Volunteers play a vital role in providing support to children affected by violence

Vancouver, Wash.  – Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center, CJC, is seeking volunteers for its Friends of Children’s Justice Center committee to join in the fight against child sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. This committee was established to assist with community outreach and education about child abuse and the work of CJC, as well as fundraising and legislative efforts to protect children. 

CJC is holding an informational meeting for anyone interested in joining this committee. The meeting will be held at 4:30 pm Monday, Jan. 28, at CJC, 601 W. Evergreen Blvd., Ste. 101.

A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the United States, and child abuse and neglect costs our nation $220 million every day in investigations, foster care, medical and mental health treatment, special education, juvenile and adult crime and chronic health problems across the lifespan. More than 2,600 Clark County children were subjects of child abuse reports in 2017, and the Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center provided services to more than 460 of the most seriously harmed by sexual abuse and violence. 

“CJC is committed to providing support services to children in Clark County affected by violence and exploitation,” said CJC Executive Director Amy Russell. “Volunteers play a vital role in their support of CJC, and we are always in need of dedicated, compassionate volunteers to help us carry out our mission.”

CJC is a multidisciplinary team of trained responders who come together from across multiple agencies and jurisdictions to respond to crimes against children, including holding perpetrators accountable through the judicial system and sensitively considering children’s health and healing needs. 

Friends of Children’s Justice Center is a coalition of concerned citizens established to increase awareness of child victimization in our community and promote community safety for children by supporting the work of the Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center.  Volunteers with the Friends of CJC may be involved in a variety of activities:

• Help CJC raise money. This can include helping with events, mailings and other fundraising efforts.
• Help CJC educate the public. This might include speaking to groups, coordinating presentations by CJC staff to community organizations or staffing a table at community events.
• Help support CJC and child victims with legislation. This may involve educating the community on public policy issues or supporting state and federal legislation for funding the work of CJC and other Children’s Advocacy Centers across Washington state and nationally.

Friends of CJC cares about all children and youth in Clark County. Its volunteers believe we all should do everything possible as a community when a crime is committed against a child. 

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Amy Russell at 360.397.6008.  For more information on CJC, visit www.clark.wa.gov/cjc.  

CONTACT
Amy Russell
Executive director
Arthur D. Curtis Children's Justice Center
360.397.6002 ext. 5624
amy.russell@clark.wa.gov