Wasco County Applies for $11.3 Million Grant To Fund Child Abuse Prevention
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., April 25, 2024 – Wasco County Commissioners approved a 2023-2025 Child Abuse Multidisciipinary Intervention (CAMI) Fund Grant application. If granted, it will bring in $11.3 million to the county for intervention, assessment and investigation of child abuse.
Oregon law requires that every county utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to child abuse intervention. State law also requires CAMI funds be distributed through multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). MDTs are established in each county under the leadership of the local district attorney.
From the Commissioners board packet:
“The CAMI Program’s goal is to support a multidisciplinary approach to child abuse intervention. It is the intention of the CAMI Program that services are provided in a child-friendly environment by professionals who are trained in risk assessment, the dynamics of child physical and sexual abuse and neglect, legally sound and age-appropriate interviewing, and age-appropriate investigatory techniques.
CAMI funds are also distributed directly to five non-profit child abuse intervention regional service providers such as Safe Space in Hood River, Oregon to provide specialized regional assistance to the MDTs. Additionally, funds support the salary of a special deputy district attorney to prosecute child abuse cases. Kara Davis, Gilliam County District Attorney, currently prosecutes these cases for Wasco County.