Missouri Children's Trust Fund

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.

Infant in Critical Condition; Mother Charged with Arson and Child Endangerment

Iberia woman accused of deliberately setting 6-month-old baby's blanket on fire.
[Lake Sun Leader]

Related link:  KRCG On-line

Toddler Found Safe Inside Stolen Vehicle

A tragedy was averted this week in Kansas City when a thief abandoned a stolen car after finding a toddler strapped inside the vehicle.  The child's mother apparently left her 2-year-old unattended when she went inside a Kansas City convenience store to pay for fuel.  [Kansas City Star online]  The Children's Trust Fund reminds all parents and caretakers to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.  Incidents like this can happen in the 'blink of an eye' and so often end in heartbreak and tragedy.  A child left unattended in a vehicle even for a few seconds is in danger of dehydration, injury, abduction and sometimes death. Related post July 7, 2007

CTF poster (pdf)

Blunt Announces Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grants

Governor Matt Blunt announced today that the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors approved and awarded over $1.5 million for Fiscal Year 2008 to 58 community-based child abuse prevention grantees.  Located throughout Missouri, the organizations and agencies will provide programs that strengthen families to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.

Download FY 2008 Grant Listing (pdf)

Related story:  Southeast Missourian

Children Left Alone in Vehicles Proves Deadly

Recent tragedies in Idaho and Iowa become a stark reminder for parents and caretakers to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.  A 1-year-old boy was found dead in a locked car on Wednesday as temperatures approached 100 degrees in Orofino, Idaho. The boy’s stepgrandmother was charged with involuntary manslaughter. [Idaho Statesmen] A 2-year-old Storm Lake, Iowa, boy died after his uncle left the toddler in a parked car for five hours Thursday afternoon. [Sioux City Journal]

Left alone in a vehicle even for a short time, a child is in danger of dehydration, abduction, injury or even death.  Access other helpful tips by downloading CTF's Not Even For A Minute electronic brochure (PDF) and poster (PDF) and check out Kids In Cars.   Remember, never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, Not Even For A Minute!

Father Charged In Toddler's Death

A 3-year-old boy has died of injuries he allegedly suffered in a beating inflicted by his father, St. Louis police said.  [Stltoday.com]

Glasgow Man Charged in Death of 6-Month-Old

A Glasgow man was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a 6-month-old girl who died from injuries she suffered when he allegedly shook her after becoming frustrated with her crying.  [Columbia Tribune]

Related Stories and Resources:
More Punishment for Baby Shaking - KRCG On-Line
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
CTF Shaken Baby Brochure (PDF)
CTF Shaken Baby Brochure, Spanish (PDF)
CTF Educator's Guide to Prevention of SBS (PDF)
CTF Shaken Baby Syndrome Poster (PDF)

Governor Blunt Announces More Than $1 Million to Fight Internet Predators

Governor Matt Blunt recently announced the award of nearly $1.2 million to independently recognized task forces and local law enforcement agencies which will provide personnel, training and resources needed to protect children from cyber predators, pornography and exploitation.

Additional resource: INOBTR (I Know Better) Campaign