Liberty House earns national accreditation recognizing Salem Police collaboration

In a heartfelt moment at the City of Salem Council Meeting on April 14, 2025, the importance of community collaboration in addressing child abuse was brought to the forefront. As the meeting unfolded, a representative from Liberty House, a local organization dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of child abuse, shared a significant milestone: for the first time in its 26-year history, Liberty House achieved national accreditation standards. This accomplishment was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Salem Police Department and other community partners.

The representative emphasized the emotional and complex nature of responding to child abuse cases, highlighting the critical role that first responders, including police and child protective services, play in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. "It takes a lot of coordination to do it well," they noted, underscoring that effective collaboration not only saves time but also leads to better outcomes for children and families affected by trauma.

In recognition of this achievement, the Salem Police Department, represented by Chief Womack and Sergeant Dawson, received accolades for their hard work and commitment to investigating these sensitive cases. The Liberty House representative expressed gratitude for their collaboration, stating that the Marion County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team was recognized among the top 1% of all site reviews conducted nationally.

As the meeting continued, the atmosphere remained supportive, with a tangible sense of community pride in the progress made. A small token of appreciation was presented to the police department, symbolizing the partnership that is vital in the fight against child abuse.

The meeting also included routine city business, such as the approval of the consent calendar, which covered minutes from previous meetings and a claim settlement. However, the highlight remained the recognition of the collaborative efforts that contribute to the safety and healing of children in Salem.

As the council members moved through the agenda, the discussions served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment required to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, leaving attendees with a sense of hope and determination for the future.