Missouri Children's Trust Fund

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.

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.

Barceda Families Score Hole-In-One with Fundraiser

About 75 people gathered at the city park in Lamar last Sunday to watch 4,785 golf balls drop from a helicopter hovering about 100 feet above the baseball field. The second annual ball drop is a fund-raising effort to benefit Barceda Families, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 as a result of a Children's Trust Fund community-based child abuse and neglect prevention grant.

With a staff of 11, Barceda Families serves southwest Missouri residents in Barton, Cedar, Dade, Hickory, Polk, Dallas and Vernon counties by providing parent support and other prevention, treatment, and intervention services.

Barceda also serves as a Children's Trust Fund license plate community marketing partner and is the recipient of a CTF prevention grant to provide mentoring to young moms in Dallas, Hickory, and Polk Counties.  According to Michelle Crockett, Assistant Director of Barceda Families, nearly $14,000 was raised to assist children and families, doubling last year's effort. [Joplin Globe]

Related article:  Lamar Democrat

Governor and First Lady Remind Parents to Not Leave Children Alone in Cars

As the extreme summer temperatures continue throughout Missouri, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) reminds all parents and caretakers to never leave a child unattended in 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, injury, abduction and even death.   

Governor Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt recently recorded radio (MP3) and broadcast television public service announcements (PSA) on behalf of CTF reminding parents to never leave a child alone in a vehicle 'Not Even For A Minute'.  CTF encourages the use of these PSAs and other educational materials as a reminder that these are 'car accidents that can be prevented.'

CTF 'Not Even For A Minute' related information, PSAs and tips
'Not Even For A Minute' poster - NEW (PDF)

Related articles and resources:
7-month-old dies in hot parked car [St. Louis Post Dispatch]
Two year old Ohio girl left in car for hours [Cincinnati Enquirer]
Car can super heat in just minutes [Cincinnati Enquirer]
3-year-old left in van [St. Louis Post Dispatch]
Kids In Cars

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]

Meth Users Also Harming Their Children

Children who grow up in meth homes face health risks, including respiratory, dental and psychological problems, malnourishment and physical and emotional abuse.  That message was delivered during a recent presentation and discussion by the Jefferson County Methamphetamine Action Coalition in Hillsboro. The event included presentations by law enforcement and social services officials and a discussion about how to help children harmed by meth. [St. Louis Post Dispatch]