Building community support during Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child abuse prevention doesn’t start when something goes wrong. It starts much earlier — with connection, resources, and support for families.
At LifeWorks NW, that belief guides the work of the Family Support & Connections (FS&C) program. By helping caregivers build skills and reduce barriers, the program strengthens families before challenges turn into crises.
This April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the FS&C team created several opportunities to bring families together and provide meaningful support.
Building connection and support for families
Those efforts came to life through three community events across Washington and Multnomah counties, reaching more than 50 families.
When caregivers and children arrived, they were greeted with smiles from the FS&C team and their family advocates. Kids explored tables filled with fidgets and games, while caregivers visited self-care stations offering yoga, nail care, and a make-your-own sugar scrub activity.
The gathering also gave families time to connect over a shared meal with their family advocate and with other caregivers navigating similar experiences.
Before leaving, each caregiver received a bag filled with essential items such as diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toothbrushes, and a gas voucher.
“With families experiencing higher stress and rising costs these days, we wanted to create an event that gave caregivers space for self-care,” said Betsy McClimans, Program Director, FS&C. “The feedback we received showed just how meaningful this event was to our clients. Families felt respected, supported, and included in their community.”
Understanding the scope of child abuse and neglect
While events like these foster connection, they also reflect a broader effort to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens.
Across the United States, more than one million children experience abuse or neglect each year. Younger children face the highest risk. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, children under age two account for more than a quarter of maltreatment victims.
The need for prevention and support is also clear in Oregon. In 2024, the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline received more than 169,000 contacts, resulting in nearly 95,000 reports of suspected abuse or neglect. Investigations confirmed more than 11,600 child victims of abuse, and more than 35% of victims were age 5 or younger.
These numbers are difficult to read, but they reinforce an important truth: preventing child abuse starts with supporting families.
Investing in families early and often
Programs like FS&C help families build stability so they can better manage stress and create safe, stable homes for their children. LifeWorks NW offers a range of parenting and family support programs designed to strengthen families and promote healthy child development.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month — and every month — supporting families is one of the most powerful ways communities can help children thrive.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
To get involved with our Family Support and Connections program, contact LifeWorks NW at 503-283-4776 or fscreferral@lifeworksnw.org. You can also learn more or request services through the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
Anyone can help keep children safe by learning the warning signs of abuse and reporting concerns. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (1-855-503-SAFE) is available 24/7 and all reports are confidential.
