Often, our professionals hear something like this when talking to the families of child abuse survivors:

“If someone would have just noticed the signs, it wouldn’t have had to happen.”

That’s why part of our role as Oakland County’s Child Advocacy Center is to spend time outside of our doors, in the community, as part of our mission to prevent abuse.

“Most cases of child abuse and neglect don’t start with a crime. They start with isolation,” said Billie Ragland, CARE House’s Director of Community Outreach. “They start with warning signs that the community could notice if they know what to look for.”

That’s why you’ll see our team members across the community, as educators and conveners trying to help community members learn more about what they need to know and what they can do to recognize the signs of abuse.

CARE House has established itself as a leader in training mandated reporters –– those who work with children and young adults who are required by law to report signs of abuse – both in person and online. Now, the organization is reaching more of the community through an expanding series of Safety Fairs.

Hosted at elementary schools, community centers, libraries, summer camps and religious institutions, Safety Fairs are “one of CARE House’s most effective programs,” according to Ragland, because they can introduce almost anyone to child safety practices.

Audiences for Safety Fairs typically include elementary school children and their parents, as parents need to pay attention to their kids’ conversations and understand them. “It’s not necessarily about sexual abuse talk. It’s about boundaries being violated,” Ragland explained. “Kids can understand simple rules and adults need to think about it too… So often, they just haven’t thought about it before… Kids are naturally trusting. So it’s important to know what conversations you can have with your kids at home to help keep them safe.”

CARE House professionals report that sometimes within days of an education program, reporting will take place. And longer term, the chances are even better than an adult who has experienced any kind of training or education will be better informed and equipped to spot and report a warning sign.

“We know 100% for sure that when you teach children what to do, they do it. And when you tell adults what to look for, they report,” Ragland said.

There can also be a broader benefit for any community in Oakland County that hosts a Safety Fair. “People who want to hurt children won’t do it when they know that the community is looking for it.”

Safety Fairs can be offered with little or no expense to the partner organization, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to support the program. Contributions to CARE House are always welcome. The CARE House team leads all instruction during the Fairs, supported by trained volunteers. Volunteers from the partner organization also receive training prior to the event.

Ragland encouraged anyone considering a Fair to remember “When you tell children to report, they do. When you tell adults to report, they do. Every time we present, it happens.”

“The sooner we can intervene in any situation, the better we can help change the trajectory.”

For more information on our community outreach programs, visit:

carehouse.org/prevention-training