Stories from CARES Northwest
Learn more about the services we provide directly from our staff and the families we serve.
Multnomah County declares April Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Christopher Keizur
Published: Apr 4, 2024
In 2022, Oregon had more than 87,000 reports of child abuse and neglect, with 13,243 reports in Multnomah County. Now a group of officials have declared April “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in an effort to curb those numbers and keep kids safe.
The declaration was made by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division, and CARES Northwest, before the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.
“Child abuse is an obvious, yet hidden problem,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. “By providing a collaborative, coordinated, trauma-informed response to child abuse, our community can have a positive impact on the health and safety of the more than 150,000 children in Multnomah County today.”
Washington County spreading awareness for crime that happens ‘behind closed doors’
By Julia Lopez
Published: Apr. 2, 2024
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Victims’ advocates say it’s a crime that happens behind closed doors that can be hard to talk about.
That’s why Washington County officials are spreading awareness using a beloved childhood symbol.
“It’s not limited to any one zip code or background, or neighborhood or socioeconomic level, it happens everywhere,” said Jenny Gilmore-Robinson, executive director of CARES Northwest.
Throughout the month, if you take a walk through the Washington County Courthouse, you’ll see a lawn decorated with pinwheels. County officials say just paying attention can help a child in need.
Everyday Conversations You Can Have with Your Child to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
"Parents may feel overwhelmed with the heavy topic of child sexual abuse, and fear may lead some folks to choose never to address the topic with their children. If this is you, you are not alone. The good news is that there are numerous ways that you can educate your child about safe body boundaries without needing to talk directly about sexual abuse," writes our Prevention Coordinator, Lindsay Spaulding. Read more about everyday conversations you can have with your child to prevent child abuse.
Helping Amelia find her voice
If you had the chance, what would you say to the person who betrayed your trust?
Three years ago, 13-year-old Amelia lost everything. Her stepfather, the only dad she’d ever known, had begun sexually abusing her. First with opportunistic touches, then increasing to nightly visits to her bedroom. At the same time, he grew violent toward Amelia’s mom, resulting in his arrest and her mom’s breakdown. With no supportive family to step in, Amelia and her siblings went into foster care and the life she had known was over.
Endearing Patient Moments
When kids come to CARES Northwest for child abuse evaluation or therapy appointments, we see them for who they are, not just for what they experienced.
The children who walk through our doors are just like kids everywhere: they’re creative, they’re thoughtful, they’re messy, and – let’s be honest – sometimes they’re very funny.
Read about some of our most endearing interactions this year. Moments like these delight us because it’s just kids being kids… which is exactly what we’re rooting for.
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Myth busters: learn the facts about child sexual abuse
There are many myths and misconceptions about child abuse. Knowing the truth can help us better understand, protect and advocate for the children in our lives and potentially stop abuse from occurring.
For this edition, forensic interviewer Jennifer Wheeler, LPC breaks down a common myth people believe about who commits sexual abuse.
Fact: women commit sexual abuse too.
Supporting the whole family
When a child is abused, it affects the entire family. Their world turns completely upside-down. Parents and caregivers experience a range of emotions – grief, fear, anger – and often don’t have anyone to talk with who really understands. Forced to navigate a new reality, it’s hard to know where to turn for help and resources. That’s where our Family Support Team comes in.
Arya’s dad was one of those overwhelmed parents, not sure what to do when he learned his 10-year-old daughter had been sexually abused by family members. Read how our Family Support Team answered his questions, calmed his fears, and continued to help even after Arya’s care was complete.
