Missouri Children's Trust Fund

National Study Indicates Drop in Child Abuse

A new federal study indicates a dramatic decrease in incidents of serious child abuse. Experts say the findings are proof that prevention programs such as home visitation for high risk parents, public education awareness campaigns, as well as increased efforts by child protection services and the criminal justice system are making a difference.  The study, comparing data between 1993 and 2005, showed a 38% decrease in child sexual abuse, a 27% decline in emotional abuse, and a 15% drop in physical abuse.The findings were contained in the fourth installment of the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, a congressionally mandated study that has been conducted periodically by the Department of Health and Human Services.  Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, said “The best use of scarce child welfare dollars is on prevention and family preservation..."

[For more go to MSNBC online, ABCNews online and related video from CBS Evening News]

Kids Count in Missouri Data Book Released

Citizens for Missouri's Children (CMC) recently released the 17th annual KIDS COUNT in Missouri Data Book. The annual publication, a collaborative project of CMC, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), and more than 30 public and private organizations from across the state, documents the status of children in all 114 Missouri counties and the City of Saint Louis.

The book provides information on measures of child well-being covering areas such as health, education, financial security, juvenile justice and child protection. In conjunction with the release of the book, CMC has a unique interactive web tool that allows users to compare county-by-county data over time.  The 2009 Data Book finds that during the most recent reporting period, Missouri made improvements in six of the key KIDS COUNT indicators including a reduction in child abuse and neglect, while four key indicators were worse.

Grant Funds Available for Child Abuse Prevention

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the availability of child abuse and neglect prevention grant funds for state Fiscal Year 2011 under CTF's general child abuse and neglect prevention grant program. Approximately $350,000 will be available for new (first year) projects.  Additional funds have been set aside for those grantees renewing their projects within the five-year grant cycle. 

An informational seminar for the General Child Abuse Neglect Prevention Program Application will be held Friday, January 15, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the Truman State Office Building, 301 West High Street, Room 492, Jefferson City. [Download FY 2011 CTF General Prevention Grant Application]

[Download Powerpoint Presentation, Pre-bid Meeting 1/15/2010]
[Download Questions/Responses, Pre-bid Meeting 1/15/2010]  

In a separate application process, CTF is soliciting up to two new Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) sites under the CBCAP federal grant program.  An informational seminar for the CBCAP Federal Grant Program Application only will be held Friday, January 22, 2010 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the Truman State Office Building, 301 West High Street, Room 850, Jefferson City.

The CBCAP (federal grant) Program in Missouri is specifically 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, maximize resources, improve efficiency 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.  [Download Fy2011 CBCAP Grant Application]

[Download Powerpoint Presentation 1, CBCAP Pre-bid Meeting 1/22/2010]
[Download Powerpoint Presentation 2, CBCAP Pre-bid Meeting 1/22/2010] 

For grant specific information and due dates, please refer to the individual grant application.  For questions, please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner at (573)751-6511 or laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov.

Odessa Student Raises Awareness

Bethaney Booth proves one is never too young or too busy to be an advocate for children.  Bethaney, a junior at Odessa High School who participates in multiple sports, recently found time in her busy schedule to raise awareness about the importance of prevention by raising funds for the Children's Trust Fund (CTF).  In December, CTF Board member Rep. Mike McGhee, along with CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber visited Odessa High School to meet Bethaney where she presented them with a check for $103. In appreciation of her efforts, Rep McGhee presented Bethaney with the Missouri state flag. We applaud Bethaney, her fellow students and the Odessa High School faculty for their compassion, generosity and caring for others and for their support of CTF.

Family Support Project Recognized

Pictured from left to right: Beverly Wilburn, Mabeline Woods, Lynette Cruz, Hugh ‘Buddy’ James

Several members of the Family Support Project (FSP), Caruthersville, were recently recognized for their work to support and strengthen families in Pemiscot and Dunklin counties. Recognized were FSP Coordinator Beverly Wilburn, University of Missouri Extension Nutrition Specialist Mabeline Woods, Lynette Cruz, In-School Career Education Program Coordinator, and Re-entry Program Director Hugh "Buddy" James.  FSP is a Community Based-Child Abuse Prevention Program (CBCAP) funded by a federal grant administered by the Missouri Children's Trust Fund.   The CBCAP in Missouri is an evidenced-based model designed to strengthen families with young children by providing coordinated wrap-around family-centered services and support that promotes the safety and well-being of children and reduces parent stress. Integrating the five protective factors proven to strengthen families, the "Missouri model" provides a community network coordinator who works with a larger service provider network to build capacity, organize and deliver services to families in an integrated, strength-based and comprehensive way.  Each eligible family works with a lead agency and the overall provider network to develop and implement a family roadmap for achieving goals.

 [Full story appearing in the Daily Dunklin Democrat]

Rep. Jeff Grisamore Receives Donovan Award

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) recently presented State Representative Jeff Grisamore, Lee's Summit, with the 2009 Laurie Donovan Award for his commitment and service to Missouri’s children in developing public policy and advocating for children and families.

Established in 2000 by the CTF Board of Directors, 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.  CTF Board member Dr. Regina Staves and CTF Executive Director Kirk Schreiber presented the award to Rep. Grisamore at the Children's Services Commission meeting, December 7.

Timeline Announced For Prevention Grants

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the availability of child abuse and neglect prevention grant funds for state Fiscal Year 2011. CTF will be soliciting both new (first year) projects under its general child abuse and neglect prevention  grant program, as well as adding up to two new CBCAP (Community Based Child Abuse Prevention) sites under the CBCAP federal grant program. Funding will also be available for currently funded projects renewing within the five-year grant cycle. All applications will be available on the CTF website on the date of release.  The timeline for the application process is as follows:

January 8, 2010 – Release of CTF Grant Funding Application for both the CTF general child abuse and neglect prevention program and the CBCAP federal grant program
January 15, 2010 – Pre-bid informational seminar for the General Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program only.  Location - Truman State Office Building, 301 West High Street, Room 492, Jefferson City.  10 a.m.-12 Noon.
January 22, 2010 - Pre-bid informational seminar for the CBCAP Federal Grant Program. Location - Truman State Office Building, 301 West High Street, Room 850, Jefferson City.  10 a.m.-12 Noon.
March 12, 2010 – Submission deadline for General Prevention proposals
April 9, 2010 – Submission deadline for CBCAP proposals

For questions, please contact CTF Program Coordinator Laura Malzner at (573)751-6511 or laura.malzner@oa.mo.gov. 

CTF Recognizes Individuals at Fall Board Meeting

During the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) annual fall Board meeting held October 21 and 22, 2009 in Jefferson City, the Board recognized Senator Carl Vogel for his service and contribution to CTF.

In addition, the Board expressed appreciation to Regina Staves, Ph.D., Kansas City, for her service as Board chair over the last two years.  The Board also elected and welcomed Patrice Mugg, Kirkwood, as the new Board chair and Tom Vansaghi, Ph.D., Kansas City, as the new chair elect.  [More]

Positive Parenting Tips

What developmental expectations should I have for my child?  Is my toddler ready to be toilet trained? In what ways can I communicate with my child? Why is a strong bond with my baby so important? How can I help my child learn to make good choices? How should I deal with my child's crying and temper tantrums? Is my baby misbehaving or exploring? What is positive discipline?

Check out these newly developed parenting tips that will provide insight to these questions and many more.  CTF and Parents As Teachers National Center (PATNC) created this information to help everyone better understand and care for babies and young children. The tips are available in electronic format only and focus on:   

• Positive Parenting
• Developing a Strong Relationship with Your Child
• Understanding Discipline & Guidance
• Issues in Development
• Observing & Knowing Your Child
• Development-Language, Motor, Intellectual, Social-Emotional

PATNC professionals have written and presented each topic by age groups: birth-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 24-36 months, young preschooler, older preschooler. Please download and use the parenting tips at your convenience.

Therapy Animals Help Kids

The American Humane Association (AHA) recently launched an innovative program based upon the belief that therapy animals can help individuals who have suffered physical or emotional trauma.  The Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK)™ Program, co-created by AHA's Allie Phillips and Diana McQuarrie, encourages and guides child welfare professionals on how to incorporate therapy animals into sessions with children who have been abused or neglected or who have witnessed violence. When children have suffered trauma, it is often difficult for them to speak of their experiences. According to AHA, therapy animals can help children become more open and promote the healing process in such venues as children’s advocacy centers and courtrooms. 

To assist with program implementation, AHA has developed a Program Manual (pdf) that provides guidance for setting up an animal-assisted therapy program and safely working with therapy animals. The manual also covers the legal implications of effectively incorporating therapy animals in working with children.  For more information about the Task Program e-mail task@americanhumane.org.