Regional Family Relief Nurseries to Benefit From Support of Recent Report by The Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon

Child abuse affects more Oregon children than autism, juvenile diabetes and all forms of childhood cancer combined; almost 11,600 children in 2011 alone were confirmed victims of abuse and neglect.

 

Children and families enrolled, or seeking enrollment, in family relief nurseries throughout Oregon, including the local MountainStar Family Relief Nursery in Bend and Juniper Junction in Madras, will greatly benefit from the Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon’s efforts to keep children safe from abuse. The annual report, Preserving Childhood: Oregon’s Leading Efforts to Prevent Child Abuse and Strengthen Families, just released examines the prevalence and cost of child abuse in Oregon while also recommending best practice prevention strategies – which clearly outline relief nurseries as a primary asset to reducing child abuse and preserving children.

Child abuse affects more Oregon children than autism, juvenile diabetes and all forms of childhood cancer combined. In 2011, almost 11,600 children in Oregon were confirmed victims of abuse and neglect. Childhood trauma is linked to increased expenses in special education, foster care, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, mental health issues and health issues later in life, costing Oregon an estimated $2.5 billion for one year of child abuse and neglect.

The good news is that we have the tools to protect children and support families in Oregon if we choose to make them accessible. “Preserving Childhood” highlights 12 best practice prevention strategies currently operating in Oregon, including parenting education curricula, home visitation programs and parenting support efforts.

Earlier this month, the Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon also held a press conference at the Capitol reviewing key findings identified in the annual report, and met with legislators to emphasize investing in best practice prevention strategies. Rep. Gene Whisnant, from Sunriver, also proposed a resolution in the House, which passed unanimously, urging Oregonians to support child abuse prevention efforts in their communities and across the state.

Tim Rusk, executive director at MountainStar Family Relief Nursery says, “we are saddened by the high rate of child abuse in Oregon identified in the annual report, yet thrilled about the overwhelming support for relief nursery programs such as MountainStar and many others throughout the State.” As stated by Susan Lindauer, Executive Director The Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon, “we all have a role to play in protecting children and strengthening families. Please join us for Prevent Child Abuse Month in supporting Oregon‘s vulnerable children.”

About MountainStar Family Relief Nursery:

Nationally accredited, MountainStar Family Relief Nursery (“MountainStar”) provides crisis intervention and a therapeutic classroom for 300 babies and young children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. These children come from families with multiple risk factors for child abuse and neglect, including low income, homelessness, mental health issues, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Children at this critical age represent 40% of the victims of child abuse and are at a stage in their development when it is essential to have attached and attentive caretakers. Relief Nurseries have documented success in reducing family risk factors for child abuse and neglect, improving family functioning and self-sufficiency and reducing foster care utilization. For more information about MountainStar and its programs, please visit www.mountainstarfamily.org.