First-hand Insights

What is First-hand Insights?

We launched First-hand Insights to give our stakeholders reliable information and real-life inspiration. Why? Because we believe those working hardest on behalf of children deserve to hear directly from trusted sources and thought leaders in their field. Think of it as “news for CTF insiders,” a periodic, first-hand look at the tangible steps being taken to protect and strengthen Missouri’s kids and families.

Explore current and past issues and join our “First To Know” e-mail list using the menus below…

Issue 1 - June, 2021

Issue 2 - September, 2021

HERO HIGHLIGHTS

Emily dives deep with Gov. Parson on the new Office of Childhood

POLICY

Protecting Missouri’s children: the impact of passing House Bills 557 and 432

GRANTS

CTF set to administer $4.5 million in American Resuce Plan Act funds to grantees

SPECIAL FEATURE

CTF develops Outcomes Rate Card to evaluate Home Visiting funding

Join CTF's "First To Know" List!

As a partner in our shared mission to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect, you deserve to hear it first. Sign up today to receive our quarterly newsletter with timely & relevant updates about the impact of our work, informative interviews with heroes that YOU nominate, and meaningful opportunities for action in every issue of First-Hand Insights.

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5 things you need to know about Missouri’s new Office of Childhood

Jun 28, 2021

WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD?

The new Office, set to go into effect on August 28, 2021, will consolidate Missouri’s primary early childhood programs and funding (Child Care, Home Visiting, and Pre-K). Here are five powerful insights CTF Director Emily van Schenkhof has to offer about it:

1. It’s a good thing for Missouri kids!
Missouri’s early childhood governance has been weak—programs are spread across three state agencies, with limited strategic coordination. You may have experiences with state programs that have not lived up to their intent or potential. This move is designed to create a strong foundation for Missouri’s early childhood programs.

2. It won’t be easy.
Creating an efficient, effective and coordinated system will take…

Child sexual abuse prevention is possible: Thoughts from new CTF Grantee MOCSA

Jun 28, 2021

In our most recent round of Grant Funding, CTF committed nearly $1.7 million over the next four years specifically targeted at measurably preventing Child Sexual Abuse.

We took some time to talk with Melanie Austin, Assistant VP of Programs at MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) in Kansas City, one of four organizations awarded a grant, about how MOCSA intends to use CTF funding to integrate child abuse prevention strategies into its already proven community-based service model.

“A problem in the field of sexual violence, and specifically child sexual abuse, is that there are no significant evidence-based studies on what actually works when it comes to prevention,” Melanie states. “What we do know is…”

CTF aims to change Social Norms with research-backed campaigns

Jun 28, 2021

A strategy update from CTF Public Education Committee Chair, Melissa Birdsell:

“After coming onto the CTF Board, I was excited to be able to serve on the Public Education Committee. And as someone who works in the field of child advocacy, I was thrilled to learn about the commitment by CTF toward prevention education.

We know, through years of research, that prevention education for children and adults is the key to keeping kids safe. So, going through the process of conducting surveys and learning what Missourians actually think and know about child abuse and other related issues has been fascinating.

With the help and guidance of the Montana Institute, CTF surveyed people across the state, concentrating on four main areas of concern…”

Nominate a hero for Emily to interview in an upcoming issue

Jun 28, 2021

One of my favorite parts of working at CTF is meeting leaders and advocates who share our passion for protecting children. So, if you can, please take 3 minutes to nominate a hero for me to interview in an upcoming edition of First-hand Insights.

A hero doesn’t have to be a recipient of CTF funding…