To keep the general community informed, we conduct public awareness campaigns throughout the year. These campaigns include our Annual Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Prevention Campaign held each year in April and our Safe Haven Law Campaign.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign is one of the annual public awareness programs produced by The Raise Foundation. This international symbol for child abuse prevention had its beginnings in 1989 when a
Virginia grandmother lost her grandson to child abuse. After his death she tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van as a symbol to alert her community to the ultimate tragedy of child abuse.
Click here to read the entire Blue Ribbon Story.
Why does Orange County need a public awareness campaign?
- In 2009, 11children died as a result of child abuse.
- In 2009, more than 37,000 child abuse cases were reported to Orange County authorities.
- Abused children 58% more likely to commit crime; 38% more likely to be violent.
- Hundreds of millions of tax dollars spent on response and intervention AFTER a child has been abused.
- Intensive prevention services can cost as little as $2,500 per year per family.
- Each case of child sexual abuse costs victim and society nearly $100,000.
- Foster care for the most difficult children can cost more than $45,000/year.
- Placing a convicted youth offender in custody costs more than $50,000/year.
- Parenting classes designed to give parents tools to raise children without abusing them are often free or only a nominal fee.
What is planned for Year 2010?
- Distribution of blue ribbon buttons and child abuse information.
- Blue Ribbon Kickoff Family Fun Festival
- Blue Ribbon Family Resouce Center Family Events
- Pennies for Prevention Drive
How can I help?
- In the workplace: encourage your organization to plan a “Go Casual for Kids” day or week where employees can purchase a “Go Casual for Kids” Sticker for $1-$5 and dress casual for that day or week. Funds raised in this campaign will fund the campaign and programs including parenting classes, parenting education, professional training, and public awareness. Contact 949-757-3635 for more information.
- Ask your faith leader to plan a Blue Ribbon service during the month of April to honor families and to encourage healthy parenting.
- Hold a Pennies for Prevention drive at your business or school.
- Volunteer to distribute Blue Ribbon materials in your community.
- Organize a group of volunteers to distribute Blue Ribbon materials.
- Encourage your organization to make a donation to the campaign.
- Make a personal donation to the campaign.
Where can I get more information?
Write, e-mail or call: The Raise Foundation
1920 E. Warner Ave., Ste A, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 949-757-3635 Fax: 949-757-4206
E-mail: info@theraisefoundation.org
Website: www.theraisefoundation.org