The next step in protecting kids: Creating a resilient community.

Children are at the greatest risk for abuse when families are dealing with overwhelming stress. As a community, we can better protect children by addressing stressors that impact families. In Central Oregon, common family stressors include a lack of affordable housing, non-living wages, and barriers to medical care, mental health services, and childcare. It will take a community effort to address these issues. We can start by advocating for initiatives and programs that better support local families (see “What can you do to build resilience?” below.) As we create a more resilient community, fewer children will experience abuse.

How MountainStar and KIDS Center build resilience.

MountainStar offers Relief Nursery services to reduce stress on families. Every year 98% of children served by MountainStar remain safe from abuse and neglect.

KIDS Center has trained more than 15,000 Central Oregonians to spot and prevent child abuse. For every adult trained, two children are better protected against abuse (on average).

What can you do to build resilience?

There are many ways you can help create resilient kids and communities. Here are a few suggestions: