How can we reduce ACEs and toxic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many of us are concerned that increased stress might increase the risk for ACEs. For example, most child abuse happens when adults reach their breaking point. However, we are not powerless in the face of these challenges. Using HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) as a guide, this blog series, Love in the Time of Corona Virus, written by Dr. Bob Sege, provides suggestions to help reduce ACES.

The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors is pleased to offer funding for Discretionary Grants for Fiscal Year 2021.

The 2019 Prevention Resource Guide: Strong & Thriving Families was designed to support service providers as they work with families to promote child well-being & prevent child maltreatment.

It focuses on protective factors that build on family strengths to foster healthy child & youth development. The Resource Guide can be used along with the Protective Factors in Practice Scenarios, Tip Sheets, Outreach Materials & Activity Calendars to implement prevention strategies in your community.

Released in preparation for April–National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the guide provides information that anyone can use & share throughout the year including:
– information about the protective factors known to prevent child abuse
– tools to help build community awareness & support
– understanding child maltreatment
– tip sheets for parents in English & Spanish

During the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) annual fall board meeting in October 2019 in Jefferson City, the Board elected Amy Beechner-McCarthy, Rolla, as the new Board Chair, and Sharon Faulkner, EA, Springfield, as the new Chair-Elect.  Beechner-McCarthy replaces outgoing Board Chair John Heskett, Ed.D, Chesterfield, who has served in the leadership role for the past two years since October 2017.

“As a former foster parent I have experienced the impact of abuse on children and their families. We have an obligation to do better and work harder to prevent the physical and sexual abuse and neglect of children.  The hard work of CTF staff and Board members in adopting and implementing a strategic plan is moving us in the right direction.  I am grateful to serve in the role of Board Chair.  Working together, we will make a lasting, positive change for the children and families in Missouri.’ — Beechner-McCarthy

Beechner-McCarthy was appointed by Governor Jay Nixon to the CTF Board in July 2015, and will serve a two-year term as Chair until October 2021. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Russell House, a shelter and service provider for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Faulkner was appointed by Governor Eric Greitens to the CTF Board in November 2017.  She is an Accountant and Investment Advisor at Shaw, Faulkner and Werner Investment Group, Inc.  She is also an Investment Advisor Representative with Voya Investment Advisors, Inc.  Faulkner will serve as Chair-Elect during the same time period ending 2021, and will then assume the Chair position through October 2023.

 

Valuable read from the CDC!  Child abuse and neglect are complex problems rooted in unhealthy relationships and environments.   Preventing child abuse and neglect requires a comprehensive approach that influences all levels of the social ecology, community involvement, relationships among families and neighbors, and individual behaviors.

Effective prevention strategies focus on identifying policies, practice and societal norms to create safe, stable nurturing relationship and environments.

This technical package represents a select group of strategies based on the best available evidence to help prevent child abuse and neglect:

• • • • • • strengthen economic supports to families
          • change social norms to support parents and positive parenting
          • provide quality care and education early in life
          • enhance parenting skills to promote healthy child development
          • intervene to lesson harms and prevent future risk

Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention:
> https://www.cdc.gov/features/child-abuse-neglect/index.html
> https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html