Each April, Child Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across Indian Country to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote healing. One such center—the Children of the River Child Advocacy Center (CRCAC), a program of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians—hosted a robust calendar of outreach and educational activities that reflect years of dedication to building trust and addressing intergenerational trauma.
To learn more, Bethany Black, TTA Specialist with the Native Child Advocacy Resource Center (NCARC), spoke with CRCAC Program Manager/Forensic Interviewer Carmelita Smith and MDT Facilitator/Outreach Specialist Lavenia Billy about their efforts and the impact on their community.
When asked what Child Abuse Prevention Month means to them, Lavenia emphasized the power of awareness. “Child abuse and child sexual abuse are 100% preventable,” she said. “Education and outreach are how we make change. It’s not just about serving our Tribal community—it’s about reaching everyone.” She noted a growing response to their Blue Friday events, where participants wear themed shirts and pose with “No Hit Zone” signs. “People reach out and say, ‘Thank you for doing this work. We need this,’” she shared.
For other CACs looking to grow their impact, both women emphasized collaboration. “Partner with ICW, CPS, or any child-serving agencies,” Lavenia advised. “If they have bigger budgets, ask to collaborate. You can do so much more together.” She also stressed visibility: “Just being out in the community starts conversations.” Carmelita highlighted how even small gestures spark important conversations. “Every T-shirt we hand out starts a dialogue at home,” she said. “Even daycare kids bring their shirts home, and parents start asking questions. That kind of engagement matters.” This year alone, CRCAC distributed over 1,300 shirts—a major effort supported by grants and cross-departmental partnerships. The strong response has them considering a budget increase for future years.
One standout event for Lavenia was the Gathering of Native Americans held during spring break, centered around teachings of compassion and generosity. “We handed out pinwheels and stickers and explained their meaning to kids and parents. It was beautiful to see their excitement and hear their stories,” she said. Carmelita’s favorite moment came during a daycare parent night, where she helped with an ice cream social. “Just seeing kids laugh and play in a safe space—it’s heartwarming,” she said. She also stressed the value of the trainings CRCAC launched during April, many of which they plan to continue year-round.
But the month wasn’t without challenges. Competing events led to lower turnout for some trainings, including the “Darkness to Light” series. As part of a small three-person team, Lavenia noted the strain of managing multiple events. “Sometimes I’m handling events on my own, and it gets overwhelming—especially when people get excited about the shirts,” she said with a smile. “I’ve learned the value of starting early—like, months early.” Carmelita agreed, pointing to the difficulty of coordinating across departments. “We start planning in October, but not everyone joins in early. When decisions are made later, some feel left out. It’s a learning process.” One lesson for next year is to consider moving some training courses and activities outside of April to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Carmelita added that partnerships help stretch limited resources and deepen reach. “You might not be able to provide a whole meal, but you can offer dessert if another group provides dinner,” she said. She encouraged centers to seek support from state agencies, local nonprofits, and tribal departments that can help with funding or materials. She also underscored the essential role of having an Outreach Specialist like Lavenia when working in Indian Country. “Given the history of mistrust, Native communities need to see someone they recognize and trust,” she explained. “If the community doesn’t trust the CAC, they won’t walk through the door to access the services they need. The Outreach Specialist is that bridge.”
Reflecting on the journey from early planning to strong community engagement, Carmelita estimated it took about six years. “The first couple of years were about getting the center up and running and beginning to participate in awareness activities. Eventually, we started leading them. Now the community looks forward to it—especially the shirts with new messages of healing each year.” She encourages others not to get discouraged in the early stages. “It takes time, but it grows. Stay consistent, and the momentum will come.” Lavenia agreed. “It’s not just about giving away free shirts,” she said. “It’s about what those shirts represent—visibility, awareness, and a path to healing.”