On March 28, 2023, a special flag raising ceremony was held at the Riverside County Administrative Center, featuring speakers Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Deputy District Attorney John Aki, Undersheriff Donald Sharp, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen, Riverside County Department of Social Services Assistant Director, Charity Douglas, and Dr. Carla Lidner Baum, Chair of the HOPE Collaborative Board of Directors. The event honored children impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect, while also increasing awareness through a unified message that stood firmly against all forms of child abuse.
Seen Above from Left to Right: HOPE Collaborative Board Chair Dr. Carla Lidner Baum, Cherylyn Klemens District 2 Chair, Supervisor Karen Spiegel, HOPE Collaborative Board Secretary Lorie Lacey-Payne, Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, FSA COO Shannon Gonzalez, Kimberly Bustillos-Chacon, FSA CEO Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, and Dariana Ortiz.
One in four children experience abuse or neglect in their lifetime. This abuse comes in many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect and advancements in technology have only made it easier for predators to prey on our children. In Riverside County, there were 37,399 reports of alleged child abuse, with 5,805 substantiated in 2021 (California Welfare Indicators Project, 2022).
Seen Above from Left to Right: Supervisor Yxstian Guiterrez, FSA CEO Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, and Supervisor Karen Speigel.
“One of the main priorities of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is to ensure our child protective services’ approach is responsive to the complex needs of abused and neglected children. This flag raising event highlights the comprehensive continuum of care that is employed once suspected abuse is identified,” stated Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel, who represents District 2. “There is nothing more important than protecting those who cannot protect themselves.”
While there are no substitutes for loving parents and guardians, community partners play an important role in keeping children safe. It takes a collective effort and strong partnerships in the public and private sector to stop child abuse from occurring and intervening when a case of suspected abuse arises. Every month, dozens of representatives from child welfare, schools, law enforcement, probation, medical centers, children’s advocates, and local faith-based meet to collaborate, share knowledge, and discuss the region’s safety and well-being. The HOPE Collaborative convenes these monthly meetings in each supervisorial district in Riverside County and engages professionals, parents, and volunteers.
Seen Above: HOPE Collaborative Board Chair Dr. Carla Lidner Baum
Dr. Carla Lidner Baum, HOPE Collaborative’s Board Chair, shared, “Riverside County works extensively to prevent child abuse and to provide a strong continuum of care that protects our children once potential abuse is reported. From the initial investigations performed by our social workers and deputies, to the legal work and advocacy that occurs to support victims, once our District Attorney’s team is involved, our County provides comprehensive care to children and families. But they can’t do it alone. We need the community’s help to protect the heart and minds of all children - the next generation’s leaders. Non-Profits, Educational Leaders, Neighbors, Faith Leaders and Foster Parents all play an important role in strengthening our children.”
Riverside County’s Flag Raising event displayed a robust system of support and resources that exist to prevent child abuse. A wide network of organizations will be in attendance to raise awareness and showcase the significant efforts that are dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect. There are multiple opportunities available to help support children. The HOPE Collaborative encourages members to consider becoming a mentor or a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Individuals can stand up for children by providing a home for a foster child, becoming a Resource Family, volunteering at a school, or simply, by extending a helping hand to a parent or child in need.
For more information, contact the HOPE Collaborative by calling 951-369-8036 or by visiting its website at www.hopecollaborative.org.
If you have reason to believe that a child you know is experiencing abuse or neglect, make a report to either law enforcement or to the local child welfare agency. Your voice can make the difference for one child. For further resources visit www.hopecollaborative.org