Juliet's House urges Newberg to expand prevention outreach as federal cuts shrink adult education staffing

Coleman Crocker, a prevention-team representative of Juliet's House, told the Newberg City Council on Sept. 15 that child abuse prevention is common and underreported and urged more adult participation in free programs after federal funding shortfalls forced a temporary furlough of the center's prevention staff. Crocker described local services, statistics and practical ways residents and institutions can help identify and prevent abuse.

Juliet's House is the local child advocacy and intervention center serving Yamhill and Polk counties. Crocker said the organization provides forensic interviews, clinical services, family supports and trauma recovery programs at no cost to families. The center also runs prevention education: Crocker reported that last year the center delivered prevention education to 8,464 K'through'5 students but reached fewer than 300 adults with prevention training. "Adults, we had less than 300 last year, and we know that there's so many more of us that care about keeping kids safe," Crocker said.

Crocker described common barriers to disclosure by children and advised adults that they do not need proof to report suspected abuse; making a report creates documentation that can later support investigations. He also said the majority of child abuse is committed by acquaintances or family members rather than strangers and that, when communities meet basic needs such as food, shelter and child care, rates of interpersonal violence tend to decline.

Council members thanked Crocker and asked about the center's funding status and programming for teens. Crocker said the prevention team experienced an "unfortunate" furlough over the summer because of the loss of federal funding and that staff have since returned but the organization is relying on reserves and large donors while pursuing additional grants and community fundraising. Crocker also said the organization would soon begin offering a new curriculum for middle and high school students focused on boundaries and consent.

Crocker encouraged residents, organizations and the city to publicize Juliet's free resources and trainings as a way to increase adult engagement and demonstrate impact to funders. "We want people to be comfortable with making that call, knowing that there are protections legally for anyone making those calls in good faith," Crocker said.

No council action was taken; the presentation was informational and the council expressed appreciation for the organization's services.