News
2012 Resource Guide to Prevent Child Maltreatment
The 2012 Resource Guide Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action is now available. The annual resource is a collaboration of Federal partners, national organizations, and parents developed for service providers and others who work to promote healthy families, the well-being of children and prevent child maltreatment. Locally, Missouri’s Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) as the state’s lead agency for the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) federal program, provides copies to each of their community prevention grant partners. read more…
CTF Annual Report Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2011 is now available and highlights CTF’s prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns from July 2010 through June 2011. During that time, CTF distributed nearly $2.5 million in prevention funding to support community-based programming such as home visitation, safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nursery, mentoring, Strengthening Families, parent education, family support and other prevention initiatives.
CTF continued its “Never Shake A Baby”, “Not Even For A Minute (NEFAM)”, “Words Hurt” and “Parent with Patience” public education campaigns. In addition, CTF partnered 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, partnered with the Missouri Department of Transportation to highlight CTF’s NEFAM campaign to never leave children unattended in vehicles, and responded to the Joplin tornado disaster by providing prevention funds to local organizations who work with children and their families. In its 28th year, CTF has distributed over $42 million in prevention funds from donations and dedicated fees since its inception in 1983.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital FRC is Ready to Assist
Money raised from the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund’s specialty license plate goes to many organizations that work to prevent child abuse and neglect and aid families in adjusting to parenthood and the challenges that can come with it. One such organization is the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center. The center is host to a massive collection of books, pamphlets, videos, and other resources that help educate families and community members about a child’s physical and emotional health. CTF provides funding for the center’s Resource Librarian who assists parents and caregivers in understanding their child’s diagnosis in order to provide proper care. (AUDIO: Joanne Buttice talks about the importance of funding from CTF.) Studies indicate that informed parents who know what to expect in their child’s development are better prepared to handle associated stress and less likely to become frustrated, thereby reducing the risk of abuse and neglect. We spoke with some of the professionals who provide education through the Family Resource Center.
Joanne Buttice, Director of Guest Services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, says the Family Resource Center is staffed with pediatric nurses and medical librarians who are trained in medical research and know how to access resources through accredited medical research databases. She says this information is sometimes requested far and wide.
AUDIO: Joanne Buttice talks about just how far the Family Resource Center’s outreach goes.
The Family Resource Center is publicized through the hospital’s orientation station, internal video monitors, orientation packets, through staff, and through a volunteer ambassador program. The volunteers make sure families know about the resources within the first 24 to 48 hours after admission. Many times parents are getting the information for the first time.
AUDIO: Joanne Buttice talks about helping prepare parents for new situations.
Resources provided through the Family Resource Center are intended for use in continual care of families, even after discharge.
AUDIO: Joanne Buttice talks about extending care past the hospital stay.
Margie Batek, Lead Social Worker, works in the emergency department. She says often, during an ER visit, it’s a good time to approach parents with information offered in the resource center.
AUDIO: Margie Batek talks about using Family Resource Center information in the ER.
Batek says that sometimes just speaking to a parent or caregiver isn’t enough.
AUDIO: Margie Batek talks about the credibility of print materials.
Make A Small Amount Count
Help us build Strong Families, Safe Kids through the Tax Check-off Program! Whether you are filing online or by traditional methods, a SMALL donation from you could make a BIG difference for Missouri’s kids. CTF funds help kids & families in every region inMissouri. Just look for the handprints on your Missouri tax form and indicate the amount you would like to give.
“The Tax Check-off program is very important to CTF,” said Kirk Schreiber, CTF executive director. It’s a great way to support Missouri’s kids and we are so appreciative.”
Make a small amount count…together we CAN check-off child abuse.
Child Abuse & Neglect Cost the United States $124 Billion
A new study released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that child abuse and neglect rivals the cost of other high profile public health problems in the United States. The total lifetime estimated financial costs associated with just one year of confirmed cases of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and neglect) is approximately $124 billion, according to a report released by the CDC, published in Child Abuse and Neglect, The International Journal. read more…
Child Maltreatment Report Available
The Administration for Children and Families recently released its latest annual report on child abuse and neglect. Child Maltreatment 2010 shows a steady decline in the number of victims who suffered maltreatment for the fourth consecutive year. As in past years, rates of abuse and neglect are highest among infants and young children. Read or download the full report here.
Case, McCune Receive CTF Chair Award
Mary E. Case, M.D., St. Louis, and Suzanne McCune, St. Louis, were selected as the 2011 recipients of the Children’s Trust Fund Chair Award for their extensive volunteer work and technical assistance provided to CTF during the past 15 years. Most notably, Case and McCune provided CTF with support in the areas of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) prevention and Safe Sleep/Safe Crib education resulting in very effective public education campaigns that have expanded over the years. Dr. Case, Chief Medical Examiner for the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office, and McCune, a Forensic Administrator with the same office, were instrumental in the production efforts of the original CTF SBS prevention video released in 2001, as well as the current DVD, which includes a chapter on Safe Sleep For Your Baby, released in October 2011. Dr. Case appears in both DVDs. Additionally, McCune helped to develop a safe crib grant program supported with CTF funds since the late 1990s.
The CTF Chair Award was established in 2002 by the late Richard “Dick” Dunn, former CTF Chair, as a way for the Board to recognize a person or organization for outstanding service to CTF. The award recipient(s) shall have exhibited outstanding service, advocacy and volunteer work to or on behalf of CTF. In January 2012, outgoing chair Patrice Mugg and CTF staff presented the award to Case and McCune in St. Louis.
Application Available for Children’s Trust Fund Grants
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has released its grant application for the prevention of child abuse/neglect covering Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). CTF anticipates approximately $400,000 available for new (first year) projects and $750,000 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 five protective factors known to prevent or reduce child abuse into their program. Protective factors include 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 Friday, January 20, 2012 from 10 am – Noon in Room 500 of the Truman State Office Building, Jefferson City. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about the grant program and application process. Registration is not required. The Truman Office Building is located at 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City.
Download Powerpoint Presentation, Informational Meeting 1/20/12 Note: This link is no longer available.
To be considered, applications must be postmarked by Monday, March 12, 2012. Grant award recipients will be announced after June 6, 2012.
FY2013 CTF Grant Application for New Proposals (PDF) Note: This link is no longer available.
FY 2013 CTF Grant Application for New Proposals (Word) 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.
MO Child Fatality Annual Report Released
The Missouri Child Fatality Review Program’s (CFRP) 2010 Annual Report is now available. The report entitled, Preventing Child Deaths in Missouri, 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.
DSS Interim Director Brian Kinkade says, “Missouri’s CFRP remains one of the premier programs across the nation. Multidisciplinary coordination and cooperation over the past nineteen years have contributed much to what we have learned and the successes we have achieved.”
The report indicates that in 2010, 915 child deaths were reported to the CFRP, a decrease of 140 deaths from the previous year. Of those, eighty-six children died as a result of child abuse and neglect.
Production and printing costs for the report are made possible in part through a grant from the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund. Current and previous reports can be accessed here.
Joplin Agencies Work Together to Assist Families
This month we’re highlighting a group of Children’s Trust Fund prevention partners from Joplin, Missouri. These three agencies have spent the past six months, since a devastating tornado destroyed a third of their city, working together to provide assistance to families in need. Each agency features a variety of services, but together their work is even more powerful in addressing the spectrum of needs in the community.
We begin with Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri. Children’s Haven provides a temporary home to children ages birth through 17 years whose families are experiencing a crisis. Services are provided 24 hours a day/seven days a week and are available, free of charge, to any family in Southwest Missouri. Going beyond short term care, Children’s Haven works to provide parents with information and resources they need to help them resolve their crisis for the long term. We spoke with Stephanie Theis, Executive Director of Children’s Haven, about their efforts to provide temporary crisis care to children and youth in a secure setting.
AUDIO: Stephanie Theis talks about some of the situations that may lead to Children’s Haven.
The tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, 2011 had a major impact on Children’s Haven. Theis told us about some of the challenges that have arisen.
AUDIO: Stephanie Theis talks about the aftermath of the tornado.
Theis says the Children’s Trust Fund is an excellent partner because of the mutual understanding about crisis situations and the needs that must be met.
AUDIO: Stephanie Theis talks about Children’s Haven’s partnership with CTF.
The next agency we are highlighting is The Alliance of Southwest Missouri. This agency utilizes the federally funded Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant to assist families in Jasper and Newton Counties. Under a program called Project Care, each family enrolled is thoroughly evaluated to determine their needs. Then resources are provided to help them meet those needs. Alliance workers help families make contact with and implement services that can help them lead a healthier and more fulfilled life.
We spoke with The Alliance’s CBCAP Coordinator Nancy Corley. She says sometimes individuals may become overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for a family. That’s when the Alliance steps in.
AUDIO: Nancy Corley talks about providing support in an overwhelming situation.
Some of the service resources that may be provided to families include medical home services, mentoring, Parent Aide services, home visits, and cribs, mattresses and bedding through the Safe Crib program. Corley says these needs became that much greater when the tornado hit. She says that’s when area agencies worked as one.
AUDIO: Nancy Corley talks about the team effort that was made after the May 22, 2011 tornado.
Corley talks about the invaluable support CTF responded with after the tornado.
AUDIO: Nancy Corley talks about CTF’s partnership.
The Children’s Miracle Network, out of Freeman Health Systems Hospital in Joplin, is the third partner we’re featuring. Through funding from CTF’s prevent child abuse license plate, the Children’s Miracle Network is able to provide a certified safe crib to families with financial need, in an effort to reduce the number of unsafe sleeping arrangements and crib related injuries. Karla Hurrel is a case processor with Children’s Miracle Network. She says the program is in place for those in need, despite their economic status.
AUDIO: Karla Hurrel on providing for needs
In addition to providing cribs, the agency responds to home safety inspections that are conducted at the time of crib delivery, then working to address other potential safety issues within a household. Children’s Miracle Network works in conjunction with Parents As Teachers to implement the project in Jasper, Newton, Barry, Lawrence, and McDonald Counties.
AUDIO: Karla Hurrel talks about the importance of overall safety.
Hurrel says the safe cribs program exists because of funding from the Children’s Trust Fund. And that working together played a role in the agency’s response to the tornado.
AUDIO: Karla Hurrel talks about CTF’s partnership.
Through CTF’s prevent child abuse license plate, more families can become aware of the services offered through the Children’s Miracle Network and other agencies. Those who have already been helped are some of the biggest advocates for the program.
CTF Board Approves Funding
During the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) annual fall Board meeting the Board approved the release of the Application for Prevention Funds for Fiscal Year 2013. CTF’s General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program Gr
ant Application will be released on Friday, January 13, 2012. An informational meeting regarding the application will be held January 20, 2012 from 10 am – Noon in Room 500 of the Truman State Office Building, 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. The Truman Office Building is located at 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City. The CTF Application for Funding will be available via the CTF website on January 13. For further information please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner at laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
In other business, the Board elected and welcomed Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., Kansas City, as the new CTF Board Chair, and Charmaine Smith, St. Louis, as the new Chair-elect. Vansaghi replaces outgoing Chair Patrice Mugg of Kirkwood. Vansaghi is the Associate Vice-chancellor of Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City, and Smith is the Executive Director for Discovering Options in St. Louis. Both will serve in this capacity for a two-year term.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF provides grants to community-based organizations throughout the state that focus on child abuse prevention and the support of children and families.
Rose Brooks Center Gives Families New Hope
The Rose Brooks Center (RBC) is a domestic violence shelter in Kansas City. A child abuse and neglect prevention grant from the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) helps to support RBC’s Family Enrichment Program. This program helps mothers gain the knowledge and skills they need to raise healthy children and prevent child abuse in high risk situations. CTF funds are used to support parenting classes in which the Active Parenting curriculum is used. RBC has implemented classes for both English and Spanish speaking moms. Family Services Coordinator Kim Fletcher says the program offers a lot to help stabilize families, including crisis intervention, life skills development, and other supportive and therapeutic services.
AUDIO: Kim Fletcher talks about the Family Enrichment Program.
Fletcher says the innovative services Rose Brooks Center offers can help a family suffering from trauma end the cycle of violence and abuse, and make a new start.
AUDIO: Kim Fletcher tells the story of a family helped by RBC.
Rose Brooks Center uses a proven curriculum to provide parenting skills to those who may be struggling. Fletcher says they’re able to do this through their partnership with CTF.
AUDIO: Kim Fletcher talks about the importance of CTF’s grant funding.
The Rose Brooks Center offers a 24 hour a day crisis hotline number for anyone who needs assistance. The number is 1-800-HOTLINE. Fletcher says anyone is welcome to call whether they’re in crisis or just need to talk or need a referral for a program that they can turn to in their own area, if they’re outside of Kansas City. The hotline operates in more than 100 languages.
New Educational Videos Released on Shaken Baby and Safe Sleep Awareness
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently announced the availability of its new DVD entitled Never Shake: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Safe Sleep for Your Baby. The DVD is an updated version of the original Shaken Baby Prevention video released by CTF in 2001. It will be distributed to all Missouri hospitals to incorporate into their newborn and childbirth programs. The DVD includes English and Spanish versions of the videos and was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The DVD includes the most current information about the dangers of shaking and abusive head trauma. The additional chapter on safe sleep provides information to prevent the ever increasing issue of infants dying in unsafe sleep environments. The DVD will satisfy State Statute 191.748 RSMo that requires all delivering hospitals to offer information to new parents about the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).
The DVD will be available at no cost for Missouri hospitals, child care providers, home visitors, parent educators, health departments, safe crib programs, schools and other child serving agencies to use as an educational tool to share with new parents and other caregivers. The videos will help increase awareness about how new parents and caregivers can keep children safe by gaining knowledge, reducing their stress levels and providing safe sleep areas.
DVDs may be ordered via the website or by contacting CTF at 573-751-5147 or ctf@oa.mo.gov.
Never Shake: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
Safe Sleep for Your Baby
CTF Board Awards Grants for Fiscal Year 2012
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors recently approved and awarded 70 grants and over $1.6 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2012 to 65 community-based organizations throughout Missouri for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
The funded prevention grants focus on home visitation and parent education, including safe crib and safe sleep education, and mentoring programs that help pregnant and parenting teens. Others programs focus on parenting classes, support children whose parents are incarcerated, grandparent support, fatherhood initiatives, the Strengthening Families framework, crisis nurseries, early childhood education, professional development training, bullying and sexual abuse prevention. CTF also invests in programs that support families of medically fragile babies and other special needs children who are at-risk of abuse.
In addition, CTF supports 41 community-based organizations that market the CTF ‘prevent child abuse’ license plate. These grantees specifically promote and sell the license plate to increase prevention awareness and raise funds that are returned directly back into the community to provide prevention programs that help children and families. Nearly $200,000 in additional prevention funds were distributed to license plate partners in Fiscal Year 2011 with over $150,000 projected to be distributed this year.
As Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, CTF has awarded over $45 million in prevention funds since its inception in 1983. Funding is obtained from dedicated fees on marriage licenses and vital records, volunteer contributions designated on Missouri State Income Tax Returns, sales of the specialty CTF license plate, general donations, interest income from the Fund, and other grants.
Circle of Parents Provides Support for Caregivers
St. Joseph Youth Alliance offers a variety of programs aimed at helping strengthen the community’s families in northwest Missouri. For the past eight years, the St. Joseph Youth Alliance has been offering a program called Circle of Parents©. The program provides a friendly, supportive environment for caregivers to meet and talk about the challenges they face and offer support and resources. That could mean conversations about how to deal with separation anxiety, to where to find assistance with child care. The St. Joseph Youth Alliance offers Circle of Parents© groups for low-income families, families that have used the local crisis care center, grandparents raising grandchildren, and minority communities, including a Hispanic group. Anyone in a parenting role is welcome to join for free.
The program offers leadership development through planning and leading the meetings. Youth Alliance Community Networker, Fran Brothers, says the Circle of Parents is good for caregivers who might be isolated because they may not have family or friends to turn to. She says it gives them a sense of belonging.
AUDIO: Fran Brothers talks about the goal of Circle of Parents©.
Circle of Parents is a national evidenced-based model. The meetings begin with a family meal, then kids go play and parents discuss and learn about parenting. CTF funds help to support the cost of meals, transportation and childcare for the meetings, which Brothers says has a major impact on the success of the program.
AUDIO: Fran Brothers talks about the importance of grant funding.
Brothers says a new class for parents who have bipolar disorder recently launched with the Youth Alliance. She says it’s a great way for parents to talks about the unique parenting challenges they deal with in a non-threatening environment.
In addition to the Circle of Parents Program, St. Joseph Youth Alliance , with the support of the community Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention, is a new CTF Prevent Child Abuse License Plate Marketing Partner. Funds raised through the license plate program in Andrew and Buchanan counties will supply new cribs and mattresses that meet current quality safety requirements to families most at risk of co-sleeping.
For more information about these and other programs offered, visit the Youth Alliance website or call (816) 232-0050.
CTF Seeks Applicants for Home Visitation Services
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has released an application for funding to provide home visitation services in St. Louis city and surrounding counties. Home visiting for parents and their children, beginning prenatal or at birth, has been shown through extensive national research and experience to be an important and effective strategy to prevent a range of poor childhood health and developmental outcomes, including child abuse and neglect. All services under this application must be conducted by Registered Nurses or qualified paraprofessionals under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. To be considered, applications must be received in the CTF Office no later than noon (CDT) on Friday, September 23, 2011. For questions, please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner at (573) 751-6511 or by e-mail at laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov. To download the application, click on one of the formats below. Funding for these services is made possible by the Missouri Department of Social Services.
FY2012 CTF Application for Funding – Home Visitation Services (word)
FY2012 CTF Application for Funding – Home Visitation Services (PDF)
Family Fun at the State Fair
For the third year, Missouri Children’s Trust Fund is sponsoring the Family Fun Center at the Missouri State Fair, August 11-21, 2011. The Family Fun Center features hands-on interactive play for kids age 2-10. The air conditioned facility also has a baby changing and feeding area, with supplies provided by Walmart.
CTF Executive Director, Kirk Schreiber says the fair is a great place to meet and interact with families and spread important prevention messages:
AUDIO: Kirk Schreiber talks about sponsoring the Family Fun Center.
Schreiber says CTF is just one of the prevention agencies that uses the fair to get their messages out.
AUDIO: Kirk Schreiber talks about the importance of partnering with others.
In addition to CTF’s booth, the Family Fun Center will feature a hands-on interactive experience for kids, with an emphasis on agriculture play. A play Farmers Market and Barnyard will be in the building along with lots of other creative play stations.
Advanced daily adult gate admission tickets to the Missouri State Fair are now available through Aug. 10 at all Missouri Break Time convenience stores, Orscheln Farm and Home and Casey’s General Stores. Visit the state fair’s website for more information.
Building Tools For Young Parents
The Lafayette County Health Department recently completed it’s fifth year of grant funding from the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund. In that time CTF provided $80,949. In an effort to help young families, the department developed the Building Tools for Young Parents program. The program is focused on improving the health status and healthy outcomes of at-risk infants, children and adolescents.
The program works toward the following goals:
- Strengthening child and family protective factors
- Reducing the risk of abuse and neglect by promoting parental resilience
- Increasing social connections
- Increasing knowledge of parenting and child development
- Providing concrete support in times of need
- Promoting social and emotional competence of children
- Providing safe cribs and infant massage training to young parents.
Lafayette County has seen positive rankings in the Kids Count Data Project the last few years with this year being no exception. Program Spokesperson Donna Oetting says she hopes the Building Tools program had a part in improving the Kids Count numbers. She says it’s been a team effort.
AUDIO: Donna Oetting talks about how funding helps gain partners for the program.
Look Before You Lock
Kids and Cars, a national nonprofit child safety organization, is promoting a new program to educate parents about how to protect their babies from being left alone in a vehicle. It’s called “Look Before You Lock.” Informational packets about the program will be given out by hospitals to parents after the birth of their baby.
“Educating new parents will help prevent tragic heat stroke deaths by giving them practical steps to jog their memory to take their children out of the car,” says Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kids and Cars.
One safety tip included in the packets is the memory device, BE SAFE:
Back seat – Put something in the back seat of your vehicle that requires you to open the back door every time you park
Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.
Stuffed animal – Keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. Place it on the front passenger seat as a reminder when your baby is in the back seat.
Ask your babysitter or child care provider to call you if your child hasn’t arrived on time.
Focus on driving – Avoid cell phone calls and texting while driving.
Every time you park make it a routine to open the back door of your car to check that no one has been left behind.
2010 Missouri Kids Count Data Released
The Partnership For Children (PFC), Kansas City, recently released the 18th Annual KIDS COUNT in Missouri 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 PFC, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) -University of Missouri, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), and more than 20 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 2010 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 and the rate of children placed in foster or alternative care. Three indicators were worse including low bith weight infants, high school drop-out rate and students enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs.
“Kids Count continues to be an excellent resource providing valuable information to individual counties and communities about successes, challenges and gaps with regard to children’s issues,” said CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber. “Making this data so readily available and accessible on an annual basis helps policy makers, community and state leaders, child helping professionals, and each citizen to keep children and families a top priority as they plan for the future.”
Data for the report is compiled from more than 80 federal, state, county and municipal sources by OSEDA. Primary funding for the project this year was provided by the Children’s Trust Fund.
CTF Board Member Takes Pediatrics to Rural Missouri
Dr. Robert Harris is a member of the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors. He’s also a pediatrician at Tiger Pediatrics in Columbia, MO. During a CTF Board meeting last October, Dr. Harris heard Whole Kids Outreach (WKO) Executive Director Sister Anne Francioni speak about her organization. WKO, supported in part by a grant from CTF, works to meet the health and wellness needs of children in rural southeast Missouri through both home and center-based educational and health care programs. Since then Dr. Harris has made it part of his mission to help kids in rural communities in Missouri. Dr. Harris was recently featured in the Columbia Missourian. Read the full article here.
Rolla Police Sergeant Presented with Easter Award
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is pleased to recognize Seargeant Wayne Rapier as the 2011 Richard P. Easter Award recipient. Sergeant Rapier is a thirty-six year veteran of the Rolla Police Department and has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Criminal Investigator, Evidence Custodian, D.A.R.E. Coordinator/Instructor and Police Explorer Advisor. He is currently the School Resource Officer for the Rolla Public School District. Sgt. Rapier received the award before his family, peers and other department members during the appreciation ceremony on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Rolla Police Department.
AUDIO: Seargeant Rapier talks about his reaction to the award.
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. Seargeant Rapier says he’s seen a lot of progress in the area of prevention and protecting children during his career.
AUDIO: Seargeant Rapier expresses his appreciation for organizations that are helping kids.
CTF Welcomes New Board Members
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) welcomes Senator John T. Lamping (R – Ladue) and Representative Jill Schupp (D – Creve Coeur) to the Board of Directors.
Senator Lamping was recently appointed to the Board by President Pro Tem Robert Mayer. A native of St. Louis, Senator Lamping earned a degree in Economics from Princeton University. After graduation, he moved to Manhattan and began work as a currency trader. He later obtained an MBA in Finance from New York University. Senator Lamping works as the branch manager for a major St. Louis-based securities brokerage firm while remaining very active in his community. He has served as a member of the Finance Board and as Parish Council President for St. Alphonsus Church and as the treasurer for Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis. Senator Lamping and his wife, Caryn, have six children – Rachel, Charlotte, Jackson, Dmitri, Emma and Shelby.
Representative Jill Schupp was also appointed during the legislative session by Speaker of the House Steven Tilley. Rep. Schupp represents Creve Coeur, Town and Country, Chesterfield, and a portion of unincorporated St. Louis County. In addition to her legislative duties, Schupp is active in her community and serves as a board member of the Crown Center for Senior Living Board and the St. Louis Crisis Nursery and is a former board member at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Prior to her election in 2008, Schupp worked as an advertising executive for 20 years and worked for several years as an elementary school teacher. Schupp was named the 2008 Creve Coeur Citizen of the Year; she is a former board member of the Creve Coeur City Council, Ladue School Board, and the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis. A graduate of Parkway North Senior High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia, Schupp completed graduate course work and received her teaching certification from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Schupp and her husband, Mark, have two sons, Brandon and Alex.
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.
Discretionary Funds Available
Currently the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is accepting grant applications for discretionary funding for Fiscal Year 2012 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012). Discretionary funding is designed to be responsive to low-cost prevention projects or needs identified by individual communities, organizations or agencies. Up to $50,000 in discretionary funds are available with a maximum award of $5,000 per application. For additional information, questions or technical assistance please contact Laura Malzner, CTF Program Coordinator, at (573) 751-6511 or laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
Download Discretionary Application (Word)
Download Discretionary Application (PDF)
Text4Baby Customized for Missouri
On May 26, 2011, Missouri became the first state to implement a Missouri Customized Text4baby Program. Text4baby is a free mobile information service that provides timely maternal and child health text messages to pregnant women and new moms from pregnancy through the baby’s first year. The messages that are now delivered to women who have enrolled from Missouri are customized to include Missouri-specific telephone numbers, thus providing for easier access to services. Women can sign up for the service by texting BABY to the 511411 telephone number (or BEBE for Spanish). Messages focus on critical health topics including birth defects prevention, immunizations, mental health, child care, and other resources. For more information visit text4baby.org or call the Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood at 1-800-877-6246.
Kids and Cars Don’t Mix
As summer temperatures heat up quickly in Missouri, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) reminds all parents and caretakers to never leave a child unattended in or around a vehicle. The interior of a vehicle can heat up to temperatures well over 100 degrees in just a few short minutes. But regardless of the temperature, children should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle because of other dangers and risks. A child left unattended in a vehicle even for a short time is in danger of dehydration, overheating, hyperthermia, injury, abduction and even death.
Kids and Cars urges parents to BESAFE by following these tips in order to avoid a record setting year for deaths like 2010:
Back seat – Put something in the back seat so you have to open the door when leaving the vehicle – cell, badge, handbag, etc.
Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.
Stuffed animal – Move it from the car seat to the front seat to remind you when your baby is in the back seat.
Ask your babysitter or child-care provider to call you within 10 minutes 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.
To help spread this critical safety message, CTF offers several public education materials from our Not Even For A Minute Campaign (NEFAM). These 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:
Parenting Skills for Dads
To be the best parent you can be, it’s sometimes necessary to ask for assistance. That’s why the Fathers’ Support Center, St. Louis (FSC) is an excellent resource for young dads and their families. Over the last five years the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has provided financial support for the organization’s Family Formation Program. The program was implemented to promote responsible fatherhood and parenting skills, as well as provide supplemental information such as financial, technology training, mental health and wellness, work practicums, and work ethics studies. Six week courses are offered Monday through Friday, from 8a.m. to 4p.m.
Cheri Tillis, Managing Director of FSC, says the program is meant to give a helping hand to those who want to make the right choices and display positive behavior.
AUDIO: Cheri Tillis on the Programs Goals
Each participant receives a total of 18 hours of parenting education including a minimum of 12 hours of child abuse and neglect prevention training and responsible fatherhood skills building.
AUDIO: Cheri Tillis Shares a Success Story
Fathers are recruited in multiple ways including through hand to hand and face to face connections. Community partners are also heavily involved in recruitment efforts.
In this month of June when we celebrate and honor our dads, CTF congratulates FSC on their many successes of positively impacting the lives of fathers and their children.
AUDIO: Cheri Tillis Talks About the Support CTF Provides
Watch this video to learn more about The Fathers’ Support Center:
A Great Example for National Foster Care Month
Randy and Lori Ross are from Blue Springs, Missouri. The couple was recently featured on Kansas City’s KMBC for their dedication to raising their 25 children. The Ross’ have 5 biological daughters and 20 adopted children. They say adoption has been their calling since shortly after they had their first daughter 26 years ago, Lori Ross heard a radio commercial about becoming a foster parent. Lori Ross is now the Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Foster Care and Adoption.
Read more about the Ross familly and see them in action here.
On April 29, 2011, President Barack Obama declared this May National Foster Care Month. He says it is meant to, “…celebrate the selfless individuals who make a meaningful difference in their (foster children’s) lives.”
Find out more about how you can become involved here.
Mental Health First Aid
The stigma attached to getting treatment for mental illness can be a major stumbling block. A program called Mental Health First Aid has been built in part to reduce the stigma attached to mental health treatment. The long term impact is intended to provide safer environments for our children by allowing caregivers the freedom to seek the help they need. Safer homes mean reduced risk of child abuse and neglect.
Dottie Millikin is the Director of Mental Health First Aid Missouri. She recently spoke at CTF’s Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Conference to introduce participants to the history and and evidence supporting Mental Health First Aid. In the following video Dottie talks about the potential that Mental Health First Aid has for helping families and entire communities. For more information, contact Dottie, or call 417-895-7887.
Financial Future of Our Kids
Robert H. Dugger, Ph.D. delivered the opening keynote at the Children’s Trust Fund Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention recently held in Jefferson City. More than 275 providers, social workers, educators, and other child advocates were on hand to hear Dr. Dugger make the business case for investing in America’s children. He is the founder and managing partner for the Hanover Investment Group, LLC, an Advisory Board Chair for the Partnership for America’s Economic Success and Chairman of the Invest in Kids Working Group.
Dr. Dugger says early childhood education has become a growing area of concern for investors, the business community and banking industry. Research has proven that before age five, children establish the building blocks of their academic and social skills. By improving children’s lives in their earliest years, they are more likely to become a productive member of society. Dr. Dugger says early investment will literally pay off for generations to come and is essential if the U.S. is to be globally competitive in the future. He makes these and other informed points in the following video:
April’s Spotlight on Prevention
By Kirk Schreiber, Executive Director, Missouri Children’s Trust Fund
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Friday, April 15 is Go Blue Day. 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 importance of prevention. Reducing child abuse & neglect, keeping children safe and making Missouri families stronger remain the top priorities of the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention.
AUDIO: Kirk Schreiber talks about Prevention Month as a reminder to keep up the work.
This year alone, CTF awarded over $2.6 million in non-general revenue funding and donations to support community-based prevention programs such as home visitation, safe crib, crisis nursery, teen mentoring, parent education, family support, protective factors that strengthen families and many other prevention initiatives. CTF continued its Never Shake A Baby, Not Even For A Minute, Words Hurt and Parent with Patience public awareness campaigns. These programs directly impact and benefit thousands of Missouri children and families. Prevention is the key to keeping our children safe and building strong resilient families. Prevention is the insurance policy for good health, mental health, crime reduction, educational and economic prosperity for our next generation. Please consider investing in Missouri’s children by supporting prevention efforts and organizations in your community in April and throughout the year. Our future, and our children’s future, may very well depend on it.
AUDIO: Kirk Schreiber talks about various ways to get involved with prevention.
A Great Way to Help Children
By Patrice Mugg , CTF Board Chair, Kirkwood, MO
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, was the first State Income Tax Check-off in 1984. This is the donation option given to each of us via our State tax returns. Since CTF receives no general revenue, the money received through the check-off program remains an important source of donations. Knowing we are the “Show-Me-State,” you may be wondering where these funds go and what they are doing to help Missouri families.
CTF uses the Tax check-off funding to support community-based organizations throughout the state that in turn support children and strengthen their families by incorporating five protective factors:
- Nurturing and Attachment: A child’s early experience of being nurtured and developing a bond with his parents or other caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development.
- Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development: Discipline is both more effective and more nurturing when parents know how to set and enforce limits and encourage appropriate behaviors based on the child’s age and level of development.
- Parental Resilience: Parents who are emotionally resilient have a positive attitude, creatively solve problems, and effectively address challenges and deal with stress are less likely to direct anger, blame and frustration at their children.
- Social Connections: Many parents often find themselves isolated. Trusted and caring family and friends provide emotional support to parents by offering encouragement and assistance in facing the daily challenges of raising a family.
- Concrete Supports for Parents: Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation and access to essential services to ensure the health and well being of their children.
Many of the community-based prevention programs that CTF supports include: safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nurseries, home visitation, parent education, grandparent support, mentoring for teens, infant nurturing, as well as public awareness campaigns that address the dangers of shaking a baby, never leaving children unattended in vehicles, emotional abuse prevention, and parenting with patience.
You can help prevent child abuse and neglect by using the check-off box on your State tax return or making a tax deductible gift to CTF! Taxpayers not eligible to receive a refund may also make a donation when filing. Contact an accountant for additional information or visit www.ctf4kids.org to learn more.
As a former foster parent, adoptive parent and mother of four, it is imperative that we protect, nurture and support our future generation. CTF and the children of Missouri thank you!
CTF Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010 is 
now available and highlights CTF prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns from July 2009 through June 2010. During that time, CTF distributed nearly $2.5 million in prevention funding to support community-based programming such as home visitation, safe crib, crisis nursery, mentoring, Strengthening Families Initiative, parent education, family support and other prevention initiatives. CTF continued its “Never Shake A Baby”, “Not Even For A Minute”, “Words Hurt” and “Parent with Patience” campaigns. In its 27th year, CTF has distributed over $40 million in non-general revenue funds since its inception in 1983.
New Helpline Gives Added Support for Caregivers
The Parent’s Anonymous organization has launched a new resource for parents and others who care for children. It’s called the National Parent Helpline. Individuals who are feeling alone or overwhelmed about a situation involving a child or young adult can call the helpline for guidance from a trained advocate who may offer the following:
- listen to you
- offer emotional support
- help you problem-solve
- support you in creating your own solutions
- encourage you to take care of yourself
- work with you to get connected to local services
- explore new resources for your family
- help you build on your own strengths
Call the helpline at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5pm Central Standard Time.
Community & Children’s Resource Board Funds Local Child Abuse Prevention Agencies
The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, along with the Community & Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) of St. Charles County was recently featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The paper highlighted CTF and the CCRB’s efforts to provide funding for local child abuse prevention agencies through a statewide license plate campaign. The CCRB is responsible for distributing license plate donation funds, provided by CTF, to programs that work to prevent child abuse and neglect. This year the CCRB will deliver $16,000 to local programs. Bruce Sowatsky is the Executive Director of the CCRB. He says the funding makes a real difference in St. Charles County.
AUDIO: Bruce Sowatsky talks about various programs funded by the CCRB.
AUDIO: Bruce Sowatsky talks about the importance of respite care.
Sowatsky says it’s also important to think outside of the box when it comes to prevention measures. He says the CCRB’s Shower of Love event is an example.
AUDIO: Bruce Sowatsky talks about April’s upcoming baby shower event.
The CCRB was one of CTF’s original community marketing partners of the license plate program when it began in 1997 to help generate awareness and sales for the CTF prevent child abuse license plate. CTF currently has 37 license plate community partners throughout the state. CCRB is one of the most successful models.
CTF License Plate Program Application Available
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) has released an application for funding to market and sell the CTF prevent child abuse license plate for fiscal year 2012. Since 1997, community organizations throughout Missouri promote and sell the popular specialty plate, depicting the green handprints of a child, to increase prevention awareness and raise funds that are then directly returned back into the community for prevention programs and services. To be considered, applications must be submitted and received with a postmark no later than Monday, April 25. For questions, please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner at (573) 751-6511 or by e-mail at laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
FY2012_LP_Application
Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition Reminded of Beginning
The news story that sparked the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition into action in 2001 is making headlines again. In 1999, eight year old twin brothers, Larry and Gary Bass, died after suffering abuse from their mother and her boyfriend. Two of their siblings are now talking about the events that led to their brothers’ deaths and one is writing a book about it.
Watch the news story about Larry and Gary Bass here: Siblings Open Up About Mother’s Torture Of Brothers – Kansas City News Story – KMBC Kansas City.
Because of the abuse suffered by the Bass twins, leaders at Kansas City’s only child abuse treatment center for young children, The Children’s Place, jumped into action to increase public education about child abuse. Debby Howland and David Francis used their experience with The Children’s Place to convene a group of not only child abuse advocates, but elected officials. That led to the formation of the Child Abuse Roundtable Coaltion in February 2001.
AUDIO: Debby Howland talks about the first roundtable meeting.
Howland says separate entities in the area made the realization that they all had the same goal, preventing child abuse and neglect. As a group more is accomplished, and Kansas City is being recognized by other communities that want to implement similar programs of their own.
AUDIO: Debby Howland talks about bringing groups together.
David Francis has been involved with the coalition since the beginning. He says it’s important that its work continues.
AUDIO: David Francis talks about outcomes.
If you’re interested in getting involved with the Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition, contact The Children’s Place.
Resources for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Communities and organization preparing to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month in April have a great resource in The Child Welfare Information Gateway. Their website features an entire section dedicated to 2011 National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The site works to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and actively engage communities and support families with the following resources:
- Tip sheets to distribute to parents and caregivers to address a particular parenting concern or question. Each tip sheet is available in English and Spanish.
- An activities calendar using the Five Protective Factors. The calendar provides child welfare professionals with activities they can do with families throughout the month that support children and families.
- Prevention Month widgets to post on your website.
- A video explaining how Child Welfare Information Gateway helps connect professionals with information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect.
The site also features the Strengthening Families and Communities: 2011 Resource Guide. The guide is an evidence-based tool that helps promote key factors that prevent child abuse. It works to help parents build resiliency and social connections, thereby laying the foundation for prevention. 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.
CAPA Helps Welcome Home Baby
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) provides funding to the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) of Jackson County through both the General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant Program and CTF’s License Plate Partner program. The funds go to the Welcome Home Baby (WHB) home visitation service. The WHB program is designed to build protection for children within their homes and communities by directly addressing essential factors that protect against and prevent child abuse and neglect. Currently the WHB program is in its fourth year of a five year grant from CTF totalling just under $128,000 during the five year span.
We talked with CAPA Executive Director Jeanetta Issa about the program. She says it meets a great need.
AUDIO: Jeanetta Issa talks about the services CAPA provides through WHB.
WHB begins in the hospital and includes, upon parent’s request, follow-up home visits after mother and baby are discharged. During the hospital visit, parents are provided essential parenting information, an infant massage kit, a Jackson County resource list, and Safe Sleep, Shaken Baby Syndrome and other informative pamphlets. During home visits, case managers review Basic Infant Care information and practice techniques of infant massage, and give families an opportunity to discuss concerns or needs that they may have. Issa says many of the parents and caregivers who the program works to help may not have other options.
AUDIO: Jeanetta Issa talks about the stresses of many of the parents WHB serves.
Issa says CAPA wants to be a resource to everyone, that’s why they’ve been working on breaking down language barriers.
AUDIO: Jeanetta Issa talks about offering services in Spanish.
Education is a major focus of CAPA programs. Issa says CTF helps make those programs possible.
AUDIO: Jeanetta Issa talks about the impact CTF funding has on CAPA’s programs.
For more information about CAPA and the Welcome Home Baby program, visit their website at www.childabuseprevention.org.
Latest Child Fatality Report & Review Now Available
The Missouri Child Fatality Review Program’s 2009 Annual Report 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, 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.
Missouri Department of Social Services Director Ronald Levy says, “The identification of trends, spikes, and patterns of risks in child deaths allows us to share what we learn through education, prevention and deterrence, ensurring a safer environment for all Missouri Children and Families.”
Find more information about the report and its findings here.
Donate on Your Tax Form to Help Prevent Child Abuse
One easy way to help build strong, healthy families and keep children safe is to donate a portion of your Missouri tax refund to the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) through the tax check-off program. A small donaton from you could make a big difference for Missouri’s kids. This program was created in 1983 as the original source of funding for CTF and was the first tax check-off in Missouri.
Your funds help provide programs throughout the state that focus on child abuse prevention and the support of children and their families. Just look for the handprints on your Missouri tax form and indicate the amount you would like to give, or for more information, contact your accountant. All donations are tax deductible. Together we CAN check-off child abuse. Thank you for your support!
Introducing the 2011 Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit
Missouri KidsFirst is offering a new resource for communities. It’s a toolkit designed to provide parenting tips and suggestions for bringing communities together to prevent the abuse and neglect of Missouri’s children.
Within the kit you’ll find a guide for parenting strategies through the various stages of childhood, techniques for teaching good bahavior, and tips for providing emotional support to family, friends and neighbors caring for children. Also, learn what to do if you believe a child has been or may be harmed.
Learn more about the toolkit by clicking here.
Conference Registration is Open
Register Now For CTF’s Statewide Prevention Conference! Only $75 per person for the entire event!The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) invites you to participate in its statewide Small Wins=Big Victories child abuse & neglect prevention conference April 13-15, 2011 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.
This conference will cover a wide range of topics & presenters including Investing in Children, Economic Impact of CAN, Strengthening Families Protective Factors, Parent Support & Leadership, Effective Prevention Models, Grant Writing, Social Marketing, Period of Purple Crying & much, much more!
As part of this conference, please rally with us Wednesday, April 13 on the Capitol south lawn for the Pinwheels for Prevention opening session to celebrate April as child abuse prevention month! Thank you to Missouri KidsFirst for taking the lead on this event and providing other planning & support for this conference.
Register online now for the conference or view/print the conference registration form & agenda. Hotel reservations can be made by contacting the Capitol Plaza Hotel (800-338-8088) and must be made by March 12, 2011 to take advantage of the special room rate of $72.10.
As always, we appreciate your commitment to Strong Families, Safe Kids, and we hope to see you in April! Thank you!
General Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Grant Application Released
The latest information on Missouri Children’s Trust Fund’s General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant Program has been made available. This funding provides grants to community-based agencies and organizations throughout the state that focus on child abuse prevention and the support of children and their families.
2012 Grant Application (PDF) Note: This link is no longer available.
2012 Grant Application (Word Document) Note: This link is no longer available.
Find more information about CTF’s programs here.
Latest Report on Child Abuse & Neglect Available
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released its annual report on child abuse and neglect. “Child Maltreatment 2009” marks the 20th issuance of the report and shows a steady decrease in the number of victims who suffered maltreatment for the third consecutive year.
Making Isabel’s House A Home
CTF has been a proud supporter of Isabel’s House in Springfield for four years. Isabel’s House is the Crisis Nursery for the Ozarks. It is a residential facility where children newborn to age 12 can come while their families face crisis or emergency situations. Children can stay for as little as 24 hours, or up to 30 days.
Francine Pratt is the Executive Director of Isabel’s House. She says there are numerous reasons why caregivers could need to use it as a resource.
AUDIO: Francine Pratt talks about potential challenges facing caregivers.
Isabel’s House has no income limitations. Anyone can use the services, and everyone will be given a service plan to help them deal with whatever situation they’re in. Pratt says the ultimate goal is to strengthen families for the long term. After children leave Isabel’s House, aftercare is provided to families on a monthly basis for up to a year. It’s another asset in the effort to prevent abuse and neglect.
The Junior League of Springfield created Isabel’s House. Pratt says Springfield is a perfect location for the crisis nursery because it helps address what are considered the area’s red flags, a high number of abuse and neglect cases.
AUDIO: Francine Pratt talks about addressing the area’s abuse and neglect rates.
She also says Isabel’s House helps the state by providing an alternative to foster care by strengthening families before abuse and neglect become a factor.
The staff at Isabel’s House is a group of highly trained professionals. They meet requirements that assure they’re up to date on the latest techniques in child care. The service’s Family Advocates have the initial meeting with the caregivers to figure out their needs and make referrals to services and put a plan together. They work up a plan for the children as well. Pratt says 91% of those assisted by Isabel’s House stated they had a reduction in stress by using the services.
In addition to the dedicated staff, Isabel’s House relies on volunteers throughout the community.
AUDIO: Francine Pratt talks about the work of volunteers.
Isabel’s House is funded in three ways: through a contract with the state, grants, and community donors and contributions. The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund is in the fourth year of a five year grant award with Isabel’s House. This year, CTF has provided $24,000 to support direct services. Isabel’s House also has fundraisers throughout the year, their biggest in February, called Oscar Night America.
AUDIO: Francine Pratt talks about fundraising for Isabel’s House.
For more information about Isabel’s House, contact them at 573-865-CARE (2273) or by email.
CTF provides support to other crisis nurseries throughout Missouri. Here’s a list:
Rainbow House Shelter, Columbia;
St. Louis Crisis Nursery, St. Louis;
Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri, Joplin;
Awareness is Key for Safe Havens
Save Havens are locations that allow mothers, or other caregivers, the ability to leave an unharmed newborn in a safe location with no questions asked, without the fear of prosecution. An editorial piece in the Kansas City Star recently highlighted the importance of providing information about Save Havens. After conducting research at area hospitals, fire stations, ambulance and police stations, and county and city health departments in both Missouri and Kansas, child advocates found out just how much work needs to be done to help spread the word.
Find the article here.
The Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition is working to make sure signs are posted in designated safe-haven sites to indicate they’re safe places to relinquish a newborn when staff’s on hand. The group is also bringing awareness through the United Way’s 2-1-1 resource hotline. The group’s coordinator, Debby Howland, recently spoke to KCUR about the goal of the coalition. Find that interview here.
Funding Application Information
The General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant Program Application for Funding will be released on Friday, January 14, 2011. On January 18th, a pre-bid meeting will be held from 10 am – Noon in Room 492 of the Truman State Office Building. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about the General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention grant program and application process. It is not necessary to RSVP. The Truman Office Building is located at 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Learn more about our programs here.
CTF Uses New Technology for Fundraising
The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund is using social media to help with end-of-year fundraising efforts. In addition to the traditional means of collecting donations, we’re turning to Facebook Causes. The fundraising application allows Facebook members to donate or promote a cause by posting about it on their profile, thereby sharing it with their contacts. Donations are collected by Facebook and distributed to the non-profit designated to receive them. CTF works to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting strong and stable families. Through new technologies like Facebook Causes, CTF is able to spread the prevention message to a wider audience. Anyone who is a member of Facebook can join the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund Cause.
December marks the final opportunity to make a CTF tax deductible donation for the 2010 income tax period. Making end-of year donations is a great way for individuals to help themselves and support a worthy cause at the same time. CTF does not receive any general revenue funding from the State of Missouri. Funding is received from general donations and the sale of the CTF specialty license plate, in addition to a federal grant, dedicated fees on marriage licenses and vital records, and voluntary contributions on the Missouri state income tax returns.
Some of the programs that will benefit from funds donated to CTF include:
- Home visitation
- Parent Education & Support
- Crisis Nursery Services
- Grandparent/Fatherhood Initiatives
- Safe Crib Projects
CTF serves as Missouri’s foundation for child abuse prevention by providing grants, education and public awareness to community organizations across the state. CTF was established in 1983 by the Missouri General Assembly as a non-profit organization and has distributed over $44 million dollars to support families and prevent child abuse.
Support for Families at Risk
CTF funds the Families Support Project in Pemiscott and Dunklin Counties through the Community Based Child Abuse and Prevention Grant (CBCAP). The project was recently featured in the Daily Dunklin Democrat. It’s just one example of how an organization can give at risk families a better chance at healthy relationships. In addition to teaching skills caregivers need, the Families Support Project is a resource for tangible needs like safe cribs, car seats and vaccinations. Read more about the project here.