Welcome to the April edition of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County Newsletter! As we embrace the arrival of spring, we also recognize April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. This month holds particular significance as we unite with communities nationwide to raise awareness, promote education, and take action to prevent child abuse and neglect. Join us as we highlight the vital work being done to protect and support the most vulnerable among us.
Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is of paramount importance as it serves as a unified effort to raise awareness, promote education, encourage reporting, support survivors, advocate for change, and prevent future instances of abuse and neglect. By coming together as a community during this month and beyond, we can create a world where every child is safe, nurtured, and able to reach their full potential. Through increased awareness, education, and advocacy, we empower individuals to recognize the signs of abuse, speak up, and take action to protect children in their communities. Additionally, by providing support services for survivors and advocating for policy change, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all children.
"Be the change you want to see!"
Dear Community Members,
Child abuse in the United States is a pervasive and devastating issue that affects millions of children every year. It encompasses various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful behaviors, with long-lasting impacts on the victims’ physical and mental health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. Children living in poverty experience more abuse and neglect. Experiencing poverty can place a lot of stress on families, which may increase the risk for child abuse and neglect. Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status. Child abuse is costly. In the United States, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was about $592 billion in 2018. This economic burden rivals the cost of other high-profile public health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
The consequences of abuse can be severe. According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, childhood trauma like abuse can lead to serious and chronic health conditions over the span of a lifetime that include things like heart disease, diabetes, suicide, high blood pressure and many others if left untreated.
Child abuse is a community issue that demands a community response. April is Child Abuse Awareness month. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities in our community and those sponsored by the CAC of Jackson County available to learn to identify and respond to child abuse. By working together we can build communities where families are strong and children are safe.
With heartfelt appreciation,
By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County Learning from the Past: Building a Culture of Self-Care This story is number ten in Tammi’s series of Thirty Stories from Thirty Years working in child welfare. You can read all of the stories here. This series
By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County Working Together to Do No Harm This story is #9 in Tammi Pitzen’s series of 30 Stories from her 30 years working in child welfare. You can read all the stories here. This series is a reflection
By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Teacher This story is #8 in Tammi Pitzen’s series of 30 Stories from her 30 years working in child welfare. You can read all the stories here. This series is a reflection
Welcome to Our 3rd Annual Campaign and Event: ‘Anyone Can Be A Hero – Speak Up For A Child.‘ As we enter April, we embark on a journey of remembrance and action, marking the significance of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. This annual event serves as our steadfast commitment to raising awareness and advocating for the safety and well-being of children in our communities.
This year, as we mark our 3rd annual campaign and event milestone of ‘Anyone Can Be A Hero – Speak Up For A Child.‘ we reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead. Through our collective efforts and unwavering dedication, we continue to make strides in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, we’re proud to showcase videos from our current collaborators and partners. These powerful testimonials amplify our message and underscore the importance of coming together as a community to support and protect our children.
Throughout the month of April, join us for a series of engaging events and activities designed to educate, inspire, and empower. From informative workshops and community trainings to interactive activities for families, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Together, let’s stand united in our commitment to creating a safer, healthier future for our youth. Join us for our 3rd Annual Campaign and Event: ‘Anyone Can Be A Hero – Speak Up For A Child,’ and together, let’s be HEROS for children everywhere.
Date: April 8th, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: (Virtual)
Date: April 17th, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: 816 W 10th Street, Medford, OR 97504
Date: April 22nd, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: (Virtual)
Join us for a powerful and impactful event on April 16th at the Smullin Center from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, as we unite to raise awareness and foster education in our community. April marks Child Abuse Awareness Month (CAAM), Crime Victim Rights Week (CVRW), and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), making it a pivotal time for us to come together and address these crucial issues.
Community Works invites you to participate in an event that combines the efforts of various organizations, law enforcement, and community justice advocates. Our goal is to educate, empower, and engage the community through the “Start by Believing” campaign, emphasizing intervention, prevention, education, and healing.
During this free public event, organizations will have the opportunity to showcase their work through panel discussions featuring representatives from each sector. The panelists will delve into the impact of their respective organizations and collaborative efforts in addressing the community’s needs.
As an attendee, you’ll gain insights into the collective efforts aimed at combatting child abuse, supporting crime victims, and raising awareness about sexual assault. Additionally, there will be space available for organizations to present informational materials and engage with attendees directly.
By joining forces and demonstrating our unity, we aim to create lasting awareness and impact in Jackson County. This inaugural event promises to be the first of many, fostering ongoing dialogue and action in our community. We invite you to join us as we stand together to make a difference.
Join the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County at this year’s Pear Blossom Festival for a meaningful experience focused on child abuse awareness and prevention. Our booth will be a beacon of information and advocacy, providing attendees with valuable insights and opportunities to make a difference.
At our booth, attendees can expect to:
Learn and Engage: Explore resources and educational materials on child abuse awareness and prevention. Gain valuable knowledge about recognizing signs of abuse, understanding its impact, and learning how to take action to protect children in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Discover how you can play a vital role in supporting children’s advocacy efforts by volunteering with the Children’s Advocacy Center. Whether it’s lending a helping hand at events, assisting with administrative tasks, or providing direct support to children and families, there are various ways to get involved and make a difference.
Training Events: Sign up for upcoming training events aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for children’s rights and well-being. From workshops on mandated reporting to seminars on trauma-informed care, our training events offer valuable insights for professionals and community members alike.
Show Your Support: Take a stand against child abuse and show your support for children’s advocacy by participating in interactive activities, signing pledges, and joining our community of advocates dedicated to creating a safer and healthier environment for all children.
Our booth at the Pear Blossom Festival serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring individuals to become champions for children’s rights and safety. Together, we can raise awareness, prevent child abuse, and build a brighter future for our community’s children.
Visit our booth to learn, engage, and take action. Your support matters.
We’re thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you and the community to join us at our upcoming ‘Be A Hero’ event. This event holds significance as we commemorate Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month in April.
Caring for Kids is more than just a fundraising campaign – it’s a movement dedicated to protecting and empowering the most vulnerable members of our community. Running from April, during Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month, through June, Caring for Kids raises crucial funds to support the core services provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center.
These funds are the lifeblood of our mission, directly impacting the lives of the children we serve. From forensic interviews to therapy sessions, and medical evaluations to community outreach programs, every dollar raised through Caring for Kids enables us to provide essential support and care to children who have experienced abuse or trauma.
But Caring for Kids is about more than just financial contributions – it’s about rallying together as a community to create lasting change. It’s about raising awareness, sparking conversations, and fostering a culture of compassion and support for those in need.
Join us in this important mission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and build a brighter, safer future for our community.
Your donation to the Caring For Kids campaign directly supports the vital work of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, enabling us to provide essential services through our five dedicated departments. Whether big or small, each contribution makes a significant impact on the lives of the children we serve. Take it a step further by becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser for this campaign – click ‘I want to fundraise for this’ and follow the steps. It is through heroes like you that our mission thrives and our community grows stronger.
Stay informed, stay engaged! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and be the first to receive updates, stories, and resources dedicated to protecting children and preventing abuse. Join our community in making a difference today. Sign up now to stay connected and help create a safer future for our children.
Join us in spreading awareness and fostering prevention this April, Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month! Help amplify our impact by sharing our April newsletter far and wide. Together, let’s empower our communities with knowledge and resources to protect our children. Share now and be a part of the solution.
