April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Protecting Our Future
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, promote prevention efforts, and support families in need. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment.
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Join Us at the Day of HopeÂ
The first Wednesday in April is the National Day of Hope, which is a day where child abuse prevention organizations ask our county to make a life-long commitment to joining the fight to end child abuse and neglect.Â
The Klamath Falls Day of Hope Rally will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 12p-1p in the Ross Ragland theater’s lobby. Klamath County Commissioner, Andrew Nichols is the event’s keynote speaker. Additionally, Ms. Campbell’s First Grade class from Ferguson Elementary and the Henley High School Choir TOC will be performing.  Â
Child Abuse Prevention EducationÂ
Child abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect—can have devastating and long-lasting effects on a child’s health and well-being into adulthood. Early intervention and strong community support systems can help prevent and break cycles of abuse.Â
Prevention starts with education, advocacy, and action. Klamath County Public Health, Klamath Promise, and the Klamath County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition have stepped up to provide trainings for our community. Â
Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) offers training for community members on NARCAN use, opioid use disorder stigma, bias, adverse childhood events (ACEs), safe zones, poverty and more. To learn more about how KCPH can partner with you and your group, call 541.882.8846 or email kcph@klamathcounty.org.Â
They are hosting two events during the month of April in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. In conjunction with the Day of Hope on Wednesday April 2nd Klamath County LADPC presents the 2nd Annual Understanding Trauma held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Ross Ragland Theater. This event brings together national and local experts to learn, connect, and grow around the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and communities. To register email Miranda Hill at Mhill@klamathcounty.orgÂ
The second event is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training held on Wednesday April 16th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Klamath County Public Library. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that can have long-term negative impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being. Preventing adverse childhood experiences requires understanding and addressing the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence. To register email Kennedi Fields kfields@klamathcounty.org. Â
The Klamath Promise Coalition assisted in helping many individuals within our area schools and community organizations to become trained in ACEs. To learn more about how to bring ACEs training into your group email Jessie_DuBose@soesd.k12.or.us.Â
For the past 8 years The Klamath County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition has been hosting an annual symposium, educating community partners about various topics related to abuse and neglect. On August 19th & 20th at Oregon Tech Auditorium, Jay Wurscher, an Alcohol & Drug Services Coordinator at State of Oregon Child Welfare, will be focusing on how substance use disorders impacts families, specifically on children. He will discuss current trends of substance use disorders as well as ways to address substance use disorder in a rural community such as ours. This event is open to anyone to attend. Registration information will be available in July at skylakes.org.  Â
As we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, let us celebrate and support efforts that prioritize family unity and provide vital resources for families in need. By investing in prevention and preservation our community can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and supported within their community.Â
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CARESÂ
Sky Lakes Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services (CARES) provides a medical haven for those affected by child abuse in the four-county area Sky Lakes serves. Nationally accredited by the National Children’s Alliance, CARES also offers treatment recommendations and referral services to victims of abuse. Where applicable, human services and law enforcement agencies may request the objective documentation of the medical examination and interview. Â
If you think a child is being abused, call 855-503-SAFE (7233). Trained child welfare screeners will talk with you about your concerns and decide if follow up or referrals are needed.
