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Commissioners proclaim April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, cite local statistics
Summary
Marion County commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; presenters from Marion County Health and Human Services and Liberty House highlighted 2023 statewide and county child abuse figures and local prevention resources.
Marion County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a proclamation designating April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month after presentations from Health and Human Services staff and Liberty House advocates.
Sid Venkatachalam (Health and Human Services) described county services including reserved appointments for foster youth needing mental health care, a Same Day Access Program for rapid behavioral health intake, and an Early Assessment and Support Alliance team to assist youth experiencing psychosis. Peter Carrillo and Adrienne Thomas of Liberty House highlighted 2023 child abuse statistics cited in the presentation: 11,191 unduplicated victims statewide and 979 unduplicated victims in Marion County; about 36.5% of victims were age five or younger.
Presenters urged community prevention actions including training to recognize signs of abuse, teaching children about body safety and boundaries, and engaging community organizations such as Liberty House, Marion County Health and Human Services, the YMCA and Family Building Blocks. The board noted community events tied to the campaign, including an April 4 parade starting at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and encouraged public participation.
Commissioner Colm Willis moved to approve the proclamation; Commissioner Kevin Cameron seconded and the voice vote was unanimous. The commissioners read the proclamation during the meeting.
