — all the children in your life — who is allowed to touch what part of their bodies and under what circumstance.
- You can tell the adults in your life that your child is off limits by being present, by asking the right questions, and by staying in tuned and attentive to your child. If an offender knows you are watching and vigilant, it makes your child less accessible to them.
You can STOP saying Not My Child; Not My Problem.
2017 Winter Gala: An Evening on Broadway

By Theresa Hart, Development Director for The Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

It was a night to remember as people gathered from near and far for An Evening on Broadway. Attendees arrived in Broadway costume, formal or casual attire to raise money for children. Even the Tin Man showed up for some fun.

In the beautiful setting of the Rogue Valley Country Club, more than 250 persons enjoyed singing On Broadway and bidding on silent and oral auction items generously donated by local businesses and friends throughout the Rogue Valley.

The Broadway theme was carried through to a bright Marquee and photo booth where guests posed for pictures. Grease Lightning was also well represented.

The Opening Act – The Children’s Advocacy Center Bear – was auctioned off twice. The nearly famous CAC Puppy went to a good home again this year. The fun didn’t end there. Oral and silent auction items included trips, entertainment and wine packages. There were also some unique items and a 50/50 raffle.

We are so grateful to the more than 30 volunteers who contributed countless hours to make the event a huge success.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors for your generous donations and partnering with us to work towards communities where children are safe, families are strong, and our child victims become children again.

View our Facebook Album for pictures from Gala 2017!
Police Chief O’Meara: Why CAC Matters

Post by Tighe O’Meara – Ashland, Oregon Police Chief

I am going to start off on a dark note, but a real note, and one that needs to be recognized.

1 in 10 children are reported to be sexual assault victims. But let’s go ahead and make it worse, because this doesn’t account for the ones that don’t get reported; this doesn’t account for the ones that make it to a family member’s attention but it doesn’t go any further than that. And this doesn’t account for the fact that society puts different pressures on boys than it does girls, so boys feel like they have to carry the burden, silently, allowing it to traumatize them over and over, and allowing the trauma to have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.

We know that sex assaults are under-reported, across the board, at all levels, for many reasons. And grossly under-reported at that. With children it is no different, so if we know about 1 in 10, we can safely assume that the problem is much worse than the 1 in 10 figure. And, that number does not include the child victimizations we have that are physical, non-sexual assaults in nature. Add in the physical abuse victims and the numbers are even more alarming.

These are dark numbers, troubling statistics, and they are not likely to change anytime soon. We have no ability to have significant control over these numbers, and likely won’t for the foreseeable future.

I have been chief of police in Ashland for about a year and a half now. I have learned a few lessons, and have much more to learn. One of the things that I first learned, after months and months of stressing out over everything, is that bad stuff happens. There is no getting around it, people are going to get victimized. And this includes children.

And while it is important to do everything we can to prevent, just as important is how we respond when it happens, because it is inevitable that it’s going to happen, and we will never eradicate it, not anytime soon anyway.

So I slowly realized that just as important as trying to prevent crime, is trying to respond to it in the manner that is best for the victim, best for those close to the victim, and best for the community.

A couple of quotes I like that say this well:

“It’s not the failures that define us so much as how we respond” ~ Shane Parrish

“What defines us is how well we rise after falling”

We don’t have the control we want over these incidents to prevent them from happening, so we need to make sure we respond to them well, and this is where the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County shines a bright light on the dark numbers I mentioned. This is where the women and men of the CAC step in and offer national best practices for the Jackson County community.

Jackson County is great for team work.

No agency in Jackson County is big enough to go it alone, we all need each others help. And perhaps nowhere does this present itself more than with child victims. We are lucky to have this partnership in Jackson County, and we are fortunate to have a set game plan, county wide, for how we are all going to respond to these troubling complaints.

Violence against children is after all a community-wide problem, and community-wide, county-wide, all of the police are on the same page on how to handle it, and we can offer this only because of the dedicated experts we have working out of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

This should give all of us, all members of the community, some the peace of mind. Peace of mind in knowing that while we can’t (unfortunately) stop these horrific things from happening, what we can do is come together and embrace national best practices.

We can come together and make sure the child victims are not traumatized again over the same situation.We can come together and set up a program and a plan for the victim and the non-offending family members to move past the incident to a better place, both physically and emotionally. This is what CAC brings to our community.

The police officers in our community want to be there for all members of the community who need us. We want to be there when someone calls and says “I’m in trouble.” And, we will be, we will answer the call and respond to help all who ask for our help.

But, we can’t be everything to every person, and we can’t provide the level of work that our most vulnerable community members need, that is the importance of the CAC and the dedicated women and men that work there.

When we become aware that one of little ones needs help, we all want to spring into action, and we do. In our police departments we have trained and dedicated officers that are there to be a part of that process, but we simply can’t offer these kids and these families what they need, and without the CAC, we would be pretty lost.

For that matter, we can’t offer ourselves what WE need to move a criminal case forward, without the help of the CAC, because they provide us with the right facilities and atmosphere to get the evidence we need to bring a case to the DA’s office.

Do you know what the CAC looks like?

It’s like coming into your own home, it’s like visiting grandma – there’s your toys over in the corner, there’s the friendly loving face waiting to greet you. Take the CAC out of the picture and you’re trading that comfortable at-home feeling for the cold sterility of a police station. You’re taking away that level of comfort and replacing it with a hospital visit for the medical exam. You take away a short visit, in what feels like your family dining room, for grand jury and replacing it with a trip to the DA’s office.

The model employed by the CAC, the model that allows for all services to be provided under one roof, from initial assessment, interview, medical exam and follow up counseling for victims and non-offending parents, saves about $1,000 on each case that is brought forward.

Without this model we would have to try to piece these services together, further traumatizing not the just the child victim, but also the already stressed and traumatized parent who is trying to struggle through these incidents.

We are truly fortunate to have this facility and these people, working there, every day, bringing compassion, comfort and healing to the survivors, and the families. Helping not just the families move through these difficult situations but, while doing so, supporting the law enforcement mission to hold the offenders responsible.

The numbers quoted at the beginning of this post are troubling indeed, but our partnership, county-wide, with the CAC of Jackson County, shines a light on that dark problem, and helps us all get through it to a place that’s a little bit better.

So what can you do to help?

Take the child sexual abuse training offered by the CAC.

Tell your friends and family about the CAC, spread the word about the CAC’s mission and the important, invaluable work that is done there every day. Encourage your friends and family to take the training and to help out.

Keeping in mind the quote that I offered before: “What defines us is not that we fall but it is how well we rise after falling.”

I will close with this:

The CAC is a shining example, of a community coming together to rise, everyday, time after time, after falling down, one child victim at a time. That’s why the CAC is so important, and that’s why we need to support it.

Tighe O’Meara, Ashland, Oregon Police Chief