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.
2023 Events
Blue Ribbon Tree
When: Throughout the month of April
What: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE, Salem, near the Rotary Pavillion
Union Street Pedestrian Bridge Blue Lights
When: April 1 - 8th
Woodburn Overpass Bridge Blue Lights
When: April 1 - 8th
Pinwheel Garden
When: Throughout the month of April
Where: Courthouse Square window display, 555 Court St. NE, Salem
Car Parade
When: April 7th from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Where: Start at the Oregon State Fairgrounds at 2330 17th St NE, Salem (Entrance on Sunnyview Rd) and will end at the YMCA at 685 Court St NE, Salem.
What: Members of the community will drive through downtown Salem to the YMCA building to spread awareness and kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. We will supply window paint and a pinwheel.
Cost: FREE but please
register for this event here if possible.
Car Parade Flyer 2023
Liberty House Prevention Education Series: Adults Learning to Keep Children Safe
You can register to attend these
2023 Free Virtual Trainings by visiting https://irespectandprotect.com/trainings/ or clicking any of the trainings below.
Healthy Touch for Children & Youth
Tuesday, April 4 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Learn about safe and respectful interaction with children and how to recognize concerning behaviors
Contacto Saludable para Niños y Jóvenes
Miercoles, Abril 5 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Aprenda sobre la interacción segura y respetuosa con los niños y como reconocer comportamientos preocupantes.
Bystanders Protecting Children
Thursday, April 6 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Learn how bystanders play an important role in protecting children from boundary violations and sexual abuse.
Espectadores Protegiendo Niños
Martes, Abril 11 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Aprenda como los espectadores juegan un papel importante en la protección de los niños contra las violaciones y el abuso sexual.
Cell Phones & Children, Best Practices
Tuesday, April 12 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Explore the digital world through the eyes of young users. Tools and resources provided to help families create digital media contracts for all digital devices and users.
Teléfonos Celulares y Niños, Mejores Prácticas
Jueves, Abril 13 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Explore el mundo digital a través de los ojos de los jóvenes. Herramientas y recursos proporcionados para ayudar a las familias a crear contratos para medios digitales para todo tipo de dispositivos y usuarios digitales.
Digital Dangers and Internet Safety for YouthLink item
Wednesday, April 18 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Introduction to a complex problem emphasizing that children who are sexually abused have a significantly higher risk of being commercially sexually exploited later in their lives.
Peligros Digitales y Seguridad en Internet para JovenesLink item Miercoles, Abril 19- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Introducción a un problema complejo que enfatiza que los niños que son abusados sexualmente tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor a ser explotados sexualmente con fines comerciales mas adelante en sus vidas.
Let's Talk
Thursday, April 20 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Through a combination of video and practice, learn to identify your family values around sex and how to talk about it with your children.
Hablemos
Martes, Abril 25 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Usando una combinación de video y práctica, aprenda a identificar sus valores familiars en torno al sexo y como hablar de ello con sus hijos.
Stewards of Children
Wednesday, April 26 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Training empowers adults through awareness and education to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Guardianes de los Niños
Jueves, Abril 27 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
El entrenamiento empodera a los adultos a través de la conciencia y la educación para prevenir, reconocer y reaccionar responsablemente ante el abuso sexual infantil.
Trainings - iRespect&Protect (irespectandprotect.com) Link item
For more information, please contact:
Rubisela Plata, Bilingual Prevention Coordinator
rplata@LibertyHouseCenter.org or (971) 239-3712
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 - English 8.5 x 11
Paint The Town Blue - Espanol 8.5 x 11
Paint The Town Blue - English 11 x 17
Paint The Town Blue - Espanol 11 x 17
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
Child Abuse Prevention Month Partners
Blue Ribbon Brigade
Boys & Girls Club of Salem-Marion and Polk Counties
CASA of Marion County
Catholic Community Services
City of Salem
ODHS-Oregon Department of Human Services
Early Learning Hub Inc.-Marion and Polk Counties
Exchange Club of Salem
Family Building Blocks
Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties
Liberty House
Marion County Children's Behavioral Health
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency-HOME Youth & Resource Center
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Options Counseling and Family Services
Salem-Keizer Public School District
Salem Police Department
Shangri-La Link item