In 2020, Bend Fire & Rescue became Central Oregon’s first Darkness to Light Partner in Prevention. Bend Fire & Rescue trained over 90 percent of their staff in the child sexual abuse prevention curriculum as a way to further support and protect the children and families they come in contact with on a regular basis. The Partner in Prevention distinction is an annual distinction for an organization or business that has committed the time and effort to educate themselves on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Imagine a community where hundreds of businesses and organizations work to gain this distinction. Where a child can walk into any business be it a bank, a retail store, a nonprofit, or a restaurant and know that they can seek help from any adult. A community where businesses strategically and intentionally work to find ways to support children and families.
The process is simple. Train 90 percent or more of your staff and/or volunteers in Darkness to Light, complete background checks for those that engage in direct services with youth and uphold policies in your organization or business that limits opportunities for one adult to be alone with one child. In addition to being placed on a national registry you will receive:
- A dated window cling and poster to display the Partner in Prevention emblem at their organizations or place of business
- An electronic version of the emblem provided for use on websites
- A high resolution version of the emblem for print
Be recognized as a company that not only cares for kids but is an active participant in speaking up and saving a child!
To learn more or to sign up for a prevention training, contact prevention@kidscenter.org.
