April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Each year, the Marion County Community Services Department participates in the nationwide recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Partnering with local youth-serving organizations, we help coordinate events & installations to increase public awareness and educate about best practices in preventing child abuse, strengthening families, and building resilience.
2025 Events
Car Parade
When: April 5th from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM
Where: Start at the Oregon State Fairgrounds at 2330 17th St NE, Salem (Entrance on Sunnyview Rd) and will end at the Salem Police Department at 333 Division St NE, Salem.
What: Members of the community will drive through downtown Salem to the Salem Police Department to spread awareness and kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. We will supply window paint and a pinwheel.
No Cost. Show your support by joining us in the car parade!
9:00 a.m. Join us after the parade in the SPD Community Room for remarks by local community leaders who have all come together to prevent child abuse. SEATING IS LIMITED! FIRST COME FIRST SERVED!
Car Parade Flyer 2025
Car Parade Flyer 2025-Spanish Parade
Blue Ribbon Tree
When: Throughout the month of April
What: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE, Salem, near the Rotary Pavilion
Thank you to Salem Electric for installing the blue ribbons on the tree at the Riverfront Park. There are 1,090 ribbon clusters representing 11,090 confirmed victoms of child abuse or neglect in Oregon (2023).
Union Street Pedestrian Bridge Blue Lights
When: April 1 - 8
Woodburn Overpass Bridge Blue Lights
When: April 1 - 13
YMCA Rooftop Blue Lights
When: April 1 - 30
Pinwheel Garden
When: April 1 - 30
Where: Courthouse Square window display, 555 Court St. NE, Salem
Marion County Blue Light Display
When: April 1 - 30
Where: Courthouse Square, 555 Court St. NE, Salem
Liberty House Prevention Education Series: Adults Learning to Keep Children Safe
You can register to attend these 
2025 Prevention Education, 2025 Prevention-Education-Español by visiting https://irespectandprotect.com/trainings
For more information, please contact the Liberty House at:
Prevention@libertyhousecenter.org or (971) 599-5876
Paint the Town Blue Poster
Print your own Paint the Town Blue poster and display it in your business window to show your support.
Paint the Town Blue Poster
Paint The Town Blue - Español
Why a Blue Pinwheel?
The blue pinwheel is a national symbol of Child Abuse Prevention, and represents what we want for every child - a happy, safe, and carefree childhood. Visit
Pinwheels for Prevention for more information.
Make Your Own Pinwheel
For additional resources, please visit these sites:
Prevent Child Abuse Oregon
Child Welfare Information Gateway
