Our Policy Approach
We advocate for locally-led, comprehensive prevention resources that support kids, families, and the providers who serve them.
Utilizing Prevent Child Abuse America’s State Policy Priorities, and in partnership with our Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative, PCA Oregon engages in state- and federal-level advocacy to ensure providers are equipped and empowered, families are supported and thriving, and children are safe and cared for.
We are working to support the implementation of strong, local child and family-serving systems that prioritize prevention across sectors; elevate community voice; and ensure that all families have the supports they need with a focus on improving outcomes for families and children furthest from access.
At the Oregon Legislature & on the Hill, we focus on the following:
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Which includes upstream strategies that connect children and families to the supports and resources within their communities before maltreatment occurs. To ensure these services are accessible to every family, we urge Oregon legislators to prioritize investments in community-based prevention programs, early intervention and family support services, and child sexual abuse prevention efforts.
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Which prevent the need for child welfare or other crisis interventions and include policies and programs such as early childhood home visiting, access to quality and affordable childcare, peer-to-peer caregiver and parent support, and community-based services.
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To help families address basic needs and create safer environments for children to thrive. There is a range of policy options Oregon can enact to better support families, thereby addressing basic needs before families are in crisis (e.g. child tax credits, refundable earned income tax credits, affordable housing, paid family and medical leave, and childcare subsidies).
To ensure our advocacy priorities and approaches are data-informed and responsive to what Oregon communities need, we utilize the following resources created by Oregon and National partners:
PCA Oregon Actions Areas:
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Support PCAO’s Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative (CAP Collaborative), parents/caregivers, and youth in shaping policy priorities.
Build on local strengths and leadership to advance shared prevention goals.
Advocate for community-led decision-making with state buy-in and funding.
Increase representation in leadership from communities historically underrepresented in decision-making.
Value community knowledge alongside academic and institutional expertise.
Learn more about the Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative!
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Offer prevention-focused advocacy training to community partners.
Share effective messaging and advocacy strategies.
Collaborate with statewide (e.g., Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force) and national (e.g., Prevent Child Abuse America) partners to ensure PCAO’s training and education resources are comprehensive and responsive to current needs.
Ensure materials are culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and accessible.
Learn more about the training library.
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Promote strategies like economic supports and home visiting to keep families out of crisis.
Prepare aligned policy and advocacy materials with CAP Collaborative and PCAA.
Educate policymakers on return on investment, cost savings, and program effectiveness.
Urge resources for communities historically underfunded, including rural, frontier, immigrant, refugee, and communities of color.
Support organizations deeply connected to local families and needs.
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Develop prevention-focused indicators through collaborative processes.
Track and reduce child abuse and neglect incidences.
Collect data by geography, income, and language to ensure equity.
Use findings to improve services, accountability, and investments.
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Foster cross-sector learning and collaboration to reduce silos.
Build partnerships with community-based organizations, youth, families, networks, and allies.
Grow public and private support for prevention infrastructure.
Want to connect to learn more about or join our advocacy work? Email us (arielle@preventchildabuseoregon.org)!
Become an Advocate for Kids and Families:
5 Simple Steps!
1. Find Your Legislators
Use the Legislator Lookup Tool to discover who represents you at the state and federal level.
2. Connect With Them
Our elected officials work for us and they need to hear directly from their communities. Reach out regularly to remind them that children and families must be a priority in the Oregon State Legislature. Share why prevention matters to you!
3. Use This Simple Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your City/County]. I care deeply about children and families in Oregon. I urge you to prioritize investments in primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Investments like: home visiting, Family Resource Centers, and economic supports that keep families strong and reduce costly crises later on. Please support policies and funding that ensure all families have what they need to thrive.”
Then, add your own story or example. A personal connection makes your message even more powerful!
4. Share Message
Encourage friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community groups to take action, too! Small actions add up when we work in partnership.
5. Stay Connected!
Sign up for PCAO updates and action alerts.
Attend local meetings or listening sessions in your community.
Show up for events that strengthen Oregon’s Ecosystem of Prevention.
