Missouri Children's Trust Fund

April proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

"All Americans share a responsibility to protect our Nation's children. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect and to work to enable our children to realize their full potential.

Childhood is a formative time, and abuse can have devastating long-term effects on young lives. In order to provide a safe environment for our young people, parents must work to protect their children from the dangers that threaten them. Family members, educators, public officials, and faith-based and community organizations all play important roles in helping to ensure that children are safe and can grow surrounded by love and stability."

Child abuse in southwest Missouri

What is the scope of the child abuse problem in southwest Missouri? What are the actual numbers -- and faces -- behind the oft-heard statistic that there are more child abuse cases in Greene County than anywhere else in the state? In a special series of stories, the Springfield News-Leader investigates the issue through the voices of victims and advocates.