News
2007 Kids Count Missouri
The 2007 Kids Count Missouri Data Book shows a number of positive changes for Missouri’s children including an overall decrease in the rates of child abuse and neglect between 2002 and 2006. The annual publication, issued by Citizens For Missouri’s Children (CMC), is a collaborative project of more than 30 public and private organizations from across the state. The book provides information on measures of child well-being for the entire state, county by county, 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 the Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) at the University of Missouri. Primary funding for the project is provided by the Children’s Trust Fund, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Health Care USA.
By highlighting trends and comparing geographic areas, the Kids Count Project provides valuable information to Missouri citizens including policymakers, advocates, and professionals about the condition of families and children, gaps in services and unmet needs.
According to Sheila Bader, Interim Executive Director for CMC, there were many improvements in a number of measures for child well-being including a decrease in the rates of child abuse and neglect, child deaths, out of home placements, violent teen deaths, births to mothers without a high school diploma and several other indicators. Unfortunately, 2007 saw a number of measures not improving including children enrolled in free or reduced price lunch, children receiving food stamps, annual high school dropouts, births to teens, low birth weight infants and infant mortality.
For the second year in a row St. Charles County was ranked as the state’s most child-friendly area, based on a composite of all Kids Count measures. Platte County, located just north of Kansas City, was second, followed by Nodaway, Clay and Andrew Counties. St. Louis City ranked last in the composite rankings with the southeast Missouri counties of Pemiscot, Dunklin, McDonald and Ripley rounding out the bottom five. The state’s two largest counties, St. Louis County and Jackson County, ranked 16th and 77th respectively.
The entire Kids Count report can be viewed on CMC’s website at www.mokids.org or at OSEDA – http://oseda.missouri.edu/kidscount/.
Related articles:
Kirksville Daily Express – 2/26/08
Springfield News Leader – 2/20/08
Prevention Month Packets Available
Free copies of Promoting Healthy Families in Your Community: 2008 Resource Packet are available from the Children’s Trust Fund and online at Child Welfare Information Gateway. The packet, made available by the Department of Health and Human Services – Children’s Bureau to prepare for Child Abuse Prevention Month – April 2008, is developed for service providers and others who work to promote healthy families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
The packet contains tip sheets in English and Spanish for providers to share with parents, ideas and strategies for engaging communities and the media, as well as strategies to strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect. In addition to Child Abuse Neglect Prevention Month, providers and advocates are encouraged to use this resource in their communities throughout the year to highlight the importance of prevention. To order the resource packet e-mail the Children’s Trust Fund at ctf@oa.mo.gov. Please indicate the number of copies requested.
National Prevention Conference in May
A national-level conference devoted to the prevention of child abuse and neglect will be held May 19-22, 2008, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The conference entitled "Connecting the Dots – Turning Knowledge Into Action" and hosted by Prevent Child Abuse America, will focus on presenting a variety of evidence-based and innovative research and practices that can be useful to prevention and family support professionals including more than 90 workshops delivered by experts in areas such as effective prevention strategies and practices; research, knowledge and innovation; practical strategies for direct service provision; parent education and support; non-profit management, leadership and organizational culture; capacity building; and wellness.
To take advantage of the earlybird registration rate, register by March 28th.
Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect Staggering
An economic impact analysis released today estimates the costs of child abuse and neglect to the United States were nearly $104 billion last year, and a companion report highlights the unavailability of federal child welfare funding for programs and services known to be effective at reducing incidences of child abuse and neglect.
Missouri Child Fatality Review
In 2006, 1,129 children died in Missouri, and of those, 79 children died as a result of child abuse/neglect. These statistics and many others are contained within the report, Preventing Child Deaths in Missouri (pdf), which provides a statistical breakdown of child injuries and deaths. The document includes helpful recommendations for keeping children safe and reducing the chances for injuries and/or fatalites from occurring. The report, issued by the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) within the Missouri Department of Social Services, reflects the work of many dedicated professionals throughout the state who strive to improve and protect the lives of Missouri’s youngest citizens. Printing for this document is paid in part by a grant from the Children’s Trust Fund.
CTF Releases Annual Report
The Children’s Trust Fund Annual Report (pdf) for Fiscal Year 2007 highlights CTF prevention activities, events, grants and public education campaigns. From July 2006 through June 2007, CTF distributed nearly $2.8 million in prevention funding and directly served over 80,000 persons. CTF funded community-based programs such as home visitation, safe crib, respite care, mentoring, family support and parent education, including infant nurturing, fatherhood and grandparent support. CTF continued its “Never Shake A Baby” and “Not Even For A Minute” awareness campaigns, and introduced two new campaigns, “Words Hurt” targeting the emotional abuse of children, and “Parent with Patience”, which focuses on realistic expectations of children.
Prevention Funds Available Through Annual Grant Application Process
The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors announces the availability of grant funds for child abuse/neglect prevention programs for state Fiscal Year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009). Up to $300,000 is available for first year projects and up to $900,000 is available for renewal projects (those that are currently funded by CTF within the five-year grant cycle.)
"These funds are available annually to support Missouri's children and families, and we are thrilled many prevention programs previously supported by CTF are being replicated in other parts of the state," said Gina Staves, CTF board chair.
CTF receives no general revenue funding, but funds all of its prevention activities, programs and public education campaigns with funds received from dedicated fees on marriage licenses, vital records, general donations, donations from the specialized CTF license plate, state income tax checkoff, interest from the fund, and a federal grant.
"It's critical that we commit to our grant recipients for up to five years, provided they meet the grant requirements, so they can continue to provide essential prevention services and sustain themselves once CTF funding has ended," said Kirk Schreiber, CTF executive director. During the final three years of funding the grantee is required to provide matching funds in increasing increments.
To be considered, applications must be postmarked on or before March 13, 2008. For more information please contact Laura Malzner, CTF Program Coordinator, at (573) 751-5147 or laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
FY 2009 CTF General Prevention Grant Application (Word doc) Note: Link no longer available
FY 2009 CTF General Prevention Grant Application (PDF) Note: Link no longer available
Grant Funds Available to Assist Communities with Helping Kids and Families
The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) is pleased to announce the availability of Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant funds for fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009). CBCAP funding is a federal initiative that originates from the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. CTF is the designated lead agency to disburse this funding in Missouri.
The CBCAP project in Missouri is designed to help communities develop a model integrated system for delivering health, family support, and social services to children and families in order to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and ultimately reduce the risks of child abuse and neglect. Through incorporating a lead agency concept, each CBCAP site works to develop a more efficient and coordinated way of working with families to reduce duplication of existing services and maximize the resources of public and private providers. Community collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to apply. As part of the funding requirements, each site must participate in a rigorous strategic planning and evaluation process.
According to Kirk Schreiber, CTF Executive Director, the Missouri CBCAP model offers community partnerships and provider networks an excellent opportunity to work together to provide coordinated services and support to children and families. "This model has proven successful with previous community recipients, and we are very excited to offer these grant opportunities for a "third generation" of CBCAP communities."
The Missouri CBCAP model is recognized by the federal funding agency as attaining the highest level of program standards and performance indicated by evidenced based outcomes and successful replication of the program in other communities. Each CBCAP site continues to show statistically significant improvement in scores of standardized measures of family risk (Child Abuse Potential Inventory) and distress (Parental Stress Index) among parents participating. Families also report high levels of satisfaction with the services they receive.
The deadline for submitting a CBCAP application is Friday, April 18, 2008, 5:00 p.m. For more information please contact Laura Malzner, CTF Program Coordinator, at (573) 751-5147 or e-mail at laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.
Download FY 2009 CBCAP Application (pdf) Note: Link no longer available
Download FY 2009 CBCAP Application (word doc) Note: Link no longer available
Highway Patrol Launches New Safety Program to Protect Children
Fourth graders at Blair Oaks Elementary School in Wardsville were the first students in the state to have ID’s made as part of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s new safety program. The program provides parents easy access to all of the information they may need if something happens to their child. The ID includes photographs of the children, their height and weight, address, phone number, parents’ names, birth date and a digitally scanned fingerprint. The information is strictly for the ID card and is not saved or shared.
Last year about 8,000 children were reported missing across the state according to Kaverne McCullum, supervisor of the department’s Missing Persons Unit. At the end of the year there were still 450 children considered missing, McCullum said. [Read more – Jefferson City News Tribune] [Link to Keeping Children Safe]
Pathways to the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
A new resource entitled Pathways to the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is available through the Pathways Mapping Initiative at Pathways to Outcomes. This site holds a wealth of findings to assist community coalitions, providers of support services, funders, and policymakers with improving the lives of children and families living in America’s at-risk neighborhoods. Included is a broad collection of information about what works in social programs and policies to achieve desired results, including increased rates of children ready for school and higher numbers of economically successful families. The Pathways Mapping Initiative draws from and builds upon a larger body of knowledge about what is working in other communities including best practices, theory of change, indicators of progress and successful benchmarks.
Other Pathway resources available include Pathway to Children Ready for School and Succeeding at Third Grade and Pathway to Successful Young Adulthood.
Study Urges Efforts to Target Fathers in Child-Abuse Education
A new study published in Child Abuse and Neglect has found that fathers are far more likely than mothers to break or fracture their children’s bones, and that young infants are often the target of this type of abuse. According to Suzanne Starling, a forensic pediatrician for the Child Abuse Program at Children’s Hospitals of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, "If prevention efforts remain targeted primarily at women, a large proportion of perpetrators will not be reached. Alternative prevention efforts must be sought." Broken and fractured bones are the second most common physical symptom of child abuse in the United States. [More]
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development Available
The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development produced by the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development is now available as a free online resource. The Encyclopedia, intended primarily for policy-makers, service providers and parents, brings together articles written by internationally renowned experts on topics having to do with the psychosocial development of young children, from conception to the age of five. Each of the 33 topics addressed is explored from three perspectives: development, services and policies. Key points are summarized in a user friendly format that will be most useful to practitioners and planners.
NIJ Issues Report on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
A special report on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children was recently released by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This report explores research into the organization of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), the effects of CSEC on victims, and what measures are being taken and can be taken in the future to prevent its occurrence. Research indicates that CSEC takes place at three levels: local exploitation by one or a few individuals, small regional networks involving multiple adults and children, and large national or international sex crime networks where children are traded and sold as commodities.
"Many children who become victims of commercial sexual exploitation have suffered from absent, negligent, or abusive parenting. A survey of adult prostitutes at an Atlanta jail, for example, revealed that nearly half had been sexually molested as children. Carefully planned and evaluated child abuse prevention programs, better treatment of victims, and more attention focused on abusive households would help address the issues that can underlie CSEC." [Excerpt from report]. Current U.S. outreach programs are discussed as well as recommendations for future action.
Related websites: Office of Justice Programs; US Department of Justice
Promoting Parent Success through Home Visitation
Childhood success begins with parenting at its best. This new practice/policy brief, Home Visiting: Strengthening Families by Promoting Parenting Success from the Family Strengthening Policy Center, reports that home visiting is a prevention model that can have positive effects for families facing parenting and child-rearing challenges. (Author abstract)
Child Advocacy Day Scheduled
Mark you calendars to attend the 26th Child Advocacy Day scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2008 in Jefferson City. The annual event, coordinated by the Missouri Alliance for Children, Youth and Families and the Missouri School-Age Community Coalition, begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Child Advocacy Day is an opportunity for children and youth advocates to become better informed about issues, legislation and policies affecting children and provides advocates an opportunity to share their views with state legislators. Attendance at this event continues to increase with more than 800 people attending in 2007. Child Advocacy Day is free of charge and pre-registration is not required. [Schedule of events] [Read more]
CTF Recognizes Individuals at Fall Board Meeting
During the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) annual fall Board meeting held October 2007 in Jefferson City
, the Board recognized Rep. Rachel Storch and Rev. Robert "Bob" Marty for their service and contribution related to child abuse and neglect prevention.
In addition, the Board expressed appreciation to Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., of St. Louis for her service as Board chair over the last two years. The Board also elected and welcomed Regina Staves, Ph.D., of Kansas City as the new Board chair and Patrice Mugg of St. Louis as the new chair elect.
Photo: Senator Maida Coleman of St. Louis; Nanci Bobrow, former CTF chair; Rep. Rachel Storch of St. Louis; Kirk Schreiber, CTF executive director [Larger photo]
Board Members Take New Leadership Roles
Regina Staves, Ph.D., of Kansas City was elected chair of the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors during its annual fall meeting October 2007. She has served on the Board since 2004. Dr. Staves is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Psychology at Avila University in Kansas City. She is also a licensed mental health counselor specializing in psychological trauma and attachment in children and adults. Her interests include child development, specifically emotional and brain development, and she is also involved in educating the community about the positive individual and societal effects of restorative justice.
Dr. Staves – "As a child and family therapist, educator and child advocate, I am grateful for the opportunity to chair the Children’s Trust Fund Board. It is highly rewarding to work with the CTF staff and board members, who are geninuely dedicated to keeping children safe and preventing child abuse and neglect. It is my hope over the next two years to further promote the awareness of child abuse prevention across our state and to increase advocacy efforts in keeping all of Missouri’s children safe from abuse."
Staves replaced outgoing chair Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D, who is a licensed psychologist and a certified health service provider.
Patrice O’Neil Mugg of Kirkwood, who has been a Board member since 2005, was elected chair elect and will succeed Staves as chair in October 2009. She is a former teacher certified in special education and is active with the Kirkwood School District Foundation, Greentree Community Church Mentoring program, Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, and North Kirkwood Middle School PTO.
Rep. Storch Receives Donovan Award
Recognized for Leadership in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri’s foundation for child abuse prevention, recently presented State Representative Rachel Storch of St. Louis with the Laurie Donovan Award for her outstanding commitment and service to Missouri’s children in developing public policy.
Established in 2000, the Donovan Award is given annually to one current or retired elected official who has provided leadership in the area of child abuse prevention, family support and overall concern and advocacy for children and family issues. Rep. Storch was elected to the legislature in 2004 and serves the 64th District. She is an advisory board member for Nurses for Newborns Foundation (NFNF), St. Louis Crisis Nursery and Voices for Children.
“Rachel possesses commitment and integrity as she fights for Missouri’s low-income families and children, particularly in the areas of healthcare, insurance coverage, education and abuse prevention and treatment,” said Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., CTF chair. “As a member of the Budget Committee, she has secured funding affecting children such as the Umbilical Cord Blood Bank at Cardinal Glennon Hospital; child welfare programs, including NFNF, aimed at preventing abuse; and the SafeCare program which educates physicians to perform exams and administer treatment to sexually abused children.”
The CTF Board of Directors created the award named after former Missouri House of Representative Laurie Donovan for her efforts while serving in the general assembly. Previous award recipients include Rep. Donovan, Governor Mel Carnahan (posthumously), Sen. Harold Caskey, Sen. Betty Sims and Sen. Roseann Bentley.
Rev. Marty Receives Chair Award
Rev. Robert Marty of Mexico was the recent recipient of the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Chair Award, which is given to a CTF board member, grantee or other individual who displays outstanding service and support to CTF and its mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D, CTF chair, presented the award to Rev. Marty during the CTF annual fall board meeting October 18 in Jefferson City.
Rev. Marty was appointed to the CTF Board in 2002 by Governor Bob Holden. He is an ordained minister and serves as pastor of Midway Christian Church in Mexico. He is a former Mexico Board of Education president, city council member and Mayor of Mexico.
“He is known as an advocate for children and families,” said Bobrow. “He is a compassionate person and approaches each task with a positive outlook. He brings careful attention to each issue, discussion and decision, while adding a dose of wit and humor to each board meeting.”
Created by the Missouri General Assembly in 1983, CTF is Missouri’s foundation for child abuse and neglect prevention and works through grant distribution, education and awareness.
Investing in Parents so Children and Youth Succeed
The National Human Services Assembly (NHSA) Family Strengthening Policy Center is pleased to announce the release of "The Parenting Imperative: Investing in Parents So Children and Youth Succeed."
Parents are one of the most important influences in positive child and youth development, yet too many caregivers lack the support they need. By strengthening parents’ connections to resources, communities can help children thrive. To inform policy, practice, and civic initiatives, the brief explains what a “parenting success” strategy looks like and how it can strengthen families and communities. Community groups and family-serving agencies will find best practices and recommendations for how to maximize impact. For funding agencies and policy makers, this brief focuses on creating conditions for communities to respond to the parenting imperative.
This brief is the 22nd in a series on Family Strengthening produced by NHSA.
The Amazing Adolescent Brain
“The average human brain consists of approximately 3 pounds of jelly-like substance, contains 100 billion neurons, and can make 100 trillion connections…more connections than in all of the world wide web.” This is according to Dr. Linda Chamberlain, founding director of the Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project and an epidemiologist specializing in childhood exposure to violence and brain development.
Dr. Chamberlain recently spoke to over 100 professionals attending a workshop addressing adolescent brain development, which focused on the resliency of the human brain and how violence, including abuse, neglect, domestic and dating violence can impact the brain negatively.
“The latest research indicates that an adolescent’s brain is a work-in-progress that is more similar to the brain of a child than an adult.” According to Chamberlain, when pre-adolescents and adolescents are exposed to early traumatic and violent experiences, it dramatically increases the risks of substance abuse, eating disorders, teen pregnancy and other health and mental health issues including depression and suicide.
The one-day workshop held November 16 in Columbia, hosted by the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association (MJJA), was part of MJJA’s Best Practices in Juvenile Justice Series. The training, offered free to participants, was sponsored by the the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group through the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the Office of Juvenile Justice Deliquency Prevention (OJJDP); and the Children’s Trust Fund.
World Child Abuse Prevention Day
November 19 is World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The World Day, initiated by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) in 2000, aims to create a culture of prevention around the world by encouraging governments and community/society organizations to play more active roles in protecting children. Melissa Jonson-Reid, Ph.D., a child welfare expert and professor of social work at Washington University, St. Louis, offers several ways to become involved in preventing child maltreatment including purchasing a Children’s Trust Fund license plate.
[Related link-National Institute of Child Health and Human Development]
Fraternal Order of Eagles Supports CTF
Each year the Missouri State Presidents of the Fraternal Order of Eagles help to raise money for a ‘charity of choice’. For 2007-2008, the Eagles chose the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) based on CTF’s mission and focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Missouri. Founded in 1898, the National Fraternal Order of Eagles has grown to over 1 million members in 1,700 communities across the United States and Canada. The Eagles’ motto is ‘people helping people’, and they are very proud of their philanthropic work including raising millions to eliminate heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s research, and support of programs for seniors such as Meals On Wheels and many other charities.
Several fundraising events are planned in communities throughout the year. One such event, a Hawaiian Luau and Silent Auction Fundraiser Hula for the Prevention of Child Abuse hosted by the Jefferson City Fraternal Order of Eagles, is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 9, at the Eagles Banquet Room, 1411 Missouri Boulevard, in Jefferson City. To inquire about other prevent child abuse fundraisers, please contact the local Fraternal Order of Eagles in your community. All proceeds from the Eagles will be earmarked specifically to help crisis nursery/respite care prevention programs around the state. Crisis nurseries provide short-term emergency care to children for families experiencing temporary hardship or crisis.
[Related article – Jefferson City News Tribune]
[Follow up article – Eagles Auxiliary Raises Funds – Jefferson City News Tribune]
Brochures, Fliers and Ads
Ad Slicks (1/4 page)
- Boy_Ad_BW.pdf
- Boy_Ad_Color.pdf
- Girl_Ad_BW.pdf
- Girl_Ad_Color.pdf
Fliers (8.5 x 11)
- Flier_Customizable.pdf
- Flier.pdf
Posters (11 x 17)
- CTF_Poster_Customizable.pdf
- CTF_Poster.pdf
Brochures (Trifold)
- TrifoldBrochure_Customizable.pdf
- TrifoldBrochure.pdf
Other Graphics
- CTF_Logo.jpg
- License_Plate.jpg
- Webbutton.jpg
Child Trends Releases Two New Program Briefs
Child Trends, an independendent nonpartisan research center focusing on children and youth, has released two new briefs in its series on fostering the adoption of evidence-based practices in out-of-school time programs. Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: Six "Drivers" of Success defines implementation; highlights why the effective implementation of evidence-based practice is critical to achieving outcomes; and outlines six core components of successful program implementation. Seven Activities for Enhancing the Replicability of Evidence-Based Practices describes the essential components of replicable programs and outlines seven key activities that program developers and researchers can conduct to enhance replicability of effective program models.
Family Resource Center Presents Conference for Professionals
Register now for Remedies For Families and Children in a Socially Toxic World, Friday, November 16, 2007, St. Luke’s Hospital, 232 South Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield. This one day conference sponsored by Family Resource Center focuses on professionals who work with children and families. The conference will provide solutions, strategies and tools to assist professionals with a better understanding of how to deal with the impact of trauma and violence on children, families and the community. Nationally acclaimed child maltreatment expert and author, James Garbarino, Ph.D., will address the impact of family and community violence and abuse on child development and offer key interventions to deal with these effects. Registration fees have been reduced to $25 standard registration and $15 for students.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
The Children’s Trust Fund’s primary public education campaign is "Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome" and is designed to heighten the awareness of the dangers of shaking a baby and encourage a plan of prevention.
Everyone who cares for a baby needs to know about Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).
SBS refers to the many serious and often fatal injuries that result when an infant or young child is violently shaken. Babies are hurt because their weak neck muscles are not strong enough to support their disproportional large head. When an infant or young child is violently shaken, the brain bounces back and forth within the skull, bruising or destroying brain tissue, tearing blood vessels and often causing retinal bleeding. This can result in brain seizures, paralysis, blindness and death.
In 2006, of the 27 Missouri child abuse fatalities as a result of inflicted injury at the hands of a parent or caretaker, 12 were victims of SBS. (The Missouri Child Fatality Review Program Annual Report 2006)
Shaking generally occurs when a frustrated caregiver becomes overwhelmed with an unconsolable crying baby. It is all right for a baby to cry if all of their needs have been met. If you or someone has the urge to shake a baby — STOP! Place the baby in a safe place, walk away, take a deep breath, count to 100, listen to soft music, take a hot shower … do anything to calm down.
Remember, babies will cry and a plan is necessary.
SBS can be prevented. Make sure that everyone who cares for your child knows about the dangers of shaking and give them permission to contact you anytime they become frustrated or angry.
CTF sponsors and provides brochures, television commercials, and public service announcements to work together to support the campaign. In 2002, CTF developed and made available two versions of the "Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome" videotapes. Hospitals throughout Missouri incorporate the parent video into their newborn and childbirth programs, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Child Care includes the caregiver video as part of its Child Care Orientation Training for providers statewide.
Safe Crib Safe Sleep
The safest place for an infant to sleep is in a standard crib, on his or her back without soft bedding or toys of any kind.
Safe Crib-Safe Sleep is one of CTF’s primary public education campaigns. It provides safe sleep information to parents and encourages them to provide a safe sleeping environment for their infants. The Safe Crib Project Guide outlines a plan for social service agencies, community health agencies, hospitals and other similar organizations to implement a program that will provide safe, new cribs to families in need along with critical parent education about safe sleep arrangements for infants.
A large majority of sudden infant deaths diagnosed as SIDS are due to unsafe sleeping arrangements. These unsafe arrangements include any sleep surface not designed for infants, sleeping with head or face covered, and sharing a sleep surface.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development support the following recommendations on safe bedding practices when putting infants under 12 months down to sleep.
Six Simple Steps to Make Your Baby’s Crib Safe
- Place baby on his/her back on a firm tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
- Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft products from the crib.
- Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
- If using a blanket, put baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only so far as the baby’s chest.
- Make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep.
- Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface to sleep.
Related Information:
SIDS Resources, Inc.
Safety Tips for Home Visitors in Meth Environments
In response to those who attended the workshop on Methamphetamine (Meth) during the Children’s Trust Fund’s (CTF’s) child abuse and neglect prevention conference in March 2007, CTF has developed an electronic flyer, A Toxic Combination: Children and Methamphetamine (PDF), to assist home visitors in becoming informed and safe as they work with and help families.
The Missouri Guidelines for Managing Children Found at Methamphetamine Laboratory Sites implemented by the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association (MJJA) is another tool that provides agencies and organizations with a protocol to cautiously deal with a Meth environment and the safe removal of involved children.
The production and use of Meth creates a dangerous environment for children and families, as well as home visitors who serve their communities. Meth has a detrimental effect on child abuse and neglect in Missouri, since addiction may lead to parents and caregivers compromising the healthy lives of their children in order to maintain continued use of the drug. As a result, children may be exposed to very dangerous surroundings, severe neglect, and physical and sexual abuse. In addition, homes contaminated with Meth pose risks to home visitors as they conduct their work.
CTF expresses appreciation to Detective Mark Edwards of the Jefferson City Police Department and Peggy Thoenen, Early Childhood Consultant, who contributed the content for this public education piece.
Safety Tips for Home Visitors in Meth Environments
In response to those who attended the workshop on Methamphetamine (Meth) during the Children’s Trust Fund’s (CTF’s) child abuse and neglect prevention conference in March 2007, CTF has developed an electronic flyer, A Toxic Combination: Children and Methamphetamine (pdf), to assist home visitors in becoming informed and safe as they work with and help families.
The Missouri Guidelines for Managing Children Found at Methamphetamine Laboratory Sites implemented by the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association (MJJA) is another tool that provides agencies and organizations with a protocol to cautiously deal with a Meth environment and the safe removal of involved children.
The production and use of Meth creates a dangerous environment for children and families, as well as home visitors who serve their communities. Meth has a detrimental effect on child abuse and neglect in Missouri, since addiction may lead to parents and caregivers compromising the healthy lives of their children in order to maintain continued use of the drug. As a result, children may be exposed to very dangerous surroundings, severe neglect, and physical and sexual abuse. In addition, homes contaminated with Meth pose risks to home visitors as they conduct their work.
CTF expresses appreciation to Detective Mark Edwards of the Jefferson City Police Department and Peggy Thoenen, Early Childhood Consultant, who contributed the content for this public education piece.
BraveHearts Program Provides Support to Dads
Healthy Families Counseling and Support, a nonprofit agency that serves families in Clay and Platte Counties, is having success reaching dads through the BraveHearts Program. The free support program for fathers with children ages birth to 6 began two years ago with funding from the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund and the Kauffman Foundation. Using a curriculum from the Center for Successful Parenting, a BraveHearts’ facilitator takes fathers through parenting and child development education, fatherhood development, case management services, mentoring, and job training. Referrals for the program are received from local courts, attorneys, high schools and Head Start. Some fathers refer themselves. Most volunteer to attend, though some are court-ordered. Free childcare is provided while the dads are in session, and one portion of the meeting is committed to play time which helps to strengthen the bond between fathers and their children.
[KC Community News]
Safe At Home Program Provides Vital Service to Victims
The Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program is a new service administered by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office that provides survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking, who have relocated or are about to relocate, with an alternative mailing address to help keep their assailants from finding them. The Secretary of State’s Office will forward participants’ first class mail, certified mail and court documents to help keep their location confidential. In addition, it allows participants to use the substitute address on their government records and public filings, keeping assailants from using current government documents to locate their victims. For more information or to sign-up, please contact the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office at (866) 509-1409 or e-mail SafeAtHome@sos.mo.gov.
Related Articles:
First Sign Ups For Safe At Home
Governor Signs Legislation To Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Safe At Home Signed Into Law
Carnahan Applauds General Assembly for Passage of Legislation
Helping Missourians Feel Safe At Home
CTF Participates in ‘Show Me You Care Campaign’
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) recently participated in the Missouri State Employees Charitable Campaign statewide kickoff festivities for 2008. The theme of this year’s campaign is Show Me You Care. The annual event provides state employees with one unified fund raising campaign to contribute to charitable organizations from across the state.
CTF is one of many 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 that prevent child abuse/neglect and create awareness to the importance of strong families and keeping children safe.
CTF participates in Department of Corrections (DOC) Employees Charitable Campaign kickoff event on September 17. Pictured left to right: Mariann Atwell, Acting Division Director, Division of Offender Rehabilitative Services; Vicki Myers, Director, Division of Human Services; Jerome Anderson, Boys and Girls Club; Lee Knernschield, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Larry Crawford, Director, DOC; Kirk Schreiber, Executive Director, Children’s Trust Fund; Dave Rost, Deputy Director, DOC; and Steve Long, Chairman, Board of Probation & Parole. [Larger photo]
Grants to Expand Early Childhood Care Announced
Governor Matt Blunt has announced that the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Children’s Division awarded new grants to 13 early childhood facilities to begin or expand early childhood care. The amount of new funding is $948,999 bringing the total amount the Children’s Division is providing to facilities to expand early childhood programs to $3,789,400 for this year. This year’s grants will provide the recipients with the funding necessary to serve an additional 204 children from birth to age two. Riverboat gaming fees provide a portion of the revenues for the grants.
Governor Announces Grant to Help Protect Missouri Families from Sex Offenders
Governor Matt Blunt announced that the state has received a $50,000 grant to enhance professional training for state law enforcement personnel working to protect Missourians from sex offenders. The federal grant was awarded to the Department of Corrections to develop an advanced curriculum focused on enforcing tough new legislation recently signed into law.
MJJA to Offer Free Training on Adolescent Brain Development
The Missouri Juvenile Justice Association (MJJA) is pleased to present a one-day conference on Adolescent Brain Development –Best Practice for Juvenile Justice. This informative event will be held at the Holiday Inn Select, Columbia, MO, on Friday, November 16, 2007. Internationally acclaimed speaker, Dr. Linda Chamberlain, a health scientist specializing in childhood exposure to violence, will provide a dynamic look at new research surrounding adolescent brain development and the effects that violence, drug abuse, stress and other externals have on the adolescent brain. The training is being underwritten by funds provided by the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group through the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the Office of Juvenile Justice Deliquency Prevention (OJJDP) and is offered free to participants. Registrations must be received by October 18 and is limited to the first 125 participants. For additional information contact the MJJA office at (573) 636-6101.
Special Training Reaches Law Enforcement Officials
Over 100 law enforcement officials and other professionals who work with youth gathered in Kansas City earlier this month to attend training on understanding and investigating the sexual abuse of children. The two day multidisciplinary training, offered free to attendees, was conducted by the Department of Social Services (DSS) State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) and funded by a grant from the Children’s Trust Fund. The Kansas City training is the fourth and final training in Missouri this year. Training was also conducted in St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia and reached over 500 participants.
Children’s Hospitals at the Frontlines in the Prevention of Child Abuse
The National Association of Children’s Hospitals (NACHRI) has made the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect a priority. Learn how children’s hospitals from around the country are combating child maltreatment through proactive efforts portrayed in the NACHRI Profile Series – Children’s Hospitals at the Frontlines, The Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
What Is All That Crying About?
This month’s edition of the Bulletin of the Centre of Excellence For Early Childhood Development focuses on crying behavior of infants at various developmental stages. Entitled "What Is All That Crying About" by Ronald G. Barr, Canada Research Chair, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, B.C., the article also focuses on how caregivers respond to crying and strategies to help parents cope with the frustration it can often evoke. This issue also contains helpful information regarding preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Excerpt from article – "For parents of newborns, the increased and often inconsolable crying of their infants during the first few months of life can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Understanding these inconsolable bouts of crying is key to helping parents cope with the situation and develop appropriate responses, thus promoting the healthy social and emotional development of their children."
Access additional information at Centres of Excellence For Children’s Well-Being – Early Childhood Development.
Burrell to Host Renowned Author for Skills Training Workshop
Register now for Learned Optimism as a Safeguard for our Children, a one day evidenced based skills training workshop to be held in Springfield on Thursday, October 18, 2007. The event, hosted by Burrell Behavioral Health with support from the Children’s Trust Fund, will take place at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. This training is appropriate for anyone who works with or plans to work with children and their families including mental health professionals, teachers, school administrators, early childhood educators, juvenile officers, healthcare professionals, parenting coordinators, and others committed to best practices in childhood development.
The event will feature internationally acclaimed author and speaker, Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Seligman is a leading authority on learned helplessness, motivation, and learned optimism as a safeguard against depression and abuse. Dr. Seligman has authored several books including The Optimistic Child and What You Can Change and What You Can’t. Dr. Seligman’s research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Foundation on Aging, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Guggenheim Foundation. Up to 8 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit hours are available through the American Psychological Association (APA). Register early as seating is limited for this exciting event to learn first hand from the creator of Learned Optimism as a teaching tool and a lifestyle.
Second Annual Barceda Golf Ball Drop Raises Twice as Much as Last Year’s Drop
by RAYMA BEKEBROCK DAVIS
Lamar Democrat editor
(August 29, 2007) The second annual Barceda Families Golf Ball Drop was an even bigger success than last year’s event. In 2006 the amount raised to fund Barceda Families programs was $7,471.62 with $13,783.25 this year. A total of 4,785 balls were dropped from the helicopter over the baseball field in the Lamar City Park. It took two passes of the helicopter to carry all the balls.
For several months Barceda Families employees have been selling chances on numbered golf balls for the drop. This year 50 area businesses bought tickets for the balls for their employees as a perk or morale booster. The money from the fundraiser will go for programs used to prevent child abuse and domestic violence in Southwest Missouri, programs sponsored by Barceda Families.
First place went to Kristen Bishop, Lamar, who won the John Deere lawn tractor donated by Barton County Implement. Second place went to Sarah Sayre, Lamar, who won the Holland Grill donated by Isenhower Lumber. Dr. Kemp, Bolivar, won the Silver Dollar City tickets donated by the amusement park.
The judging of the placement of the balls was done by Senator Delbert Scott, Representative Ed Emery and Lamar Mayor Keith Divine. All the winners had a hole-in-one, and before the drop it was determined the determining factor for hole-in-one balls would be the northern most ball would take first, and then the balls would be taken from there in a clockwise pattern.
The money will certainly go to help Barceda meet their mission “Children are one third of our population and all of our future”.
For more information on Barceda and its programs go to barceda.org.
Missouri’s Sex Offender Registry Receives National Recognition
Governor Matt Blunt announced today that Missouri’s Sex Offender Registry earned top marks from TopTenREVIEWS Inc. The reviewer named Missouri’s registry the best in the nation, awarding it the only “gold medal” in the country. The reviewer’s summary describes the Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry as, “easy to use and full of important information. Whether you’re a concerned parent, teacher, or suspicious of a date, protect yourself and your family–be informed.” Persons without Internet access can obtain registry information by calling the Missouri State Highway Patrol toll free at 1-888-SOR-MSHP (1-888-767-6747) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
CTF Announces Funding Available For Home Visitation Programs
The Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri (CTF), in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Social Services, requests proposals from qualified vendors to develop and provide comprehensive prevention home visiting services by a registered nurse to high risk parents residing in the counties of Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis, and St. Louis City. Proposed services to other counties may be included; however, services to the five previously listed counties must be provided.
Home visitation services shall assist parents/expectant parents to: (1) develop effective parenting skills to ensure the optimal health and development of their children; (2) prevent repeat teen pregnancies; (3) attain maximum educational achievement; (4) develop the capability to support themselves and their children; (5) have healthy birth outcomes; and (6) ensure the safety and overall well-being of children. Proposals are due in the CTF office no later than Thursday, September 27, 2007, 4:00 p.m. to be considered. The Nurse Home Visitation Application Packet contains detailed information and instructions and may be downloaded. Questions may be directed to Laura Malzner, CTF Program Coordinator at 573-751-5147.
3-Year-Old Left in Van for an Hour
By Joel Currier
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Wednesday, Aug. 08 2007
A 3-year-old boy was left alone in a sweltering day care van parked near the St. Louis Science Center for more than an hour Tuesday, a day temperatures later soared to 100 degrees for the first time this year, officials said.
The boy was on a field trip to the Science Center with about 30 other children while under supervision of the Ferguson-based Happy Go Lucky Child Care Center, said the Science Center’s Marti Cortez, who leads the Visitor Experience Division.
The group from the day care center had arrived at the Science Center in two vans between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Cortez said. About noon, a pedestrian spotted the boy inside a red van parked on Oakland Avenue near the Science Center and alerted authorities, police and Cortez said.
"It just appeared to be an accident—an oversight on their part," Cortez said.
Science Center staff were notified of the forgotten boy and paged the day care center’s leaders immediately, Cortez said. Police and paramedics arrived and took the boy to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for evaluation.
The boy’s injuries were not considered life-threatening.
"He appeared to be just really scared," Cortez said.
Police questioned and released a 24-year-old woman in connection with the incident. Police said they planned to apply for arrest warrants today.
No one at the Happy Go Lucky Child Care Center could be reached for comment Tuesday night.
jcurrier@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8126
PSA: Not Even for a Minute
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Federal Child Porn Indictments on Record Pace
U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway has stated that Project Safe Childhood, a national effort by the US Department of Justice to protect children from online exploitation and abuse, is having a positive effect in the effort to combat internet crimes against children. [Jefferson City News Tribune]
Not Even for a Minute…Never Leave a Child alone in a Car
The Children’s Trust Fund’s “Not Even For A Minute” Campaign encourages parents and caregivers to NEVER leave children unattended in or around automobiles. Left alone in a vehicle for a short time, a child is in danger of dehydration, overheating, hypothermia, injury, abduction and even death.
This is a car accident that can be prevented!
Temperatures in cars soar quickly. Even with a window cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach very high and dangerous temperatures within minutes. In these extreme conditions, children can die or suffer a permanent disability in a matter of minutes.
- NEVER leave children unattended in or around an automobile, not even with the windows down. This applies to pets as well.
- Always put your keys in a safe and secure place.
- Keep vehicles lockes at all times, even at home, and remind your friends and neighbors to do the same. Unlocked cars pose a risk to children who are naturally curious and often fearless.
- Teach your children the dangers of a car and let them know it is not a toy or playground.
- Make your child as visible as possible. Place rear-facing car seats in the middle of the back seat.
- Establish a routine of checking the back seat every time you exit the car to ensure no one is left behind. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
- Place your child’s diaper bag or a small toy in the front seat to serve as a constant, visible reminder of you child’s presence in the car.
- Place your purse, briefcse or other personal item in the back wth the child to give you an additional reason to check the back seat.
- Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare as scheduled.
- Try to plan ahead when you have errands. Run errands when your spouse, trusted neighbor or friend can watch your child.
- Remember to use drive-through convenience provide by banks, dry cleaners, phamacies, restaurants and other businesses.
- Use your debit or credit card at the gas pump.
- When a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks immediately.
- If you see an unnattended child in a car, call 911 immediately.
To help spread this critical safety message, CTF offers several ‘Not Even For A Minute’ public education materials. These are available at no cost in hard copy and download (pdf) and include a poster and rack card (pdf) with helpful tips and reminders. The NEFAM Campaign also includes television and radio public service announcments (PSAs).
For additional information, please visit: Harrison’s Hope, KIDSANDCARS, and Safe Kids USA
Stop Bullying Now Campaign
The US Department of Health and Human Services’ Stop Bullying Now Campaign has been developed by over 80 partners and an expert panel of youth and is aimed at children 9-13 yrs and those adults who influence their lives. Downloadable tip sheets, video workshops, Public Service Announcements, and more are located at Stop Bullying Now.
Missouri Mentoring Partnership Program Reaches Young Fathers
The Children’s Trust Fund recently awarded a child abuse prevention grant to the Missouri Mentoring Partnership Young Parent Program to reach out to young fathers, providing them with educational and support activities that will help them learn to be responsible, nurturing parents. Included in the increased programming planned specifically for the dads will be “Dad’s Only” events that will combine social interaction with discussion on young fatherhood topics.
At every dads event will be mentors who are volunteers, trained and supported by the MMP, who are dedicated to being positive role models for the young parents and helping them succeed in achieving their parenting and life goals. [Southeast Missourian] [Related Southeast Missourian Article]
Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics Releases Report
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released "America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2007." Each year since 1997, the Forum has published this report, which includes detailed information on the welfare of children and families. The Forum alternates publishing a comprehensive report, as is the case this year, with a condensed version that highlights selected indicators. The report addresses such topics as family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health. Print copies can also be ordered online.