APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
Every April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and local law enforcement and child abuse prevention organizaions say it’s critical to recognize this year because of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on families. The Oregon Department of Human Services released data indicating that calls to the child abuse hotline have dropped 70 percent since the mandated closure of K-12 schools. In Central Oregon, local law enforcement agencies have also acknowledged the decline in reporting of child abuse.
According to the KIDS Center, this decline in reports is attributed to children’s lack of daily contact with teachers, counselors, and school staff members, who are mandatory reporters of abuse and neglect. Many cases are likely going unrecognized and therefore unreported. Since physical distancing mandates have been in effect, children are less likely to be seen by others, outside of their immediate family.
“We know that as the pandemic continues to evolve, and as added personal, emotional, and financial stress and uncertainty mounts for families, it is only a matter of time until the real impact to children becomes known and reports of abuse and neglect begin to skyrocket,” said Gil Levy, KIDS Center executive director.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the Department of Human Services or your local law enforcement agency to make a report.
During these unprecedented times, stress is affecting families by mass unemployment, food insecurity, and illness. When there is increased stress in a household, there is an increased risk of abuse on children.
In the Central Oregon area, we have resources available to us such as the KIDS Center and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. If you or someone you know needs resources:
ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES
COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
According to the KIDS Center, this decline in reports is attributed to children’s lack of daily contact with teachers, counselors, and school staff members, who are mandatory reporters of abuse and neglect. Many cases are likely going unrecognized and therefore unreported. Since physical distancing mandates have been in effect, children are less likely to be seen by others, outside of their immediate family.
“We know that as the pandemic continues to evolve, and as added personal, emotional, and financial stress and uncertainty mounts for families, it is only a matter of time until the real impact to children becomes known and reports of abuse and neglect begin to skyrocket,” said Gil Levy, KIDS Center executive director.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the Department of Human Services or your local law enforcement agency to make a report.
During these unprecedented times, stress is affecting families by mass unemployment, food insecurity, and illness. When there is increased stress in a household, there is an increased risk of abuse on children.
In the Central Oregon area, we have resources available to us such as the KIDS Center and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. If you or someone you know needs resources:
ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES
COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
Contact: JIC Media Line - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 541-316-0087
KIDS Center: Robin Antonson rantonson@kidscenter.org
Contact: JIC Media Line - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 541-316-0087
KIDS Center: Robin Antonson rantonson@kidscenter.org
