The Community-Built Nonprofit Has Changed Our Region’s Response to Child Abuse

Since opening its doors in 1994, KIDS Center has brought hope and healing to more than 17,000 Central Oregon children and families whose lives were impacted by abuse. To mark its 30th year, KIDS Center is inviting the community to its 30-Year Celebration & Open House on Thursday, September 12 from 2 to 6 pm at 1375 NW Kingston Ave in Bend. The public can take a guided tour of KIDS Center (lasting about an hour and offered every 15 minutes). Anyone can stop by to get acquainted with KIDS Center and learn about volunteer opportunities, upcoming child safety trainings, and special events. Staff will be present to answer questions, and the public can also meet KIDS Center’s facility dog, O’Malley. 

To mark 30 years of hope and healing, KIDS Center is also installing a Healing Garden this fall. The garden will greet visitors to KIDS Center and honor the growth and resilience of the thousands of child abuse survivors in our community. The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center for Planting Day on Saturday, October 19 from 9 am to Noon. Participants can plant a daffodil bulb in honor of a survivor. The garden will burst into bloom next April during Child Abuse Prevention Month and feature 500 daffodils. Donations to the Healing Garden Fund can be made at www.kidscenter.org. 

KIDS Center was built by the community to better serve children and families impacted by abuse and create better outcomes for kids.  

Before KIDS Center existed, children were typically asked to share details about their abuse multiple times. If a child disclosed abuse to a teacher, they might then be asked to talk about their abuse with the principal and school nurse, then hospital staff, then a child wellfare investigator and police officer, and finally a district attorney. This process of revisiting a traumatic experience often re-traumatized the child. 

Central Oregon community leaders envisioned a different approach, with KIDS Center serving as a hub for families and community partners. When law enforcement or an ODHS child welfare investigator suspect abuse, a child and their caregiver(s) are referred to KIDS Center for a child abuse evaluation. The day of a child’s evaluation, community partners also come to KIDS Center, and observe the child’s forensic interview from a separate room. The child’s interview is conducted in a legally-sound manner and also recorded and documented, along with details of the child’s medical exam. This approach spares children the trauma of resharing their experience, and preserves evidence that can be used should the case go to trial. 

After a child abuse evaluation, KIDS Center focuses on improving outcomes for the child and their family. KIDS Center assigns each family an advocate to help connect caregivers with community resources. A child, their siblings, and non-offending caregivers can also receive on-going therapy at KIDS Center; therapists use evidenced-based treatment modalities to promote healing from trauma. 

Thanks to the generous support of the community, all of KIDS Center’s services are offered at no cost to families. 

Child abuse cases have steadily risen in Central Oregon since KIDS Center’s founding. The increase in yearly cases is strongly correlated to the region’s booming population and also reflects growing family stressors such as lack of affordable housing, healthcare and childcare. KIDS Center has steadily increased its staff to meet the growing need in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. The nonprofit is also taking steps to establish a mobile evaluation clinic to better serve children and families in Harney, Wheeler and Sherman counties. 

Before opening its doors on May 2, 1994, KIDS Center went through a rigorous certification process with the National Childrens’ Alliance to become a nationally-certified Childrens’ Advocacy Center (CAC). KIDS Center is the only CAC operating in Central Oregon, and serves a 20,000 sq. mile area (one of the largest service areas of any CAC in the U.S.).  

KIDS Center staff are highly-trained in forensic interview techniques and child abuse medical examinations. Partners in law enforcement and child welfare investigators rely on KIDS Center’s expertise to evaluate child abuse cases and gather vital evidence. KIDS Center’s work helps local partners plan for family safety and pursue justice.  

KIDS Center runs a robust prevention program to educate adults and eradicate child abuse. KIDS Center has trained more than 17,200 adults and youth to spot and prevent abuse. KIDS Center trainings are free and offered in both English and Spanish; trainings are held year-round, all across Central Oregon (as well as virtually). 

The nonprofit also helps train front-line workers so they can better understand and respond to abuse. KIDS Center provides resources and trainings for police officers, pediatricians, case workers, teachers, and other professionals who interact with children and encounter child abuse cases.   

Over the span of 30 years, thousands of Central Oregonians have come in contact with KIDS Center and received services, training, or new awareness around child abuse. 

“This year is an ideal time to reflect on our impact on our community,” said Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center’s Director of Marketing & Development. “We’re putting out a call to past clients, staff, partners, sponsors, board members, founders, and anyone who took a training or attended a KIDS Center event, such as Healing Hearts or Cork & Barrel. If you have a story to share, or a reflection on how KIDS Center made a difference to you, we’d love to hear.” People can submit stories and reflections at https://www.kidscenter.org, with the option of remaining anonymous.

You can support KIDS Center’s work in the community by donating to the $30 for 30 Campaign. Says Theis-Stevens, “KIDS Center is a nonprofit, and we rely on community support. Consider donating $30 to honor 30 years of serving Central Oregon children and families, and make a difference in the years to come!” You can donate online at kidscenter.org.