Clouds in the sky

Adapt Launches Stewards of Children Initiative to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Today’s children are Oregon’s future leaders, parents and workers. Our state’s future prosperity depends on their healthy development and growth. Too many children, however, are living in environments that undermine healthy development. These children are more likely to experience sexual abuse, resulting in life-long problems in learning, behavior, and both physical and mental health. Preventing child sexual abuse will take all of our efforts to ensure our children have the foundation to become healthy adults.

Educating the public about child sexual abuse is key to prevention. Beginning this year, Compass Behavioral Health and Adapt Prevention & Education will launch a project to provide Darkness to Light Stewards of Children® training to the community. The project is being led by Angel Reeves, Supervisor for Compass Behavioral Health ESD school-based therapy programs, and Cati Adkins, Adapt Prevention and Education Program Director, both authorized Stewards of Children training facilitators. “This project focuses on a wide-scale issue that is under-reported and highly stigmatized,” said Angel Reeves. “The detrimental effects of child sexual abuse ripple through communities for generations.” The project is supported by Adapt, Compass Behavioral Health, and a “Protect Our Children 2.0” child sexual abuse prevention grant from The Ford Family Foundation.

Stewards of Children is an evidence-informed training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. “Generous community support will allow us to allocate substantial time and resources toward ending child sexual abuse in our area. Education and prevention are critically needed to fight for the safety and futures of our children,” said Angel Reeves.

The initial project goal is to train 500 Douglas County adults in Stewards of Children by June 2021, with a 3-year goal of training 5 percent of Douglas County’s adult population. It is anticipated that the project will expand to reach more people as community volunteers are trained to become authorized Stewards of Children facilitators.

For more information about this project, contact Angel Reeves, LMFT 541-492-0177, angelr@compassoregon.org. For information about Adapt and Compass Behavioral Health, visit www.adaptoregon.org.

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About Adapt—Adapt was established in 1971. Its mission is to provide access to world class primary care, addictions treatment, behavioral health care and prevention services to promote health and restore lives. Compass Behavioral Health is a division of Adapt. Adapt is headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, with offices in Grants Pass and North Bend, www.adaptoregon.org.

About The Ford Family Foundation—The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford. Its mission is “successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation is located in Roseburg, Oregon, with a Scholarship office in Eugene, www.tfff.org.