Child Abuse Prevention/Awareness Month, April 4

BAH release.  Bay Area Hospital’s Kids’ HOPE Center will recognize Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month with a pinwheel planting on April 4 at 12:15 in the afternoon. Local law enforcement and community members will help plant 412 colorful pinwheels in front of the center, one for every child served at the center in 2017. The colorful display draws attention to what can be an invisible issue in our community. Child Abuse statistics for our County and the State of Oregon are astounding and many of these cases are never reported. According to the Department of Human Services, Oregon Child Protective Services received 80,683 reports of child abuse or neglect in 2017. More than half of all victims were 6 years old or younger. The Kids’ HOPE Center is an important resource in our community to support families and child abuse victims. Forensic child interview and medical examinations take place at the all-inclusive center. Guardians and victims are offered support navigating the challenging legal prosecution system. Intervention and advocacy services are provided to families through referrals and follow-ups with partnering community agencies, initiated by Kids’ HOPE Center staff. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Barbara Bauder at (541) 269- 8543 or JoAnne Shorb at (541) 266-8806.