News
CTF Annual Report Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2014 highlights CTF’s prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns from July 2013 through June 2014.
During that time, CTF awarded over $2.9 million in prevention funding to support 117 community-based programs providing home visitation, safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nursery, mentoring, parent education, sexual abuse prevention, family support, strengthening families, public awareness and other prevention initiatives. Since its inception in 1983, CTF has awarded nearly $52 million in prevention funds statewide from donations and dedicated fees.
An Easy Way to Check Off Child Abuse
There are many ways Missourians help children each and every day. One quick and easy way is to make a charitable donation on your Missouri tax form to the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF). It’s been proven that a child’s experiences have a direct link to their health and well-being in adulthood. Investing in children early in their life is key to helping them have a successful future. Your gift through Missouri’s Tax Check-off Program makes a BIG difference in the life of a child at risk for abuse and neglect.
Since 1983, CTF has invested millions in best practice child abuse prevention programs in communities around the state. Parent education, family support, home visitation, mentoring, safe sleep practices, sexual abuse prevention, fatherhood and grandparent support, strengthening families and many other effective prevention services are possible because Missourians like you make a gift on their Missouri tax return. CTF receives no general revenue, so all of its public education, prevention resources, and community based grant programs are made possible through dedicated fees and donations, such as through the tax check off program.
Just look for the child’s handprints on your Missouri State Income Tax Return and designate any amount over $2 to CTF by making your mark to contribute. Your donation may also be deducted on next year’s federal tax return, and with a $25 or more donation, you are eligible to purchase a CTF specialty license plate for your vehicle…the ones with the green handprints.
Whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of tax professionals, please consider donating a portion of your refund to CTF. The Missouri Department of Revenue will send your donation directly to CTF where it will be used to support Strong Families, Safe Kids. Thank you! Together we CAN check off child abuse in Missouri.
Registration Now Open for CTF Prevention Conference
Registration is now open for t
he Children’s Trust Fund’s biennial prevention conference April 14 & 15, 2015, Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. This year’s conference theme is “1 Childhood 4 Every 1 – All Kids Deserve A Good 1”. Please join CTF and other community, national and statewide prevention advocates and practitioners as we recognize April as Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month and provide opportunities to learn and share about current strategies in the field of prevention.
Registration is only $95 per person for the entire event with CEU’s available. For questions pertaining to the conference please contact Alicia by e-mail or call 573-751-5147. We also encourage you to share with others by e-mail, through social media and the web. This is an event that only occurs every two years so you won’t want to miss it.
Printable 2015 Conference Registration Form or Register Online Now
CTF Welcomes New Board Members
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) welcomes four new members to the CTF Board of Directors. Senators Jill Schupp (D), Creve Coeur, and Bob Dixon (R), Springfield, were recently appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey. Senator Schupp represents District 24 in St. Louis, and Senator Dixon represents District 30 in Greene County. Additionally Governor Jay Nixon appointed M. Peggy Krokstrom, Chesterfield, and the Rev. Andy Bryan, Springfield, to the CTF Board. Peggy Krokstrom is an Instructional Designer with Edward D. Jones in St. Louis, and Andy Bryan is the Senior Pastor at Campbell United Methodist Church in Springfield.
The CTF Board of Directors is comprised of twenty-one members, seventeen of whom are public members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, two from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and two from the Missouri Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem. Public members may serve up to two consecutive 3-year terms.
Child Maltreatment Report 2013
The Children’s Bureau, Office of the Administration for Children and Families recently released its latest annual report on child abuse and neglect. Child Maltreatment 2013 is the 24th edition of the report which includes national and state level findings about investigations and assessments, perpetrators of maltreatment, and prevention and post investigation services. The report is based on federal fiscal year 2013 data submitted by 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Key findings in this report include:
■ From 2009 to 2013, overall rates of victimization declined, from 9.3 to 9.1 per 1,000 children in the population. This results in an estimated 23,000 fewer victims in 2013 (679,000) compared with 2009 (702,000).
■ Since 2009, overall rates of children who received a CPS response increased from 40.3 to 42.9 per 1,000 children in the population. This results in an estimated 145,000 additional children who received a CPS response in 2013 (3,188,000) compared to 2009 (3,043,000). States provide possible explanations for the increase in Appendix D, State Commentary.
■ Nationally, four-fifths (79.5%) of victims were neglected, 18.0 percent were physically abused, 9.0 percent were sexually abused and 8.7 percent were psychologically maltreated.
■ For 2013, a nationally estimated 1,520 children died of abuse and neglect at a rate of 2.04 children per 100,000 children in the national population.
CTF Grant Application Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has released its grant application packet for the prevention of child abuse/neglect for Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016). CTF anticipates approximately $300,000 available for new (first year) projects.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF provides grants to community-based agencies and organizations throughout the state that focus on strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect by investing in and supporting children and their families. As part of the proposal, applicants must describe how they will incorporate the five protective factors known to prevent or reduce child abuse into their program. The protective factors that strengthen families include building parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and children’s social and emotional development.
An informational meeting regarding the application will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 10 am – Noon in Room 850 of the Truman Office Building, 301 W. High St., Jefferson City. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about the grant program and application process. Registration is not required.
To be considered, applications must be postmarked by Thursday, March 12, 2015. Grant award recipients will be announced after June 3, 2015. For questions regarding the General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant application and process please email CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner.
CTF Grant Application Packet FY2016 (Word)
Prevention Funding Application Information
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) will release a Request for Application for proposals addressing the prevention of child abuse/neglect and strengthening families for State Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016) on Thursday, January 15, 2015. An informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21 from 10 am – Noon in Room 850, Truman State Office Building, 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about the grant program and application process. It is not necessary to RSVP. CTF’s Request for Application will be available via the CTF website on January 15.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF works to prevent child abuse and neglect and strengthen families through grant distribution, education, awareness and partnerships.
For questions regarding the General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant Program please email Laura Malzner.
Simulating Parenthood to Enhance Teen Responsibility
Hannibal’s C.H.A.R.T. Teen Task Force is a Children’s Trust Fund prevention grantee that works to eliminate unplanned teen pregnancies throughout Northeast Missouri. The program is available to any school, church group, or youth group, in a seven county area in northeast Missouri which includes: Marion, Ralls, Pike, Monroe, Shelby, Lewis, and Clark. It provides an opportunity for teens to have hands on learning about what it takes to care for an infant through the Baby Think It Over/Empathy Belly program. Real Care Baby infant simulators are used to help students work through situations that are likely to arise if they were to become parents. The program also uses simulated pregnancy bellies to give teen girls an opportunity to feel what it might be like to be pregnant. The third type of simulator is for the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
All of the experiences with the simulators are intended to help students understand how their lives might change socially and at home with a pregnancy or while trying to raise a child. We spoke with Leigh Ann Bergman, Community Coordinator, about the program and how it is helping educate teens.
AUDIO: Bergman talks about the community members who support and assist with the program.
AUDIO: Bergman talks about goals for the school year.
AUDIO: Bergman talks about the simulators that were purchased with CTF funding, and their importance.
Shopping on Amazon is an easy way to help Missouri kids
The Amazon Smile program is an opportunity for individuals to contribute a little bit of their Amazon purchase price to the charitable organization of their choice, every time they shop, at no additional cost. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. All you have to do is be logged in to smile.amazon.com and a portion of your purchase will automatically be donated. It may seem like a small amount, but with so many online shoppers, a little bit can go a long way. We know there are many worthy causes out there. With funding received at CTF, we will be working to support programs across Missouri with the shared goal of preventing child abuse and neglect, and building Strong Families, Safe Kids. Follow these instructions to sign up for your Amazon Smile account:
- First visit smile.amazon.com online
- You may use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. If you already have an Amazon account, login with that. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are the same for both.
- You will be prompted to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. There are nearly a million eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to choose from. There is a search box in which you type Missouri Childrens Trust Fund Board (You may change your charity selection at any time.)
- Once registration is completed and your charity is chosen, just make sure that you select Amazon Smile every time you log on to shop with Amazon.
- Shop at smile.amazon.com from your desktop or laptop computer, your mobile phone, or your tablet, including any Kindle Fire device. (Currently purchases made through the Amazon Shopping App or Kindel E-reader are not yet eligible.
Remember to login to AmazonSmile.com every time you shop!
Fostering Supportive Environments for Kids
A new guide is available on how communities can foster supportive environments for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released Building Community Commitment for Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships and Environments, developed by Prevention Institute (PI). This publication provides guidance to mobilize communities to create safe spaces and settings that keep kids safe and support their healthy development. As part of CDC’s Essentials for Childhood initiative to prevent child abuse and neglect, this document lays out steps that communities can use to build support for many issues. Nine key elements and case examples are presented, organized into three areas: developing a shared vision, build understanding of the need and solutions, and partnerships.
Guiding Teen Parents Toward Success
The Independence School District’s (ISD) Teen Parenting Support program offers expectant and new teen parents opportunities to continue their education while getting support for all of the new responsibilities facing them. The ISD not only uses home visitation and case management to support teen parents, but provides an opportunity for them to bring their children into the classroom and get hands on support and education. Since receiving grant funding from Children’s Trust Fund, the program has been able to increase the level of support to parents through implementation of the Love & Logic Parent Model, and after school opportunities for parents and their families. We spoke with John Tramel, Director of Neighborhood and Family Services for the district, along with Nicole Sequeira, Family Service Coordinator/McKinney-Vento Liaison and Juanice Williams, Teen Parenting Specialist about the program and how it helps build a strong foundation and a greater chance for success. Tramel reports that over 90% of their teen parents graduate from high school but, beyond graduation, they want to make sure the components are in place so that students can follow and implement their career path and ultimately reach their life goals.
PODCAST: Mandated Reporting in Missouri, What’s Changed
In this podcast Children’s Trust Fund Executive Director Kirk Schreiber speaks with Cherisse Thibaut, Prevention and Community Outreach Manager for Missouri KidsFirst, about mandated reporting in Missouri. They discuss recent legislation that has changed, who is required to report suspected abuse, and why the changes were made. Changes to mandated reporter requirements. Thibaut also discussed how to report suspected abuse as well as the current efforts by Missouri’s Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is urged to call the Children’s Division Hotline at 800-392-3738.
AUDIO: Mandated Reporting
25th Edition Kids Count Data Book Available
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) has released The KIDS COUNT Data Book 2014 . The annual publication documents child well-being nationally and across the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Using an index of 16 indicators, the 2014 report ranks states on overall child well-being and in four domains: (1) economic well-being, (2) education, (3) health, and (4) family and community. For 2014, the three highest-ranked states for child well-being were Massachusetts, Vermont and Iowa; the three lowest-ranked were Nevada, New Mexico and Mississippi. Missouri ranked 29th overall with its highest ranking in education (22) and lowest in child health (30). The report also provides national trends, comparing the latest data with mid-decade statistics. The 2014 Data Book is the 25th edition of the Casey Foundation’s signature publication.
AECF Kids Count Data Book Resource Page
25th Edition of Kids Count Data Book Highlights Improvements
Missourinet – Kids Count Story – July 23, 2014
2013 (current) Kids Count in Missouri Data Book online
Making Meaningful Connections – 2014 Prevention Resource Guide
The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides numerous resources for child abuse and neglect prevention, including the 2014 Prevention Resource Guide entitled Making New Connections. The Resource Guide is created annually to support community-based child abuse prevention professionals in their work to prevent child maltreatment and promote well-being of children and families. Others including policymakers, parent educators, family support workers, health care providers, child care providers, teachers, mentors, program administrators, and clergy, will also find this resource helpful. The 2014 edition includes the following chapters: Protective Factors Approaches to Promoting Well-Being, Working With Families Using the Protective Factors, Engaging Your Community, Protecting Children, Tip Sheets for Parents and Caregivers, and Resources.
2014 Prevention Resource Guide – Making Meaningful Connections (PDF)
Educating Children and Parents about Sexual Abuse
Project Aware is a school and community based sexual abuse prevention education program, provided through the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), Kansas City and supported by the Children’s Trust Fund. The free program educates children, parents, school staff and interested community members throughout Jackson, Platte, Clay and Cass Counties. Project aware teaches pre-k through 5th grade students critical information about body safety, safe and unsafe touches, how to identify a trusted adult to tell and that they have a right to tell. The program also trains parents and teachers on how to create a safe environment for children, and provide education on the caregivers role in sexual abuse prevention. Children with developmental disabilities are also served through Project Aware. We spoke with Mary Hopkins, Education and Outreach Specialist, about the program.
AUDIO: Educating and debunking myths
AUDIO: Hopkins talks about ways community members can reach out.
AUDIO: Resources made available through CTF grant funding
Kids and Vehicles…a Dangerous Combination
Many parents face the decision about whether or not to leave the kids in the car while they run a quick errand, in the name of convenience. But this seemingly innocent act can turn deadly in just seconds. It’s important that all parents and caregivers realize that it is never safe to leave a child in or around vehicles, Not Even For A Minute! In addition to temperatures that can skyrocket inside a vehicle, leaving children susceptible to heat stroke, there are other dangers. They include backovers, frontovers, power window accidents, trunk entrapment, vehicles set into motion, car jacking and abduction. It’s important for parents and caregivers to remember that most of these things can happen very quickly.
In addition to making sure the kids go with you when you leave the vehicle, follow these tips to ensure they don’t use the vehicle as a play place when you’re at home or elsewhere:
- Always put your keys in a safe and secure place.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times, even at home, and remind your friends and neighbors to do the same. Unlocked cars pose a risk to children who are naturally curious and often fearless.
- Teach your children the dangers of a car and let them know it is not a toy or playground.
- Establish a routine of checking the back seat every time you exit the car to ensure no one is left behind. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
- Place your child’s diaper bag or a small toy in the front seat to serve as a constant, visible reminder of you child’s presence in the car.
- Place your purse, briefcse or other personal item in the back wth the child to give you an additional reason to check the back seat.
- Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare as scheduled.
- Try to plan ahead when you have errands. Run errands when your spouse, trusted neighbor or friend can watch your child.
- Remember to use drive-through convenience provided by banks, dry cleaners, phamacies, restaurants and other businesses.
- Use your debit or credit card at the gas pump.
- When a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks immediately.
- If you see an unnattended child in a car, call 911 immediately.
To help spread this critical safety message, CTF offers several ‘Not Even For A Minute’ public education materials. These are available at no cost in hard copy and download (pdf) and include a poster and rack card (pdf) with helpful tips and reminders.
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CTF Welcomes Michelle Crockett
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) welcomes Michelle Crockett, Carthage, to its Board of Directors. She was recently appointed to the Board by Governor Jay Nixon. Currently the director of talent acquisition for Leggett & Platt, Inc., Crockett previously was executive director of Barceda Families, a non-profit agency providing child abuse prevention, intervention and family support services. Crockett also taught in the Lamar R-I School District for 10 years. “I feel honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve on the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors. It is an outstanding foundation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children across the state of Missouri,” said Crockett. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.
The CTF Board of Directors is comprised of twenty-one members of whom seventeen public members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. In addition, four members are from the Missouri Legislature, including two members from the Missouri Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem and two members from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Continuing the Connection During Separation
PATCH, which stands for Parents and Their Children, of Chillicothe, is a non-profit organization that helps children, whose mothers are incarcerated at Chillicothe Correctional Center, keep the connection during the time that they’re separated. The visits take place in a home-like setting, over 4 hours. They are supervised by PATCH staff or volunteers. The visits help to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect when the incarcerated parent is reunified with their child(ren).
PATCH also provides required parenting classes to mothers. The women complete ten classes over a five week period through the parent education course Turning Points. Additional visits may be earned through on-going participation in PATCH Parent Support Group meetings. CTF provides grant funding for the PATCH program. We spoke with Barb Burton, Program Director, about PATCH and how it works to help build and maintain strong family relationships during the incarceration period and beyond.
AUDIO: Burton describes PATCH visits and describes the program’s eligibility requirements.
AUDIO: Burton describes how PATCH has impacted mothers.
AUDIO: Burton reflects on the long-term benefits the program can have on children.
AUDIO: Burton shares the benefits the program has seen since receiving CTF funding.
Governor Proclamation Ceremony
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation Ceremony April 28,2014
Last month Governor Jay Nixon presented a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Missouri. Over thirty individuals joined the Governor in his Capitol office for the ceremony including Representative Jill Schupp from the Missouri House, Children’s Trust Fund Board members, state division directors, child advocates, service providers and children. Many individuals present were members of the Missouri Prevention Partners (MPP) Coalition, a consortium of agencies, organizations and individuals who provide leadership to reduce child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities. Thank you Governor Nixon, to all who participated and to those who made Child Abuse Prevention Month a huge success!
Sublette Receives CTF Award
(L-R) Sgt. Jeffery Owen, Maj. Luke Vislay, Trooper Patrick Sublette, Captain Sarah Eberhard, Colonel Ronald Replogle
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently presented the 2014 Richard P. Easter Award to Trooper Patrick D. Sublette on April 25 at the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Office of Drug & Crime Control in Jefferson City.
Trooper Sublette is a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He is a computer technology specialist and a skilled investigator of child exploitation cases. Trooper Sublette was instrumental in redeveloping the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit (DFIU) to allow more proactive investigations and developed an innovative case management database to permit an increased caseload. He received the award before his family, fellow officers, peers and other department members during the appreciation ceremony, which included presentations from:
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Ronald Replogle, Colonel of the Missouri State Highway Patrol
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Rodney Jones, Chief of the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT)
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John Pehle, State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) Investigator
- Kirk Schreiber, Children’s Trust Fund Director
The CTF Board of Directors established this award in honor of the late Richard P. Easter, former State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) Chief, who is remembered for his commitment and leadership in promoting statewide prevention efforts to better protect Missouri’s children. CTF presents the award each year to a distinguished law enforcement officer in Missouri for exemplary contributions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Connecting Families at Fun City
Columbia’s Fun City Youth Academy’s Connecting Families with Tools for Living program supports families in their efforts to lead healthy and productive lives, as well as find support when needed. Fun City Youth Academy has evolved over the years from a safe, supervised program for unattended children, to include cultural enrichment activities and to engage area youth and their parents in academic, cultural and recreational programs that promote academic achievement, self respect, and social responsibility, as well as link families to services and opportunities. The program offers both reading and math curricula and, most recently, developed a partnership with the Columbia Public Schools for an 8 week summer school session. The program uses the Strengthening Families Framework and the Building Strong Families curriculum. We spoke with Program Director Consuela Johnson about Fun City and how it works to enhance the lives of those it serves.
AUDIO: Fun City’s long-term goals of providing educational and cultural development
AUDIO: How CTF funding helps provide for children and their parents
AUDIO: Johnson talks about the necessity to provide for parents as well as children.
AUDIO: Johnson shares a number of examples of the variety of assistance Fun City provides.
Kids Count in Missouri 2013 Data Available
University of Missouri’s Office of Social & Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) along with the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently released the KIDS COUNT in Missouri 2013 Data Book documenting the status of children in all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. The annual publication is a collaborative initiative of the The Annie E. Casey Foundation, OSEDA, CTF and many other public and private organizations from across the state. Annie Casey recently announced that The Family and Community Trust (FACT) is the newest KIDS COUNT grantee in Missouri for 2014. FACT is a non-profit organization supporting 20 community partnerships around the state whose mission is to find solutions to improving the lives of the families and children in their communities.
The online resource provides information on measures of child well-being covering areas such as health, education, financial security, juvenile justice and child protection. The 2013 data finds that during the most recent reporting period, Missouri made improvements in seven of the key KIDS COUNT indicators including a births to moms without a high school diploma, low birth weight infants, infant mortality, teen violent deaths, percent of annual high school dropouts, and births to teens. Three indicators worsened – students enrolled in free/reduced lunch, child abuse/neglect and family assessments and out-of-home placements.
Data for the report is compiled from more than 80 federal, state, county and municipal sources by OSEDA. Primary funding for the project is provided by Annie E. Casey and the Children’s Trust Fund.
Kids Count Executive Summary
Missouri Profile
Composite Ranks
Understanding the Data (including Minority Profile)
2013 Databook with County Profiles
2013 Databook without County Profiles
April is Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month both nationally and here in Missouri. This year’s theme focuses on, “Making Meaningful Connections.” Many communities around the state are gearing up for events and activities scheduled throughout the month to emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and neglect and keeping children safe. Go Blue Day for Missouri’s kids is scheduled for Friday, April 11. We hope you will join thousands of Missourians on that day in wearing blue to promote the safety and well being of Missouri’s kids and the importance of child abuse prevention. To learn how to support meaningful and measurable change in children’s well-being, and engage families and communities in the prevention of child maltreatment, you can:
- Visit the National Child Abuse Prevention Month website to find useful resources.
- Download the 2014 Prevention Resource Guide: Making Meaningful Connections and learn how to strengthen families using the protective factors.
- Access dozens of tip sheets—in English and Spanish—that can be distributed to parents and caregivers. There are two new tip sheets this year titled “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” and “Making Healthy Connections With Your Family.”
- Bookmark three activity calendars—one each for prevention programs, parents, and community partners—and discover ways to integrate activities related to the protective factors into Child Abuse Prevention Month activities.
- View the prevention video gallery, which features videos from national child abuse prevention partners. Share these videos via email and social media to raise awareness among your networks.
- Download and post Child Abuse Prevention Month widgets to your website to help promote the initiative.
- Spread the word with the online media toolkit, which provides traditional and new media strategies to help your organization or community partnerships raise awareness about events, reach potential supporters, and build relationships.
- Participate in Go Blue Day, Friday, April 11 by wearing something blue (the official color of prevention) to support Missouri’s kids.
- Attend the 5th annual Pinwheels for Prevention Community Pinwheel Garden at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 12pm hosted by Missouri KidsFirst.
- Attend or volunteer for child abuse prevention month events in your community. Check here on CTF’s community events calendar for an event near you.
- Follow Missouri CTF on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with April’s prevention activities and news.
- Order CTF’s parent education and prevention materials including our new Strengthening Families Protective Factors Poster to use in April and throughout the year.
Mentoring Young Parents
The Young Parent Program, through the New Madrid County Family Resource Center, is a mentoring program that helps young women and their partners during pregnancy and early parenting. The Young Parent Program works to help parents develop skills and independence through support, counseling and friendship. The program focuses on continuing education, finding and maintaining employment, information on living a healthy lifestyle and practicing positive parenting skills. We spoke to Tonya Vannasdall, Director, about the program’s beginnings, the strides made and where she hopes it will go from here.
AUDIO: Vannasdall talks about the program start with the help of the Children’s Trust Fund.
AUDIO: Vannasdall says the program is meant to not only educate but provide an outlet for quality time.
AUDIO: Vannasdall chats about the long-term goals of the Young Parent Program.
AUDIO: Many of those who have been previous participants in the Young Parents program return later on to share their experiences with other parents in the program.
30 Years, A Look Back with Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D.
Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D. is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, and a licensed Psychologist working with the Division of Endocrinology at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. She earned a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from St. Louis University. As a practitioner, Dr. Bobrow has held numerous local, state and national leadership positions in the area of prevention as well as therapeutic intervention. She previously served on the CTF Board from 2000 until 2008 serving as Board Chair from 2005-07 and was appointed by Governor Nixon in 2013 to serve another term. She is also a former Chair of the Task Force On Children’s Justice, and past President of Prevent Child Abuse Missouri. We spoke with her about the contributions CTF has made over the years.
AUDIO: Dr. Bobrow talks about the experience that led to her involvement with CTF
AUDIO: Working with the Specialty License Plate program
AUDIO: Addressing Shaken Baby and Safe Sleep campaigns
AUDIO: How the board evaluates programs for impact and success
AUDIO: Dr. Bobrow reflects on her time with the board
AUDIO: Dr. Bobrow shares her thoughts on CTF’s work and advancements.
CTF Discretionary Funds Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) will be accepting grant applications for its annual discretionary funding program for state Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015) on or after April 1, 2014. Discretionary funding or ‘mini grants’ are designed to be responsive to low-cost prevention projects or needs identified by individual communities, organizations or agencies. A maximum of $5,000 per grant award may be requested per application. Grants are for one year and are not renewable and must be specifically aimed at primary and secondary prevention of child abuse/neglect, and projects that strengthen and support families. For additional information, questions or technical assistance please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner.
The FY 2015 Discretionary Grant Application may be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
Discretionary Funds Application FY2015 (Word)
Discretionary Funds Application FY2015 (PDF)
CTF Annual Report Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2013 is now available and highlights CTF’s prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns from July 2012 through June 2013.
During that time, CTF distributed over $3.2 million in prevention funding to support 116 community-based programs providing home visitation, safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nursery, mentoring, parent education, sexual abuse prevention, family support, public awareness & other prevention initiatives. Since its 1983 inception, CTF has distributed over $48 million in prevention funds from donations & dedicated fees.
CTF continued its public education campaigns including Strengthening Families with the development of a related rack card; Never Shake A Baby addressing abusive head trauma; Not Even For A Minute (NEFAM) reminding caregivers about the dangers of leaving children in and around vehicles; Safe to Sleep by updating materials; Words Help addressing the prevention of child emotional abuse & neglect; & Parent with Patience promoting positive parenting.
Read all about it and thank you for your continued support!
30 Years, A Look Back with W. Dudley McCarter
W. Dudley McCarter is an attorney with Behr, McCarter & Potter Law Office in St. Louis. McCarter was appointed to CTF’s Board from 1996 through 2003 and served as Board Chair from 2001-2003. We caught up with him to talk about his time with the Children’s Trust Fund, which included CTF’s first Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention video and the beginning of the Specialty License Plate campaign.
AUDIO: McCarter talks about a broader awareness of abuse and neglect
Check Off Child Abuse with a Single Mark
There are many ways Missourians help children each and every day. One quick and easy way is to make a charitable donation on your Missouri tax form to the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF). It’s been proven that a child’s experiences have a direct link to their health and well-being in adulthood. Investing in children early in their life is key to helping them have a successful future. Your gift through Missouri’s Tax Check-off Program makes a BIG difference in the life of a child at risk for abuse and neglect.
Since 1983, CTF has invested millions in best practice child abuse prevention programs in communities around the state. Parent education, family support, home visitation, mentoring, safe sleep practices, sexual abuse prevention, fatherhood and grandparent support, strengthening families and many other effective prevention services are possible because Missourians like you make a gift on their Missouri tax return.
Just look for the child’s handprints on your Missouri State Income Tax Return and designate any amount over $2 to CTF by making your mark to contribute. Your donation may also be deducted on next year’s federal tax return, and with a $25 or more donation, you are eligible to purchase a CTF specialty license plate for your vehicle…the ones with the green handprints.
Whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of tax professionals, please consider donating a portion of your refund to CTF. The Missouri Department of Revenue will send your donation directly to CTF where it will be used to support Strong Families, Safe Kids. Thank you! Together we can check-off child abuse in Missouri.
Child Maltreatment 2012
The Administration for Children and Families recently released its latest annual report on child abuse and neglect. Child Maltreatment 2012 is the 23rd edition of the report which includes national and state level findings about investigations and assessments, perpetrators of maltreatment, and prevention and post investigation services. For the sixth consecutive year data shows a steady decline in the number of children who suffered from all forms of maltreatment.
■ Specifically, from 2008 to 2012, overall rates of victimization declined by 3.3 percent, from 9.5 to 9.2 per 1,000 children in the population. This results in an estimated 30,000 fewer victims in 2012 (686,000) compared with 2008 (716,000).
■ Since 2008, overall rates of children who received a Child Protective Services (CPS) response increased by 4.7 percent, from 40.8 to 42.7 per 1,000 children in the population. This results in an estimated 107,000 additional children who received a CPS response in 2012 (3,184,000) compared to 2008 (3,077,000).
■ Nationally, four-fifths (78.3%) of victims were neglected, 18.3 percent were physically abused, 9.3 percent were sexually abused and 8.5 percent were psychologically maltreated.
■ For 2012, a nationally estimated 1,640 children died of abuse and neglect at a rate of 2.20 children per 100,000 children in the national population.
Read or download the full report.
CFRP Annual Report – Preventing Child Deaths in Missouri
The Missouri Child Fatality Review Program’s (CFRP) 2012 Annual Report – Preventing Child Deaths in Missouri is now available. The report provides a statistical breakdown of child injuries and deaths both accidental and non-accidental by county and statewide. It also contains helpful recommendations for keeping children safe and reducing the chances for injuries and/or fatalities from occurring. Issued by the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT), Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), the report provides information about Missouri’s Child Fatality Review Program and reflects the work of many dedicated professionals throughout the state who strive to improve and protect the lives of Missouri’s youngest citizens. Since the Program’s implementation 20 years ago, the annual total of overall child deaths has been reduced.
Current and previous reports can be accessed here.
CBCAP Grant Funds Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is pleased to announce the availability of Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant funds for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015). Approximately $200,000 is available to fund two new CBCAP programs. CBCAP funding is a federal initiative that originates from the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. CTF is the designated state lead agency to disburse CBCAP funding.
The CBCAP project in Missouri is designed to help communities develop a model integrated system for delivering health, family support, and social services to children and families in order to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and ultimately reduce the risks of child abuse and neglect. Through incorporating a lead agency concept, each CBCAP site works to develop a more efficient and coordinated way of working with families to reduce duplication of existing services and maximize the resources of public and private providers. Providers working together in a cohesive network, identifying family strengths, parent involvement and leadership, and incorporating the Strengthening Families Protective Factors are all major elements in this model. Community collaborations and partnerships are strongly encouraged to apply. As part of the funding requirements, each site must participate in a rigorous strategic planning and evaluation process.
According to CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber, the Missouri CBCAP model offers community partnerships and provider networks an excellent opportunity to work together to provide coordinated services and support to children and families while building community capacity to more efficiently and effectively work with children and families in the future. “This model has proven successful with previous community recipients, and we are very excited to work with new communities to replicate it.”
An informational meeting regarding the grant application will be held Tuesday, February 11, 10a-1p in the Truman Building, Room 500, 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
The deadline for submitting a CBCAP application is Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 5:00 p.m. For more information please contact Laura Malzner, CTF Program Coordinator, at (573) 751-5147 or e-mail at laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
FY 2015 CBCAP Application For Funding (Word)
FY 2015 CBCAP Application For Funding (PDF)
FY2015 CBCAP Powerpoint Presentation 2/11/2014
Providing Parent Care along with Child Care
A few years ago, staff with the Jefferson City Daycare Center noticed that some of the children’s parents were struggling with having a life outside of providing for their families. They had very little peer contact and didn’t have the resources available to participate in activities outside of home and work.
To address the issue, Jefferson City Daycare implemented their Parent Education Program, with funding from the United Way and then the Children’s Trust Fund. It’s based upon the Strengthening Families approach to protective factors. The program provides opportunities for parents to take part in educational presentations including subjects like nutrition, infant/child CPR, dental health, budgeting, positive discipline, single parent concerns, and ideas and activities for playing with children. The center welcomes a wide variety of speakers. Donna Scheidt, Jefferson City Daycare Center Director, says the program has grown beyond education and is helping parents make much needed connections and friendships.
AUDIO: Scheidt talks about how the parent classes help provide support for everyday parenting
AUDIO: Scheidt talks about the power of word-of-mouth in building resources
AUDIO: Scheidt shares an example of the positive impact the program can have for parents
30 Years, A Look Back with Patty Wolfe Hasselbring
Patty Wolfe Hasselbring served as CTF’s 2nd Director, from 1987 to 1994. During her time, she implemented a program called Front Porches in 1994, a demonstration project focusing on family support. We spoke to Hasselbring about her accomplishments as Director and the accomplishments of CTF over the past three decades.
Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2013
#GivingTuesday™ is a movement to create a national day of giving added to the calendar on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is the second annual event. #GivingTuesday is a special call to action and creates a national day of giving around the annual shopping and spending season to inspire giving every day. CTF has become a #GivingTuesday partner to encourage families and individuals to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause. The following is a list of ways that CTF is promoting #GivingTuesday and encouraging you to do what you can to help us prevent child abuse and neglect across Missouri.
- Does your employer offer matching gift donations? Consider making a #GivingTuesday donation today.
- Donate to CTF in a number of ways. Learn more.
- Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for updates on #GivingTuesday.
- Be a social media ambassador yourself for #GivingTuesday. Share the message on your social media accounts.
Supporting Healthy Babies
The Columbia-Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has been providing home visitation services for several decades. An expansion on that practice is the Healthy Babies program, through which social service staff conduct home visits at least once per month providing support services and educational materials using the Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum. As part of the support, parents are provided with health and safety items such as car seats, cribs, clothing, diapers, WIC, food stamps, Medicaid and breastfeeding support, as well as encouragement in building healthy relationships. CTF provides grant funding for a portion of the Healthy Babies program. We spoke with Steve Hollis, Human Services Manager, about Healthy Babies and its effectiveness.
Hollis says recent research supports the idea that the first years of life are extremely important and should get a lot of focus. The Healthy Babies program is a great fit for investing in early childhood development.
AUDIO: Steve Hollis discusses Healthy Babies’ investment in the stages of early life.
For many of the families involved, they may not realize their own needs before becoming a part of Healthy Babies. But once they begin receiving visits they gain so much that they don’t want it to stop.
AUDIO: Steve Hollis explains the success of Healthy Babies, and why the program works.
CTF funding has given the Columbia-Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services an opportunity to expand the Healthy Babies program, something Hollis says came at the perfect time.
AUDIO: Steve Hollis explains how CTF’s grant supports Healthy Babies.
AUDIO: Steve Hollis discusses the importance of Healthy Babies’ partnership with CTF.
Staves Receives CTF Chair Award
CTF Chair Award recipient Regina Staves, Ph.D. (C), pictured with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber (L) and CTF Outgoing Chair Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., (R)
Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board member, Regina ‘Gina’ Staves, Ph.D., Kansas City, is the 2013 recipient of the CTF Chair Award in recognition of her outstanding service on the Board and in the field of prevention. The award was presented by outgoing Chair Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., at the CTF Board of Directors meeting October 17 in Jefferson City.
“Gina fully embodies all of the characteristics that this award stands for – dedication, commitment and service,” said Vansaghi. “She is a consistent positive voice and supportive advocate for Missouri’s children, as well as for those who work on behalf of Missouri’s kids. She continues to be a personal source of inspiration, encouragement and motivation to CTF staff, Board members and other child advocates,” Vansaghi continued.
Staves was originally appointed to the Board by Governor Bob Holden in 2004 and was later reappointed by Governor Jay Nixon. She is currently Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Avila University. She was previously in private practice specializing in attachment, stress, psychological trauma, abuse, neglect and childhood behavioral problems. Staves served as the CTF Chair from 2007-2009, and has worked over the last 9 years on various CTF projects including assisting with the development of public education materials, sharing her expertise, and being a trainer/presenter. She also worked with the National Alliance of Children’s Trust & Prevention Funds on their publication – Preventing Child Neglect & Promoting Child Well Being.
“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Staves for her ongoing support, commitment and leadership with moving CTF forward and for sharing our vision of Strong Families, Safe Kids,” said CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber.
The CTF Chair Award was established in 2002 by the late Richard “Dick” Dunn, former CTF Chair, as a way for the chair to recognize a person or organization exhibiting outstanding service, advocacy and volunteer work on behalf of CTF.
Board Members Elected to New Leadership Roles
Newly elected Chair Charmaine Smith (C) with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber (L) & outgoing Chair Tom Vansaghi (R).
During the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Annual Fall Board meeting held October 16 and 17, 2013 in Jefferson City, the Board elected Charmaine Smith, St. Louis, as the new Board Chair, and Kathleen Boyle Dalen, Ph.D., Kansas City, as the new Chair-elect. Smith replaces outgoing Board Chair Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., Kansas City, who has served in that role the past two years. Smith, who has been a member of the Board since 2005, will serve a two-year term as chair until October 2015. She is the founder and executive director of Discovering Options, a St. Louis-based charitable organization that provides children with comprehensive support and enriching after-school programming. Smith was appointed to the Board by Governor Nixon in 2010.
Dalen, a psychologist, was appointed to the CTF Board in 2009. She is currently vice president of the Partnership for Regional Educational Preparation (PREP-KC) where she works closely with the leadership of Kansas City’s urban school districts and post secondary institutions to support the implementation of research-based strategies to increase college and career readiness for urban students. Dalen will serve as chair-elect during the same time period ending 2015.
Encouraging Families with Incredible Years
Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) prevention partner Great Circle began implementing Adair County’s Incredible Years (IY) program in 2012, however the program itself was developed more than 30 years ago in Seattle. It has since been recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and Promising Practices Network. Incredible Years works with families that include children, ages 3-12, who exhibit conduct problems or who have been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, which make them at higher risk for abuse. The 
program uses a series of video courses to educate parents and caregivers about positive strategies, techniques and resources they can use to enhance and strengthen their parenting skills. Participants meet in a group setting in an effort to build a network of support for each family. Topics include nonviolent discipline approaches and positive parent-teacher-child relationships. Great Circle offers IY three times per year. We spoke with Lynn Van Dolah, Program Coordinator for Incredible Years about the program. She credits CTF funding for bringing the program to Adair County.
With the success of the program Van Dolah says a goal is to expand IY to reach more people:
AUDIO: Van Dolah talks about expanding IY
Van Dolah shared two testimonials from individuals who had participated in the Incredible Years program.
AUDIO: Van Dolah shares testimonials
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to call for more information, 660-216-7332:
AUDIO: Getting involved with program
Capable Kids Provides Opportunities for Families with Special Needs
CTF Prevention grantee, The Community Partnership, Rolla, provides assistance to families within a five county area, Crawford, Dent, Maries, Phelps, and Pulaski. One of the programs that the organization has implemented is the Capable Kids and Families (CKF) Program after it became obvious that there was a need across the region by families who were caring for children with developmental disabilities or delays. Amy Beechner-McCarthy, Community Partnership Executive Director and Jean Darnell, Capable Kids and Families Program Director were the thought leaders behind the program. It supports the families by providing home visitation, networking opportunities and assistance with developmentally appropriate therapy equipment. Among the project’s goals is decreasing family isolation and increasing positive family interactions to help reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Educational opportunities focus on issues that are often triggers for abusive behavior. Opportunities are provided for positive parent/child interaction and occur in conjunction with the development and periodic review of a goals-oriented family strengths plan by each participant family.
Grant funding from Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) helps provide equipment for families that would not otherwise have access to it, for financial or other reasons.
AUDIO: Jean Darnell talks about the contributions made possible by CTF funding
AUDIO: Amy Beechner-McCarthy shares an example of a family helped by the program
Darnell recalls how a Capable Kids’ sitting device helped a four-year-old boy sit up for the very first time.
AUDIO: The difference that a piece of equipment can make
Building A Brighter Future
Building A Brighter Future is this year’s theme of the MO State Employees Charitable Campaign (MSECC). The annual event provides state employees with an opportunity to contribute to charitable organizations from across the state. Thanks to our many donors, the Children’s Trust Fund has been building a brighter future for Missouri’s kids and families since 1983.
CTF is one of hundreds of non-profit organizations and charities in which state employees can choose to designate a portion of their income. This campaign is critical to CTF’s prevention efforts since the organization receives no general revenue funds. Contributions assist CTF with providing grants to community organizations in every region of Missouri so that communities can prevent child abuse/neglect and create awareness to the importance of strong families and keeping children safe.
For those state employees who would like to consider a gift to CTF through this year’s charitable campaign, CTF is listed under statewide organizations #8012.
For more information including a new video highlighting the 2013 campaign, go to MSECC.
Never Leave Children Unattended in or Around a Vehicle
Some dangers are less obvious than others. Each year across the country tragic accidents occur because children are left unattended in or around vehicles. In addition to temperatures that can skyrocket inside a vehicle within minutes leaving children susceptible to heat stroke, there are other dangers. They include backovers, frontovers, power window accidents, trunk entrapment, vehicles set into motion, car jacking and abduction. It’s important for parents and caregivers to remember that most of these things can happen within seconds.
According to Kids and Cars more than two dozen children have died this year from heat related or other accidents involving vehicles. They’re promoting a campaign from ACF, Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids USA, called Look Before You Lock, which distributes safety cards to new parents and others reminding them to take steps to avoid forgetting a child in a vehicle.
The following video was produced by Safe Kids:
CTF initiated its Not Even for a Minute campaign in 2001 as a way to educate caregivers about the dangers of leaving a child unattended in or around vehicles. The campaign has since been shared with and adopted in other states. CTF offers several public education materials from the campaign. They are available at no cost in hard copy and download (pdf) and include a poster and rack card complete with helpful tips and reminders. The NEFAM Campaign also includes television and radio public service announcements:
AUDIO: Not Even for A Minute Radio Campaign
Kids and Cars also urges parents to BESAFE by following these tips:
Back seat – Put something in the back seat so you have to open the door when leaving the vehicle.
Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.
Stuffed animal – Move it from the car seat to the front seat as a reminder.
Ask your child-care provider to call within 10 min if your child hasn’t arrived on time.
Focus on driving – Avoid cell phone calls and texting while driving.
Every time you park your vehicle open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind.
CTF Board Awards Prevention Grants
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors recently awarded nearly $3 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2014 to support over 90 community-based organizations throughout Missouri for the prevention of child abuse and neglect and to strengthen families. The funds will be used to support evidence-based and promising programs including home visitation, safe crib, parent education, crisis nursery, fatherhood support, sexual abuse prevention, community collaboration and training. Additionally, CTF promotes public education campaigns such as Strengthening Families, Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention, safe sleep environments, child safety in or around vehicles, emotional abuse and neglect prevention, positive parenting, realistic expectations of children and stress reduction.
Among the prevention grantees are 36 community-based organizations that market the CTF ‘prevent child abuse’ license plate. These grantees specifically promote the license plate to increase prevention awareness and raise funds that are returned directly back into the community to provide programs that help children and families. Over $128,000 was distributed specifically through the license plate program in Fiscal Year 2013.
“Investing early and often in children and families is paramount to healthier outcomes both now and in the generations to come,” said CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber. “Prevention is a key component for good health, mental health, educational and economic prosperity that ultimately affects everyone.”
CTF receives funding from dedicated fees on marriage licenses and vital records, voluntary contributions designated on Missouri State Income Tax Return, sales of the specialty CTF license plate, general donations, interest income from the Fund, and a Federal grant. Grants are awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional four years based on the performance outcome of the program and the availability of CTF funds. During the last three years, the grantee is required to fund an increasing proportion of the program’s cost.
Established by the Missouri General Assembly in 1983, CTF is Missouri’s non-profit foundation for child abuse and neglect prevention. In its 30-year history, CTF has awarded over $51 million dollars of non-general revenue funding to support community-based prevention programs throughout Missouri.
Fatherhood 3.6.5 Supports Dads All Year
The Pregnancy Care Center in Springfield works to provide health, wellness, and relationship education to young people facing unplanned pregnancy. Along with the center’s efforts to meet the needs of expectant and new mothers, workers also strive to assist fathers in developing the skills they need for positive parenting. In that vein the Pregnancy Care Center developed the Fatherhood 3.6.5 program, which provides a variety of classes expectant fathers can enroll in to gain the knowledge they need to be prepared for parenthood. We spoke with Cindi Boston, CEO, Pregnancy Care Center, about the program and how it works to build overall healthier family relationships.
AUDIO: Cindi Boston talks about some of the classes offered.
The program utilizes a peer-to-peer method to reach expectant fathers through non-threatening conversations by a male mentor. Boston says sometimes the men are surprised by the amount of information that is available to them.
AUDIO: Making a peer connection
The Children’s Trust Fund provided funding that helped initiate the Fatherhood 3.6.5 program. Boston says the funding is vital to success.
AUDIO: The impact of grant funding
The program recently received requests to provide onsite support at an area hospital and college.
Podcast – Investing in Infrastructure to Care for Kids, Reverend Starsky Wilson
The Deaconess Foundation is a faith-based organization devoted to advancing a culture of health and hope for children in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Reverend Starsky Wilson serves as the organization’s President and CEO. Mary Furness, Learfield Communications, spoke with Rev. Wilson during CTF’s Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Conference. He says the goal is to invest in programs that serve kids with the biggest need.
Podcast – Dr. Robert Block, M.D., on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) demonstrated an association between the number of adversities experienced in childhood and adult health, mental health and overall well being. Newer science, evolving rapidly, has moved the field from association to actual causation. Dr. Robert Block, M.D., Immediate Past President, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), discusses scientific and other revelations that have come from the ACE Study and what’s ahead in the area of child maltreatment and prevention. The interview was conducted April 2, 2013 in conjunction with his opening presentation at the Children’s Trust Fund Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Conference “The New River Story – Spirit, Science, Action” held in Jefferson City (MO).
Dr. Block works to educate and spread awareness about academic research related to violence and abuse. He is an Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Immediate Past Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine in Tulsa.
View Dr. Block’s PowerPoint from Opening Plenary – April 2, 2013
St. Louis PD Supports Child Abuse Prevention
Several members of the Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis City collected donations during the month of April to help prevent child abuse & neglect. Over $500 was presented to Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board members Charmaine Smith and Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D. during a presentation on April 26 at Police Headquarters. The money will be used by CTF for child abuse prevention grants benefiting St. Louis City. Pictured from L to R is Detective Deidra Henderson, Detective Richard Noble, Lt. Col. Alfred Adkins, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Sgt. James Przada, Detective Tonya Tanksley (center), Capt. Michael Sack, Charmaine Smith, Detective Dana Pickett, Detective Marilyn Johnson.
Becker Receives 2013 Richard Easter Award
(L to R) Mary Ann Becker, Wayne Becker, Dent Co. Sheriff Rick Stallings
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) presented the 2013 Richard P. Easter Award to Special Investigator Wayne H. Becker of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at a ceremony in Salem on April 26. The award was presented for his exemplary efforts in protecting children in Missouri.
Special Investigator Becker has been with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for nearly nine years. He was previously awarded the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant, which assists state and local law enforcement agencies and individuals with specialized training and equipment to develop an effective response to cyber enticement, child pornography cases and other crimes against children. Becker is responsible for the south central region of Missouri consisting of Dent, Phelps, Pulaski, Texas, Shannon, Reynolds, Iron, Washington and Crawford counties.
The CTF Board of Directors established this award in honor of the late Richard P. Easter, former Director of the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT), who is remembered for his commitment and leadership in promoting statewide prevention efforts to better protect Missouri’s children. Since 2000, CTF has presented the award each year to a distinguished law enforcement officer in Missouri for exemplary contributions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber, CTF Public Affair’s Coordinator Paula Cunningham, and STAT Investigations Manager Emerson ‘Skip’ McGuire presented the award to Becker before his family, fellow officers, peers and colleagues during the surprise appreciation ceremony.
Podcast – Spirit, Science, Action with Dr. Jeff Linkenbach
Mary Furness, Learfield Communications, recently spoke with Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, Ed.D., at the Children’s Trust Fund Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Conference – “The New River Story” in Jefferson City. Dr. Linkenbach, Research Scientist and Director of the Center for Health & Safety Culture at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, has developed the Science of the Positive framework which emphasizes three domains of Spirit, Science and Action with preventing child maltreatment and incorporating the positive community norms (PCN) approach. Dr. Linkenbach serves as an active member of the CDC’s K2A (Knowledge To Action) Think Tank on child maltreatment prevention.
Learn more at Most of Us.Org and Montana Institute
CTF Conference Presentations
The Children’s Trust Fund would like to express our gratitude to all who participated in the 2013 Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Conference, The New River Story – Spirit, Science, Action in Jefferson City, making it our best conference yet. There were many wonderful and informative presentations from speakers on a wide range of prevention topics. We’ve made some of the PowerPoint presentations available here.
Opening Plenary ppt, Robert Block, M.D. – 4-2-2013
Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life In Your Work ppt, Martha Reeder, D.A., 4-2-2013
School-Based Prevention Education ppt, Ellen Teller, 4-2-2013
Impact of Trauma on Brain Development ppt, Patsy Carter, Ph.D. 4-3-2013
Integral Family Support ppt, Gary Johnson, M.Ed. 4-3-2013
Co-Occurrence of Domestic Violence & Child Abuse ppt, Jeanne Oberdan, 4-3-2013
Positive Parenting Skills For Fathers ppt, Halbert Sullivan, Destini Goodwin, 4-3-2013
Strengthening Couple Relationships ppt, David Schramm, Ph.D. 4-3-2013
Reactive Attachment Disorder ppt, Patsy Carter, Ph.D., 4-4-2013