Child Abuse Prevention Month shines a light on the importance of raising awareness and supporting families. Here’s what we know:
- In 2023, there were 546,159 victims of child abuse and neglect across the country.
- 1 in 4 cases involved caregiver drug abuse.
- Children under one year old have the highest rates of abuse and neglect.
These alarming numbers remind us of the work that remains not just this month, but every day of the year. At LifeWorks NW, our prevention programs offer early intervention services that support at-risk families.
What are the risk factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect?
Child abuse often occurs when a family lacks social support or when a caregiver is struggling. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say that risk increases if:
- A caregiver has a drug, alcohol, or mental health disorder.
- A caregiver was abused or neglected as a child.
- A caregiver does not understand children’s development and needs.
- A family member is in prison.
- The family lives in an area with high rates of poverty, crime, and/or violence.
In other words, child abuse and neglect are a public health issue, often tied to larger problems. Prevention services focus on providing caregivers with the community support they need to be the best parents possible.
How do LifeWorks NW’s Children’s Relief Nurseries prevent child abuse and neglect?
Children’s Relief Nurseries help families gain important parenting skills while providing access to services and resources. To enroll, families must have at least five stressors that put them at risk. On average, families in LifeWorks NW Relief Nurseries have 10 or more stressors when they join the program.
The program includes home visits with families. Visits are weekly for younger children and twice per month once older. Families learn to interact with their child. Often, the home visitor is the same teacher working with a child in the classroom.
“There are developmental assessments and monitoring,” explains Leslie Brown, Program Director at LifeWorks NW’s St Johns Children’s Relief Nursery. “We do case management and care coordination. We do parenting education. All of that happens at the home visits.”
Relief Nurseries have classrooms that focus on social and emotional development for children up to five years old. They serve nutritious breakfast and lunch to students. Staff eat meals with the children to help form a strong bond.
If you want to enroll a child in our Relief Nurseries, contact your nearest site for more information:
- St John’s – Contact Leslie Brown at 503-459-2285
- Gladstone and Hillsboro – Contact Denise Glascock at 503-713-9921
The Relief Nurseries also offer parenting classes. At-risk families can even start before their child is born. Pregnant parents-to-be can contact LifeWorks NW for support.
Prevention programs
LifeWorks NW has many prevention programs that serve Portland-area families:
- Healthy Families
- Family Support and Connections
- Family and Community Alliance
- Promotoras
- All prevention services
How you can help LifeWorks NW’s Children’s Relief Nurseries
“Our interns gain quite a lot of experience. We also have a reputation for keeping our volunteers for years and years,” says Leslie. “But, we’re always on the lookout for more.”
- Find volunteer opportunities at VolunteerMatch.
- For internships, complete our contact form.
LifeWorks NW prevention programs depend on the generous support of our community. Make a one-time gift today or learn more about other ways to give.
