Douglas County Commissioners Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Douglas County commissioners formally proclaimed April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month during Wednesday’s weekly business meeting, joined by local service providers, law enforcement leaders, health care representatives, and child welfare advocates.

Ahead of the meeting, commissioners and community partners gathered outside the Douglas County Courthouse to place pinwheels along the walkways, part of the national Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. The display is intended to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect while also representing the safety, joy, and well being every child deserves.

The proclamation states that preventing child abuse and neglect takes a countywide effort, with support from public agencies, schools, medical providers, law enforcement, nonprofits, businesses, faith groups, volunteers, and families.

Commissioner Tom Kress told those gathered that the monthly observance should be seen as more than a ceremonial recognition.

“Our children are our most valuable resource, and their safety, stability, and well-being must always be a top priority,” Kress said. He added that child abuse prevention requires “an entire community working together.”

Commissioner Chris Boice read the official proclamation, and Commissioner Kress presented certificates to local agencies in recognition of their work serving children and families in Douglas County. Representatives in attendance included organizations from health care, child welfare, juvenile services, law enforcement, fire service, and tribal services.

Among the agencies represented were:

• Mercy Foundation and the Up2UsNow Coalition
• CHI Mercy Health
• UCAN Healthy Families
• Umpqua Health Alliance
• Douglas County Juvenile Department
• Oregon child welfare representatives
• Cow Creek Tribal Child Welfare
• Aviva Health Child Advocacy Services
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
• Roseburg Police Department
• Glide Rural Fire Department
• Central Douglas Fire & Rescue

Several speakers addressed the commissioners and audience, emphasizing the importance of prevention, family support, and cross agency coordination.

Marion Pearson, violence prevention program manager with Mercy Foundation in partnership with CHI Mercy Health and Up2Us Now Coalition, thanked county leaders for recognizing the issue and said lasting prevention work depends on strong community partnerships.

Bryanna Paradice, program manager for UCAN’s Healthy Families home visiting program, said the month is also about making families aware of the help available to them.

“When we can connect parents to concrete resources, making sure their basic needs are met, and that they have access to healthcare and behavioral health care, we see stronger outcomes with those families,” Paradice said.

Lindsey Stanton, a program manager with Oregon child welfare, said protecting children depends on a coordinated response from multiple partners. She also pointed to Aviva Health’s efforts to keep services available after the closure of Douglas CARES, which had provided child advocacy center support in the community.

Sheriff John Hanlin said Douglas County agencies regularly work together on abuse investigations and described that collaboration as a major strength for the region. He thanked local organizations for helping raise awareness and support prevention efforts.

By adopting the proclamation, commissioners urged residents to take part in prevention efforts throughout April and to show support for children and families across Douglas County. Community members and local businesses were also encouraged to display pinwheels as a visible sign of awareness and commitment.