Why Early Intervention

The first 33 months of life are critical to development. We have learned that stimulation, nutrition, a child’s surroundings, and nurturing contact all play a key role in the formation of neuronal pathways in the brain. These healthy connections within the brain are the building blocks for a child’s ability to bond with the parent, to attain self-esteem, and to form appropriate emotional responses. Abuse and neglect stifles the brain’s development and causes long-term challenges.

Victims of abuse or neglect often suffer delays in their physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral development. These children often have physical injuries, brain damage, chronic low self-esteem, bonding and relationship difficulties, learning disorders, and aggressive behavior. Our program directly addresses these effects – working to reverse developmental delays and to support child and family resiliency.

Children's Relief Nursery (CRN) works with the defenseless members of our community at no cost to their families. We serve the North Portland community of St. Johns – an area of Oregon experiencing crisis levels of reported child abuse. Recent crime statistics reveal that 5,500 children under the age of 17 – nearly one in ten are confirmed victims. This staggering number is eight times the state average of child abuse and neglect. CRN’s work is vital to this area.

Most of CRN families face multiple risk factors for child abuse and neglect. These can include unemployment, inadequate housing, depression, mental illness, parental history of abuse as a child, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and involvement with law enforcement. Nearly all of our families live at or below the federal poverty level. Single mothers, as the head of household, currently comprise 60 percent of the families we serve.

A Damaging Cycle
Not only does abuse harm the child today – it also affects tomorrow’s families. Child abuse and neglect form a dangerous cycle that holds both children and parents hostage. Child maltreatment often triggers substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violence, and juvenile crime. Later in life, this pattern can extend into adult crime and poor parenting – perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

Even worse, the rate of reported child abuse and neglect is increasing. Recent reports show abuse and neglect are the leading cause of death among children younger than four in the United States and the Oregon Department of Human Services reports that 12,000 Oregonian children were confirmed victims in 2006 – a 7 percent increase over 2005.

If we do not invest in prevention, the children and our community will continue to pay the price. Comprehensive child abuse prevention services to one family at the CRN cost approximately $6,755 for one year. By comparison, the State of Oregon pays $19,658 a year to place a child in foster care. The National Institute of Justice affirms that abused children are more likely to become criminals. “General delinquency research shows that childhood abuse (physical and sexual) is often associated with delinquency and that the early onset of maltreatment may increase the variety, seriousness, and duration of problems. It is also widely suggested that violence begets violence—that today's abused children become tomorrow's violent offenders.” US Department of Justice Update In addition, the Department of Oregon Corrections reports that the annual cost to house an inmate is $24,648.