News
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
Championing Success: Business Organizations for Early Childhood Investments
Ready Nation is an organization that works to enhance the message of business leaders that are in support of early childhood policies and programs that strengthen our economy and workforce. The organization partnered with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives to conduct a study on how business is interacting with and promoting early childhood education programs. What it found was that in almost every state, influential businesses have been voicing their support for lawmakers to enact legislation that supports early childhood policy or program initiatives.
Here’s a sample of what the study discovered:
- In all but one state, at least one local or statewide business organization took public action in the past five years to support investments in early childhood.
- A sizable majority of state chambers and business roundtables, along with nearly half of large city chambers, reported taking some form of action.
- Business organizations championed early childhood investments in a variety of ways: making it part of their policy agenda, drafting media pieces, giving legislative testimony, and supporting specific early childhood programs.
- While early education and pre-kindergarten were the most commonly supported early childhood topics, business organizations are also supporting a broader agenda, including home visiting, health and child care.
- Most business organizations surveyed framed their early childhood work as support for education, but a large number used the frame of economic or workforce development.
2012 Kids Count in Missouri Data Book
The Partnership For Children (PFC), Kansas City, recently released the KIDS COUNT in Missouri 2012 Data Book documenting the status of children in all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. The annual publication is a collaborative project of the PFC through a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) -University of Missouri, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), and many other public and private organizations from across the state. The book was released by PFC and OSEDA April 2 at a press conference in conjunction with the CTF Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention in Jefferson City.
The resource provides information on measures of child well-being covering areas such as health, education, financial security, juvenile justice and child protection. 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.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Governor Jay Nixon recently declared April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Missouri. Over twenty individuals joined the Governor in his Capitol office for the March 6 ceremony including individuals from the Missouri House and Senate, division directors, child advocates, board members, and service providers. 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. View 2013 proclamation.
| Pictured L to R (front row) – Emily van Schenkhof, Missouri KidsFirst Rep. Jill Schupp, District 82, Creve Coeur, CTF Board Bob Harris, M.D., Columbia, CTF Board Governor Jay Nixon Candice Shively, DSS Children’s Division Vivian Murphy, Jefferson City Mary Chant, MO Coalition of Children’s Agencies |
(second row) – Carolyn Swanigan, Office of Child Advocate Shannon Stokes, One Hope United Kirk Schreiber, CTF Emily Smith, DMH Maureen Hill, DSS-STAT Mary List, DHHS Patsy Carter, Ph.D., DMH Debby Howland, KC Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition |
(back row) – Paula Cunningham, CTF Elise Herwig, Washington University Carmen Schulze, Great Circle Senator John Lamping, Dist. 24, St. Louis, CTF Board Rep. Bill Lant, Dist. 159, Joplin, CTF Board Emerson ‘Skip’ McGuire, DSS-STAT Rodney Jones, DSS-STAT Connie Berhorst, DPS Erin Brower, Partnership for Children |
Building & Integrating the Strengthening Families Framework
Child Care Aware® of Missouri has been instrumental in working to help communities and organizations implement the Strengthening Families™ Framework (SFF), an effort whole-heartedly supported by the Children’s Trust Fund. With the help of Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant funding, Child Care Aware® of Missouri has been able to support three related SFF projects, all connected to the Protective Factors and reaching families before they become at risk for child abuse and neglect. Research shows that when families possess one or more of the five protective factors, their likelihood of abusing or neglecting their children diminishes. The five Protective Factors are:
- Parental Resilience;
- Social Connections;
- Concrete Support in Times of Need;
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development; and
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children.
The first project included in this effort was the Small Steps, Big Footprints Mailing, which included several specific, easy-to-implement strategies from the Strengthening Families™ Initiative Self-Assessment for each Protective Factor. This information was sent to child care programs across Missouri to provide a quick reference list of ideas on how to reinforce each Protective Factor when working with families. We spoke with Beth Ann Lang, Chief of Quality Improvement & T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI Scholarship, with Child Care Aware® of Missouri. She told us why utilizing the Strengthening Families™ Framework is so important.
AUDIO: Beth Ann Lang on the benefits of the Strengthening Families Framework
The second project was the creation of a college curriculum based on the Strengthening Families™ Framework called Teaching Students to Empower Families. The curriculum was successfully piloted by over 60% of all Missouri-based, community colleges with early childhood degree programs. Now available to all two-year community colleges, it is expected to be expanded to four-year colleges and other community based programs. The project created a curriculum based on short, specific lessons followed by activities and extended service learning opportunities. Lang says a major focus of the project was making it useful for students and user friendly for instructors.
AUDIO: Beth Ann Lang on the curriculum
The third element was the delivery of the Zero to Three® Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect (PCAN) Training Curriuculum followed by on-site Technical Assistance. The curriculum includes SFFProtective Factors and addresses ways that child care providers can support the families whose children attend their program/center. Through the CTF/Child Care Aware® of Missouri partnership, Child Care Aware® of Missouri delivered 48 3-hour sessions of the PCAN training followed by 296 hours of one-on-one site visits to assist 107 child care staff in directly applying what they learned.
Contained within all of these projects is the mission to enhance a child care provider’s resources by helping them understand what they’re doing well and how they can better support the children in their lives.
AUDIO: Beth Ann Lang on building on the positive
In addition to building projects that support the SFF, Lang says it’s important to have the support of organizations that are willing to promote the information that comes from the Framework. Without such support a wonderful tool is in danger of being neglected itself.
AUDIO: Beth Ann Lang on the role CTF plays
NOTE: The Protective Factors now include a sixth factor, Nurturing & Attachment, which is utilized in some applications of the framework.
2013 Community Resource Guide Available
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Child Welfare Information Gateway in conjunction with the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) is offering free copies of their 2013 Resource Guide Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action. The resource guide is developed for service providers and others who work to promote healthy families and prevent child abuse and neglect. The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) as the state CBCAP lead agency provides copies to each of their community prevention grant partners. Participants at the 2013 CTF Prevention Conference on Child Abuse/Neglect also received a copy.
The booklet includes valuable information about the six protective factors that help reduce the risk of child maltreatment, strategies for engaging communities to support families, information about child abuse – risk factors, why it occurs, identifying and reporting maltreatment and supporting parents and children with a history of trauma. Tip sheets for parents and caregivers are included in English and Spanish as well as a calendar of suggested activities to assist communities with child abuse prevention month planning. The protective factors help lay the foundation for prevention by helping parents build resiliency and social connections, providing concrete support and resources, and providing parents with knowledge of parenting including the importance of nurturing, attachment and appropriate developmental ages and stages.
Organizations, volunteers, and child advocates are encouraged to use this resource guide in their community throughout the year to promote healthy families and educate others about the cost-saving benefits and positive economic impact of prevention.
Take Action Against Child Abuse
Spreading awareness about the importance of child abuse & neglect prevention & keeping children safe is a key part of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month. Debby Howland, Coordinator for the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition, recently spoke with radio host Tom Bamford during KCMO TalkRadio 710 & 103.7 FM’s Caring for Kansas City public affairs radio show. They talked about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect cases in the media, how to take action if abuse is suspected & the most recent Kids Count data affecting Jackson County. For more information go to PreventChildAbuseKC.Org.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Missouri
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Friday, April 19 is Go Blue Day for Missouri’s kids. On that day, thousands of Missourians will wear blue, the official color of prevention, to show their support for children. Many other community events and activities are scheduled throughout the month to emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and neglect and keeping children safe.
As part of planned events recognizing children around the state, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) will be hosting over 265 child advocates, prevention partners, and many other stakeholders for its biennial state conference on child abuse & neglect prevention – The New River Story, April 2-4, 2013 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. The St. Louis Family & Community Partnership is hosting its annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Rally on Friday, April 19 in St. Louis at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park. Missouri KidsFirst is hosting its 4th annual Pinwheels For Prevention Awareness Garden & Rally for Kids on Wednesday, April 17 at 12 noon on the south lawn of the Missouri Capitol. Over 1,000 pinwheels will be displayed and the Missouri Prevention Partners Coalition will be recognizing 28 communities who have shown leadership in child abuse prevention awareness. Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, A Great Circle Agency, is sponsoring the Be A Lifesaver – Prevent Child Abuse Campaign throughout the month of April in Springfield to bring awareness to child abuse and neglect in southwest Missouri. Wear Blue Day in Kansas City is also being observed on Friday, April 19 with the event sponsored by the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition. These are just a few of many other community events and activities scheduled around the state to recognize and bring awareness to child abuse and neglect. Click here for a list of scheduled events for April and throughout the year and download or print the Child Abuse Prevention Month flier (pictured).
Learn how to increase awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month and throughout the year through the 2013 Prevention Month web section on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. The website features:
- Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Child Well-Being: Network to Action 2013 Resource Guide
- Tip sheets for parents & caregivers available in English and Spanish
- An activity calendar for April relating to the Six Protective Factors
- An online media toolkit for promoting April and prevention
- Prevention Month widgets to post on your website
According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), child maltreatment in the United States costs an estimated $124 billion in health care expenses, productivity losses, use of the criminal justice system and more. The average lifetime cost for a nonfatal victim of child maltreatment is about $210,000, while the cost for a fatal case of child abuse is nearly $1.3 million.
Awareness about child abuse and neglect strengthens communities and builds support for children and families in the effort to prevent child abuse. Prevention is the insurance policy for good health, mental health, crime reduction, educational and economic prosperity for our next generation. We hope that you will join the Children’s Trust Fund in investing in Missouri’s children by supporting prevention efforts and organizations in your community in April and throughout the year.
Podcast – Office of Child Advocate
In this latest podcast, Kelly Schultz, Director for the Office of Child Advocate (OCA) talks about the role of her office which serves as an independent third party reviewer for the Children’s Division, Department of Social Services. Located within the Office of Administration, OCA offers an independent voice for children to help ensure their safety. For more information, contact the Office of Child Advocate toll free at (866) 457-2302 or oca@oca.mo.gov.
Lynne Cooper: A Champion for Kids
The Children’s Trust Fund is deeply saddened by the passing of long-time CTF Board member and friend Lynne M. Cooper, D.Min. Lynne passed away peacefully at her St. Louis home March 16 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Lynne was a true champion and passionate advocate for Missouri’s children, families and the homeless. She was one of the founders of DOORWAYS, an Interfaith HIV/AIDS homeless ministry, and served as its President and most recently President Emeritus. She dedicated her life to making it a better place for all who were less fortunate. Lynne was appointed to the CTF Board of Directors in 2002 by Governor Holden and reappointed by Governor Nixon in 2009. We are so very grateful to have known Lynne and are thankful for her enthusiasm, encouraging words, contagious smile, sense of humor, and positive outlook on life. She will be truly missed.
Lynne M. Cooper, D.Min., – St. Louis Post Dispatch March 20, 2013
Lynne Cooper Blog
Register Now – The New River Story: Spirit, Science, & Action
With less than one month remaining, we hope that you are making plans to attend the state Child Abuse Neglect Prevention Conference April 2-4, 2013 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, hosted by the Children’s Trust Fund. This year’s theme, The New River Story, will explore how spirit, science, and action all play an equally important role in preventing child maltreatment effectively. We are very excited about being able to offer prominent national and state speakers at a very affordable price. Registration is only $95 for the 3-day event and CEU’s are available! Plenary speakers include:
- Jeff Linkenbach, Ed.D., Montana State University; Montana Institute; & Most of Us.Org
- Robert Sege, M.D., Boston Medical Center
- Dr. Robert W. Block, M.D., Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
- Martha Reeder, National Alliance of Children’s Trust & Prevention Funds
- Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, Deaconess Foundation;
- Kelly Schutz, Missouri Office of Child Advocate
- and motivational speaker John O’Leary from Rising Above!
Workshops include Building Positive Community Norms in Prevention; early brain development and cognitive functioning; Mental Health First Aid; ACEs Study; New Science to Inform & Advance Prevention; Applying Spirit, Science, & Action to Child Maltreatment Prevention; Child Sexual Abuse Prevention; promising approaches for community based prevention; incorporating the Strengthening Families Protective Factors; effective strategic planning using the logic model; positive parenting for fathers; co-occurrence of domestic violence & child abuse; improving child outcomes through strengthening relationships, and much, much more!
Thank you to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Learfield Communications for helping to support this conference through partial sponsorship of our keynote presenters.
For questions pertaining to the conference contact Alicia by e-mail or (573)751-5147. This is an event that only occurs every two years so you won’t want to miss this training and networking opportunity. Thank you and we hope to see you April 2 in Jefferson City!
Help Us Check-off Child Abuse
Here is an easy way to help make a big difference in the lives of kids across Missouri: Please donate to the Children’s Trust Fund through the Tax Check-off Program! Whether you are filing online or by traditional methods, your donation will help kids & families in every region of the state.
Funds received each year through the tax check-off program are used to support home visitation for parents with newborns, programs that support parents who have medically fragile children or children with special needs, crisis nursery services, parent education, grandparent and fatherhood support, safe crib/safe sleep for infants & preventing child sexual abuse. These funds also support CTF’s own public education campaigns: shaken baby/abusive head trauma prevention, parent with patience, emotional abuse prevention and Not Even For A Minute-never leave children unattended in or around vehicles.
“The Tax Check-off program is critical to CTF so that we can continue at least at the current level and hopefully increase prevention programming to our community partners and organizations across the state,” said Kirk Schreiber, CTF executive director. “We are so appreciative of the generosity of our donors who choose to support us financially through this program, and I would like to remind everyone that any donation of $25 or greater to CTF through the tax check-off can be used toward the purchase of a CTF prevent child abuse license plate for your vehicle through the Department of Revenue.”
Just look for the handprints on your Missouri tax form and indicate the amount you would like to give to help us Check-off Child Abuse & build Strong Families, Safe Kids!
Applications Sought for Community Prevention Efforts
The Missouri Prevention Partners Coalition (MPP) is beginning to prepare for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and would like to hear from communities about their successful prevention education, outreach and activities. MPP invites communities to submit a short application sharing efforts taken to prevent child abuse and neglect that should be recognized in your community. A community may be a geographic location, an agency, a coalition of agencies, a faith-based organization or a business.
The deadline for applications is March 1, 2013. Selected applicants will be notified by March 15, 2013. A minimum of ten applicants will be selected and recognized at the Children’s Trust Fund Conference April 2-4, 2013, and at the Missouri KidsFirst Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony April 17, 2013 at the State Capitol.
Interested organizations should submit a completed application by March 1, 2013 to Marissa Gunther, Prevention Coordinator at Missouri KidsFirst, 520 Dix Road, Suite C, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or by email.
The Missouri Prevention Partners is a coalition of public and private statewide agencies that come together to provide leadership to prevent and reduce child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.
Download MPP Community Recognition Application 2013
Missouri Prevention Partners Flier
CTF Welcomes Rep. Bill Lant to Board
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, welcomes Representative Bill Lant, Joplin, to the CTF Board of Directors. Rep. Lant was appointed on February 6, 2013 by Speaker of the House Timothy Jones. First elected to the House in 2010, Lant represents Newton and McDonald Counties (District 159) in southwest Missouri.
Lant is the owner of Lant’s Feed & Farm Supply. He previously worked as a salesman and account executive for ABF Freight Systems and is a former president of the Seneca R-7 School Board. His legislative duties include participating on the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect where he serves as Vice-Chair, the Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing, the Committee on Transportation, and Chair of the Workforce Development and Workplace Safety Committee.
“I feel extremely honored to be chosen by the Speaker to serve on the Trust Fund Board” said Lant.
A graduate of Collinsville High School in Illinois, Jasper County Junior College, and attended Pittsburgh State University, Lant and his wife, Jane, have three children, William, Stephen, and Craig.
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 General Assembly, 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.
CTF Welcomes Dr. Nanci Bobrow
(L to R) Senator Joseph Keaveny, Nanci A. Bobrow, Ph.D., CTF Director Kirk Schreiber
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) welcomes Nanci A. Bobrow, Ph.D., St. Louis, to the Board of Directors. Dr. Bobrow was recently appointed to the Board by Governor Jay Nixon. Her appointment was confirmed by the Senate January 30.
Dr. Bobrow, Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, is 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 serving as Board Chair from 2005-07, is a former Chair of the Task Force On Children’s Justice, and past President of Prevent Child Abuse Missouri. She is also a member of the Child Abuse Neglect Review Board. Dr. Bobrow and her husband, James, reside in St. Louis. They have two children, Adam and Emily, and three grandchildren.
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.
Podcast – Task Force Report on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
In 2011 Senate Bill 54 authorized the establishment of the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children. Over the past year, the Task Force conducted research and gathered and analyzed expert testimony culminating in a report that details twenty-two recommendations in seven core subject areas: community-based child abuse prevention, professional training and technical assistance, multi-disciplinary team excellence, mental health services and treatment, awareness, funding and statutory changes. CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber spoke with Emily van Schenkhof, Deputy Director of Missouri KidsFirst (pictured left) and Marissa Gunther, Prevention Coordinator for Missouri KidsFirst (pictured center) about how the task force was formed, how the report was conducted and what the recommendations mean for the prevention of child sexual abuse.
PODCAST: Child Sexual Abuse Task Force Report
Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children Releases Report (1/3/13)
View Full Report (PDF)
MO Child Fatality Review Report Available
The Missouri Child Fatality Review Program’s (CFRP) 2011 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.
The report indicates that in 2011, 976 child deaths were reported to STAT. Of those, 868 were subject to review by the coroner or medical examiner and county CFRP chairperson. Sixty-five Missouri children were victims of Fatal Child Abuse and Neglect, a decrease from the previous year.
Current and previous reports can be accessed here.
Application Available For Children’s Trust Fund Grants
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has released its grant application packet for the prevention of child abuse/neglect for Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). CTF anticipates approximately $400,000 available for new (first year) projects and $980,000 available for the continuation of prevention projects entering grant years two – five of the CTF funding cycle.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF provides grants to community-based agencies and organizations throughout the state that focus on child abuse and neglect prevention by investing in and supporting children and their families. As part of the proposal, applicants must describe how they will incorporate the protective factors known to prevent or reduce child abuse into their program. The protective factors that strengthen families include nurturing and attachment, parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and children’s social and emotional development.
The National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds has developed and offers a free on-line training program addressing the Protective Factors. The training includes seven modules. A maximum of five bonus points will be awarded to grant applicants who complete the first module – An Introduction to the Protective Factors which takes approximately one hour to complete. Applicants will need to submit a certificate of completion for the introduction module with their application to receive the bonus points. For successful grant applicants, staff supported with CTF funds will be required to complete all seven training modules within the first year of operation.
An informational meeting regarding the application will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 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 Monday, March 11, 2013. Grant award recipients will be announced after June 6, 2013.
FY 2014 CTF General Prevention Grant Application Note: This link is no longer available.
FY 2014 Grant Meeting Powerpoint – 1/18/2013 Note: This link is no longer available.
For further information please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner or by calling the CTF office at (573) 751-5147.
Registration form Available for April’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Conference
Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend the biennial prevention conference April 2-4, 2013, Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. This year’s conference “The New River Story” will help us launch Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. We encourage you to share with others by e-mail, through social media and the web. Registration is now open. Thank you!
Printable 2013 Conference Registration Form or Register Online Now
Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children Releases Final Report
Today, at a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children released its final report, detailing twenty-two recommendations in seven core subject areas: community-based child abuse prevention, professional training and technical assistance, multi-disciplinary team excellence, mental health services and treatment, awareness, funding and statutory changes.
“The report is a blueprint for action,” said Joy Oesterly, Task Force Presiding Officer and Executive Director of Missouri KidsFirst. “Addressing child sexual abuse and meeting our duty to protect children demands the cooperation and action of individuals, organizations, elected officials and the General Assembly.”
The report emphasizes the substantial financial, health and social costs associated with child sexual abuse. National studies suggest twenty-five percent of girls and sixteen percent of boys experience sexual abuse during their childhood years. In order to better address this silent epidemic, the report recommends widespread public education, including the integration of education into existing programs, such as home-visiting services and other child abuse prevention initiatives.
In addition to education, the report highlights the importance of mental health services for children who have been sexually abused, as well as early intervention and treatment. In the report, in order to strengthen protections for children through child sex abuse prosecutions, the Task Force recommends a number of particular changes to Missouri laws and a proposed constitutional amendment. It also strongly encourages the General Assembly and private foundations to consider investing increased funding to prevent and address child sexual abuse in Missouri.
Authorized by Senate Bill 54 (2011), the Task Force consisted of individuals representing several areas of expertise. The Task Force conducted public hearings throughout the state and received testimony from thirty-five experts in the field of child sexual abuse. Drawing on testimony and the expertise of Task Force members, members compiled the recommendations for a report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Education on how to reduce child sexual abuse in Missouri.
The following individuals served as members of the Task Force: Joy Oesterly, Missouri KidsFirst; James Anderst, MD, Children’s Mercy Hospital; Police Chief William Carson, Maryland Heights Police Department; Tec Chapman, Missouri School Boards’ Association; Steve Cramer, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services; Senator Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City; Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield; Representative Marsha Haefner, R-St. Louis; Representative Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis; Jill Meuth, EdD, Rockwood School District; Cheryl Robb-Welch, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Candace Shively, Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division; Christopher Smith, EdD, Springfield School District; Ellen Teller, MEd, The Child Center, Inc.; and Catherine Vannier, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services.
The Task Force was staffed by Missouri KidsFirst and financially supported by the Children’s Trust Fund.
CTF FY2012 Annual Report Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) FY 2012 Annual Report is now available and highlights CTF’s prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns from July 2011 through June 2012. During that time, CTF distributed over $2.8 million in prevention funding to support 117 community-based programs such as home visitation, safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nursery, mentoring, parent education, family support, public eduction and other prevention initiatives. Promoting and embedding the protective factors that, when present, are known to prevent child abuse and strengthen families continued as a priority of CTF and are important components of funded programs.
CTF continued its “Never Shake A Baby”, “Not Even For A Minute (NEFAM)”, “Words Hurt” and “Parent with Patience” public education campaigns, and continued its partnership with the Department of Health & Senior Services to provide safe cribs and safe sleep education to Missouri counties in need of a safe crib program. CTF revised and reissued its Prevent Shaken Baby DVD, adding a unit on Safe Sleep for your Baby. CTF also developed a new flier addressing emotional well-being of children to help prevent emotional abuse. In its 29th year, CTF has distributed over $45 million in prevention funds from donations and dedicated fees since its inception in 1983.
CTF Board Approves Funding
During the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) annual fall Board meeting the CTF Board of Directors approved the release of the Application for Prevention Funds for Fiscal Year 2014. CTF’s General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program Grant Application will be released on Friday, January 11, 2013. An informational meeting regarding the application will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 from 10 am – Noon in Room 850 of the Truman State Office Building, 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City. 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 Application for Funding will be available via the CTF website on January 11. For further information please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF provides grants to community-based organizations throughout the state that focus specifically on child abuse/neglect prevention and the support of children and families.
Harris, McGhee Recognized for Service
(l-r) Kirk Schreiber, CTF Executive Director; Kelly Schultz, Office of the Child Advocate Director; Jerena Harris; Dr. Bob Harris; Tom Vansaghi, CTF Chair; Jeff Harris, Governor’s Office
CTF Board members Robert J. Harris, M.D. of Columbia and Representative Mike McGhee of Odessa were recently selected as the 2012 recipients of the Children’s Trust Fund Chair Award. The awards were presented by CTF Board Chair Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., at the CTF annual Fall Board Meeting in October. Both were selected for their extensive volunteer work in serving children, youth and their families.
Dr. Harris has served on the CTF Board since 2009. A practicing pediatrician since 1964, Harris is a Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Columbia and is on staff at Boone Hospital, Columbia Regional and Children’s Hospital. In addition to all of his private practice responsibilities, he finds time to be active in his home community of Columbia as a Board member for Safe Kids; a Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Board member; a former Board member of the Columbia School Board, including serving a term as President; a former member of the Medical Advisory Board of the state’s Missouri Crippled Children’s Service; and a Board of Directors member of the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Harris has also authored two children’s books.
His commitment and dedication to serving others has continued while on the Children’s Trust Fund Board, where he has directly assisted CTF staff with the development of the 2011 Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)/Safe Sleep for Your Baby DVD and related CTF public education materials. Harris launched what he called his “Maiden Medical Mission” in 2011 by returning to the area where he was born in southeast Missouri and working in partnership with Whole Kids Outreach, a local non-profit, to provide essential health care to at-risk children in rural southeast Missouri. His intervention included visiting the children and their parents in their home. In this area, healthcare is oftentimes 50 or more miles away so, in many instances, home visits provide a first-time opportunity for many of these children to be treated by a pediatrician. Harris resides in Columbia with his wife Jerena (Jerry).
Kirk Schreiber, CTF Executive Director; Valeta McGhee; Rep. Mike McGhee; Tom Vansaghi, CTF Chair
Representative Mike McGhee was elected to the Missouri House in 2004 and was appointed to the CTF Board by the Speaker of the House in 2005 where he has served the last 7 years. McGhee continues to be active in his community by volunteering his time in many youth serving organizations. He has served as a leader and counselor for the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, and he works with and supports FFA students in his home district. He and his wife have been a host family for students with the International 4-H Youth Exchange and have provided many opportunities to youth assigned to the Waverly Youth Center.
While a member of the legislative body, McGhee viewed his elected position as an opportunity to directly involve and teach youth about the legislative process and help kids understand the importance of government and Missouri history. As a result, he has welcomed thousands of youth to Jefferson City for visits and Capitol tours. Mike lives in Odessa with his wife, Valeta.
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 to or on behalf of CTF.
Whole Kids Outreach Enhances Health Education
Whole Kids Outreach (WKO) located near Ellington is an organization that serves children and their families in six counties in southeast Missouri, including Butler, Carter, Iron, Reynolds, Shannon, and Wayne Counties. Whole Kids’ doors were opened in 1999, modeled after the Whole Health Outreach program, and funded through grants and donations. WKO’s Enhancing Families Through Outreach Program is in the 5th year of funding from the Children’s Trust Fund. CTF provides $11,250 with a local match of $33,750. CTF also supports WKO’s Improving Rural Child Welfare through Education, Health, Employment, & Community Building program with a first year grant of $30,000. These two home-visit based programs target families living in poverty or who are at high risk for child abuse or neglect in the home, for instance, those who have witnessed family violence or are caring for a child with developmental delays. We spoke with Sister Anne Francioni, Executive Director of Whole Kids Outreach about the program and the people it helps.
AUDIO: Sister Anne Francioni describes the target population for the program.
Whole Kids employs registered nurses and outreach specialists who make visits to the home and determine what needs each family might have. They then work to help the families meet those needs through education and assistance from community resources such as their county health center, local pediatricians, the Division of Family Services and community action agencies. The assistance goes beyond providing verbal guidance.
AUDIO: Sister Anne Francioni talks about what program participants can expect.
AUDIO: Sister Anne Francioni talks about the challenges of a rural setting.
New Kids Count in Missouri Data Book Available
The Partnership For Children (PFC), Kansas City, recently released the KIDS COUNT in Missouri 2011 Data Book documenting the status of children in all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. The annual publication is a collaborative project of the PFC through a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) -University of Missouri, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), and many other public and private organizations from across the state.
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 2011 Data Book finds that during the most recent reporting period, Missouri made improvements in seven of the key KIDS COUNT indicators including a reduction in child abuse and neglect, infant mortality, child deaths, teen violent deaths, births to moms without a high school diploma, births to teens, and the high school drop out rate. Two indicators, students enrolled in free/reduced lunch and out-of-home placement treatment entries, worsened, with one indicator (the percent of low birth weight infants) remaining unchanged.
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.
Easter Award Presented to St. Joseph Police Detective
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently presented the 2012 Easter Award to Detective Trenny Wilson of the St. Joseph Police Department for her exemplary efforts in protecting children. Detective Wilson has served within the Family Crimes Unit of the St. Joseph Police Department Detective Division for fifteen years. She is also a part-time employee for the Northwest Children’s Advocacy Center where she conducts forensic interviews for area law enforcement agencies in the region. Det. Wilson is a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team and conducts SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) training for medical professionals. She also instructs YWCA advocates and is a frequent guest speaker at the Missouri Western State University Law Enforcement Academy.
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 Board Chair Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D. and CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber presented the award to Det. Wilson before her family, fellow officers, peers and other department members during the appreciation ceremony.
Detective Wilson says the award is special to her because it focuses on such an important subject.
AUDIO: Detective Wilson talks about what the Easter Award means to her.
She says it’s important to make sure kids get a good start in life.
AUDIO: Detective Wilson talks about why advocating for kids is so important.
Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Detective Wilson brings this point home with advice about how individuals can do their part.
AUDIO: Detective Wilson talks about getting involved, even when it may not be easy
More on this story at St. Joe Channel.com
(L-R) Kirk Schreiber, Chief Chris Connally, Det. Wilson, Tom Vansaghi, STAT Director Rodney Jones
Mid Missouri Fatherhood Coalition Provides Tools & Resources for Better Parenting
Randolph and Saline Counties’ Focus on Fatherhood Program administered through the Randolph County Caring Community partnership provides support and mentoring to dads. The program is designed to increase the involvement of fathers in child nurturing and to enhance a father’s parenting skills so they can help their children grow into healthy responsible adults. The prevention program, supported in part with funds from a Children’s Trust Fund grant, is based on the National Center for Fathering curriculum: Connecting With Your Kids and Quenching the Father Thirst. These programs target fathers who have had limited experience in interacting with their children for a variety of reasons including poverty, unemployment, legal issues or substance abuse. The program strives to give these fathers an understanding of their role and responsibility of a father, help them break through barriers that prevent them from succeeding, and enhance and increase access to services such as child support, legal issues, medical and mental health services. Additionally, fathers may be recruited to take part in a “Dadvisory Group” in which participants plan and evaluate the program, and facilitate training seminars using the two curriculums. We spoke with Brian Williams, Director of the Randolph County Caring Community Partnership, and Tim Fugate, ATR III/MMFC Director about the program and the community support that it receives.
AUDIO: Talking about community partners that enhance the program’s efforts.
AUDIO: Community involvement in the program
AUDIO: Brian Williams & Tim Fugate talk about the role CTF has played in their prevention efforts.
Listen to the Podcast on the Mid-Missouri Fatherhood Coalition
Podcast – Mid-Missouri Fatherhood Coalition
In this latest podcast, Brian Williams, Program Director, Randolph County Caring Community Partnership and Tim Fugate, ATR III Mid-Missouri Fatherhood Coalition Director speak with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber about the Focus on Fatherhood program. They discuss the details of a multi-county comprehensive fatherhood support program (Randolph & Saline Counties) and how it’s working to enhance area fathers’ abilities to be better parents.
Free Training on the Protective Factors Available
The National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds is pleased to make available a series of free online training courses to support implementation of the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework in multiple settings. The program was developed through support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and ZERO TO THREE and in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Social Policy. The curriculum includes 7 separate modules:
- Introduction to the Protective Factors
- Concrete Support in Times of Need
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
- Parental Resilience
- Social Connections
- Social and Emotional Competence
- Moving from Knowledge to Action: Wrap-up Course
Each module/course includes:
- Purpose and learning objectives for the course
- Definition and explanation of the protective factor
- Definition and explanation of program strategy (or strategies)
- Individualized Action Plan (IAP) work
In addition, each course includes a number of quizzes, activities and reflective questions. With a mix of written text, video and audio clips and opportunities to interact with the material, the courses are designed to keep the learner engaged. An online forum on the course site will allow learners to interact with each other, ask questions about what they are learning and respond to others’ questions. Users will be able to print a portfolio that includes their responses to all questions and their Individualized Action Plan detailing changes they intend to make in their work with children and families as a result of what they learned.
Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work – A Resource for Action (pdf)
For more details about the online training courses, click here or click on the Protective Factors Training web button (right hand column).
Mother to Mother Provides Helping Hand in Dexter
Moms are so important and Mother’s Day in May pays tribute to all moms everywhere. At the Dexter Community Regional Healthcare Foundation (DCRHF) located in Dexter, MO (Stoddard County), mothers are celebrated every day of every month through their Mother-to-Mother program funded in part by the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF).
Mother-to-Mother is an incentive based mentoring program that pairs young mothers with experienced mothers. Services support at-risk pregnant and parenting families through home visitation, parent education and training, peer and social support, and community resources. The program is for young women, no older than 21 1/2, who have or are pregnant with their first child. We spoke with Yvonne Hall, DCRHF Interim Executive Director about the program and how it works to give young mothers the skills they need to be good parents and responsible community members.
AUDIO: Yvonne Hall talks about the mentoring and incentives that young mothers receive.
Hall says there are many agencies that assist in making the Mother-to-Mother program a success.
AUDIO: Yvonne Hall talking about the community resources that enhance the program
The Mother-to-Mother program works to enhance the lives of young women for the long term. Part of that mission is placing a focus on education.
AUDIO: Yvonne Hall talking about how the Mother-to-Mother program assists in Education
Hall says funding assistance is a key to being able to offer all of the services available with Mother-to-Mother.
AUDIO: Yvonne Hall explains why CTF funds are so important to the program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MO, Enhancing the Lives of Children of Prisoners
Children’s Trust Fund provides a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri for the organization’s Amachi program. Amachi serves at-risk children of current and former prisoners, who research suggests are at higher risk of entering the corrections system themselves. The program utilizes a training manual to provide quarterly training sessions that address the importance of healthy parenting and implementing protective factors known to reduce child abuse and neglect. Kristen Slaghter, Senior Vice President of Accountability and Kate Dopuch, Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance spoke with us about the impact the program has on families in the region they serve, and why they focus on these children.
AUDIO: Kristen Slaughter talks about what sparked interest in the Amachi program.
Slaughter and Dopuch point out that the funding Big Brothers Big Sisters receives from CTF is used to focus on prevention of child abuse and neglect.
AUDIO: Kristen Slaughter and Kate Dopuch talk about how they use CTF funding.
The Amachi program often deals with sensitive subject matter. By using the resources of area agencies with expertise in the care of children of prisoners Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is better able to address the specific needs of each child and their family.
AUDIO: Kate Dopuch talks about some of the key partners involved with the program.
Podcast – Emotional Well Being
In this latest podcast, Regina Staves, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology at Avila University in Kansas City, speaks with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber about the importance of developing and promoting emotional well-being in children. Dr. Staves discusses what emotional well-being looks like, positive role modeling and tips for parents on how they can promote positive emotional development in their child’s life.
As part of its Words Hurt, But They Also Help campaign, CTF has developed a new flier (PDF) for caretakers that promote emotional well-being in children. The flier also provides information about emotional abuse/neglect, also known as psychological maltreatment, and how these hurtful and harmful behaviors can have long-lasting effects.
Download Emotional Well-being, Emotional Abuse/Neglect Flier (PDF)
Listen to Emotional Well-being Podcast – Regina Staves, Ph.D. (7:32)
Podcast – Child Abuse Prevention Month 2012
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout Missouri there are many activities and opportunities that support the health and well-being of children in which citizens can take part and become involved.
Debby Howland, Coordinator for the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition, speaks with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber in this latest podcast about the work of the Roundtable and the many upcoming events in Kansas City to promote child abuse prevention.
In a related podcast, Becky Wood, Advancement Manager Special Events for Boys & Girls Town of Missouri – Jim D. Morris Campus, Springfield, discusses the Be A Lifesaver – Prevent Child Abuse Campaign in Greene County.
For a complete list of prevention events and training opportunities in April and throughout the year, go to our upcoming events calendar.
PODCAST: Debby Howland, Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition (10:27)
PODCAST: Becky Wood, Boys and Girls Town of Missouri (11:58)
Governor Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month
Governor Jay Nixon recently 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 Representatives from the Missouri House, division directors, child advocates, board members, 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.
| Pictured L to R (front row) – Kirk Schreiber, CTF Rachel Boudreau, Alliance of SW Missouri Lynn Main, Jefferson Co. Community Partnership Rep Jill Schupp, Dist. 82, Creve Coeur, CTF Board Tom Vansaghi with Jack & Ben Vansaghi, CTF Board Chair Governor Jay Nixon Rebecca Gordon, The Rebecca Gordon Group Laura Malzner, CTF Jessica Chambers, Barceda Families Emily van Schenkhof, Missouri KidsFirst |
(second row) – Robbin Kimbell, Legislative Assistant William Holcomb, Ph.D., Behavioral Health Concepts Rep Brent Lasater, Dist. 53, Independence Mabeline Woods, Pemiscot Co. Initiative Network Kari Clements, Alliance of SW Missouri Beverly Wilburn, Pemiscot Co. Initiative Network Jason Lamb, Office of Prosecution Services Kim Sukany, Barceda Families Vicky Scott, Dept. of Public Safety Maureen Hill, STAT, Dept. of Social Services Emily Smith, Office of Administration |
(Back row) – Rodney Jones, STAT, Dept. of Social Services Lisa Lloyd, Behavioral Health Concepts Paula Cunningham, CTF Emerson “Skip” McGuire, STAT, Dept. of Social Services Ken Bopp, Ph.D., Univ. of Missouri Pablo Araujo, Missouri KidsFirst Jamie Myers, Prevention Consultants of Missouri Kelly Schultz, Office of Child Advocate Mary List, Dept. of Health & Senior Services Connie Berhorst, Dept. of Public Safety |
Enhanced Focus on the Home Highlights Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
This month we’re featuring CTF prevention partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri, Columbia, for their efforts in providing training to parents of at-risk children to be the primary role model in their child’s life. Additionally, children are matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister who will be a secondary support to the child. Together the child and their mentor can go out in the community and participate in activities that offer new experiences, expand existing interests or just simply spend quality time together. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has been operating nationally for more than 100 years, and for 44 years in Columbia. Many of the children involved in the program come from single parent homes, are children of parents who are incarcerated, or are being raised by grandparents. We spoke with Sara Echternach, Community Based Coordinator and Georgalu Swoboda, Executive Director about the program.
AUDIO: Echternach talks about the recruiting process for finding kids for the program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri works from the Search Institute’s Asset Building program. Grant money from the Children’s Trust Fund helps the program provide education to parents in the home as well as build relationships in the schools.
Swoboda says there are many ways the program has been proven successful. She says national research shows that children involved in the program statistically have lower drug use, do better academically, have an easier time socially, and are less likely to become pregnant than their peers who are at risk and not involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. Additional research shows program alumni are more likely to have college degrees, make more money, have stronger relationships, and become more involved in their community as volunteers or leaders.
AUDIO: Echternach and Swoboda discuss long-term involvement in the program.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Friday, April 13 is Go Blue Day for Missouri’s Kids. On that day, thousands of Missourians will wear blue, the official color of prevention, to show their support for children. Many other community events and activities are scheduled throughout the month to emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and neglect and keeping children safe.
The St. Louis Family & Community Partnership is hosting its Child Abuse Prevention Month kickoff ceremony on Tuesday, April 10, in St. Louis at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park. Missouri KidsFirst is hosting its 3rd annual Pinwheels For Prevention Awareness Garden on April 11 at noon where over 1,000 pinwheels will be displayed on the south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol. Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, A Great Circle Agency, is sponsoring the Be A Lifesaver – Prevent Child Abuse Campaign throughout the month of April in Springfield and includes an afternoon with Elizabeth Smart on April 13 who will be speaking at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall For The Performing Arts, Missouri State University Campus. Wear Blue Day at the ‘K’ will be the theme at the Kansas City Royals game the evening of April 14 at Kauffman Stadium. The event is sponsored by the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition. These are just a few of the many other community events and activities scheduled around the state to recognize and bring awareness to child abuse and neglect. Click here for a list of scheduled events for April and throughout the year and download or print the Child Abuse Prevention Month flier (pictured).
Learn how to increase awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month and throughout the year through the 2012 Prevention Month web section on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. The website features:
- Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Child Well-Being: Network to Action 2012 Resource Guide
- Tip sheets for parents & caregivers available in English and Spanish
- An activity calendar for April relating to the Six Protective Factors
- An online media toolkit for promoting April and prevention
- Prevention Month widgets to post on your website
According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), child maltreatment in the United States in 2008 cost an estimated $124 billion in health care expenses, productivity losses, use of the criminal justice system and more. The average lifetime cost for a nonfatal victim of child maltreatment is about $210,000 in 2010 dollars, while the cost for a fatal case of child abuse is nearly $1.3 million.
Awareness about child abuse and neglect strengthens communities and builds support for children and families in the effort to prevent child abuse. Prevention is the insurance policy for good health, mental health, crime reduction, educational and economic prosperity for our next generation. We hope that you will join the Children’s Trust Fund in investing in Missouri’s children by supporting prevention efforts and organizations in your community in April and throughout the year.
Introducing Prevention $ense
Hello everyone! The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently developed Prevention $ense, a web-based News & Updates. Prevention $ense will feature content that CTF feels is valuable to its Board members, grantees, partners & friends.