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WYDEN, SMITH SECURE $250,000 TO PROTECT VICTIMS
OF CHILD ABUSE
Multnomah County Child Receiving Center supported by Senate bill

January 22, 2004

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced $250,000 for the Multnomah County Children's Receiving Center, a facility providing professional care and support to children up to 18 years of age who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These children are cared for in a home-like setting until they can transition to foster or alternate family placement. These funds are included in the omnibus funding measure that will now be signed into law by the president.

"The Receiving Center provides critically needed services for children going through a tough and confusing time in their lives, and these funds will help that important work continue," said Wyden.

"The Receiving Center has proven to be a committed advocate for young people facing some extraordinary hardships," said Smith. "This bill supports the center's mission of helping these youngsters heal and grow into successful adults."

The Multnomah County Children's Receiving Center has been in operation since January 2002. While at the Children's Receiving Center, children can be interviewed by the police and receive medical attention and evaluation in a non-threatening environment, minimizing additional trauma to children who have already been subject to mental and physical abuse.

The Receiving Center is supported by the Portland Police, Gresham Police, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Multnomah County District Attorney, Oregon Children's Protective Services, Christie School, CARES NW, Morrison Center Family and Child Services, Multnomah County Health Department, Multnomah County Family and Children's Services Dept., Gateway Area Business Association, Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, Portland City Council, and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.

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