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]

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.

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.

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]

New Board Member Appointed

CTF welcomes Eric F. Battle, St. Louis, to the Children's Trust Fund Board.  Battle, recently appointed by Governor Jay Nixon, is the executive pastor for House of Deliverance Church and also serves as bereavement coordinator for United Healthcare Hospice Service. He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy from 2002 to 2007 and as deputy director of the Division of Workforce Development from 2007 to 2009. The Governor has appointed Battle for a term ending Sept. 15, 2012.

CTF also expresses appreciation to outgoing Board member Rev. Robert H. Marty for his outstanding volunteer work and service over the past seven years.

Golf Tournament Benefits CTF

The Jefferson City Probation & Parole Office District #27 raised $5,500 for CTF after hosting the 1st Annual CTF Benefit Golf Tournament September 18 at Railwood Golf Club near Jefferson City.  Sixteen teams, a raffle and silent auction, good barbecue, beautiful weather and a full use of mulligans created an atmosphere of fun and friendship for the afternoon event. CTF Board members Lynne Cooper and Richard Dunn won the "closest to the pin" honors.  A special 'thank you' to the JC Probation & Parole and others for their many volunteer hours, hard work and dedication, and a very grateful 'thank you' to all those who sponsored a hole or a team, donated an auction item or played golf.  Your enthusiastic participation helped to make this first tournament a tremendous success. We hope to see everyone back in September 2010 to play another round of golf for Missouri's kids.

Staves Reappointed to Board

Governor Jay Nixon has reappointed Regina Staves, Ph.D., Kansas City, to the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors.  Dr. Staves is an assistant professor and director of graduate psychology at Avila University.  She is also a psychologist in private practice, specializing in attachment, anxiety, psychological trauma, family systems, abuse and neglect, childhood behavior problems and ethics.  Dr. Staves currently serves as CTF Board Chair, a position she has held since October 2007.  Her second term will end July 2012.
 
The CTF Board comprises twenty-one members, thirteen of whom are public members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, two members from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and two from the Missouri Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem.  Four other public members are appointed by the Governor that do not require the advice and consent of the Senate. Public members may serve up to two consecutive 3-year terms.

[Original Release - August 12, 2009]

Early Interventions Create a Healthier Future

A new article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reinforces the importance of prevention programs and policies that support safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments for children.  According to authors James A Mercy, Ph.D., and Janet Saul, Ph.D., investing in prevention programs can not only improve the long-term health and mental health of a child that can last throughout adulthood, but can also reduce criminal behavior and generate important economic benefits to society.  Conversely, a history of adverse and traumatic experiences can detrimentally effect optimal brain development and lead to long term health risks such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, as well as emotional and behavioral problems such as continuing the cycle of violence in relationships, depression, and even suicide.  The article sites several successful research-based prevention models.  [Read full article - JAMA June 3, 2009]

Governor Nixon Appoints New Board Members

Governor Jay Nixon recently appointed three members to the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors.  Joining the CTF Board are Susan E. Block, University City; Stacey L. Dujakovich, Kansas City; and Robert J. Harris, M.D., Columbia.
 
Block is an attorney and a partner at Paule Camazine and Blumenthal. She previously was an administrative judge of the Family Court of St. Louis County. The Missouri Supreme Court appointed Block to serve on the Missouri Children's Service Commission, the Missouri Children's Justice Commission, and the Missouri Supreme Court Family Court Committee.

Dujakovich is an office manager with Union Shop Apparel in Kansas City and has served in bookkeeping positions with several Kansas City businesses.

Dr. Harris has been a practicing pediatrician in Columbia for 44 years. He was a member of the Columbia Board of Education from 1981 to 1990, including serving as board president from 1984 to 1986.

CTF expresses appreciation to outgoing Board members Kay Lynne Myers, Kansas City (10 years) and Nuzhat Nisar, M.D., Ballwin (3 years) for their outstanding volunteer work and service.

Related - [Governor Nixon Announces Appointments 6/2/09]

New Members Appointed to CTF Board

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) welcomes five new members to the CTF Board of Directors. Joining the CTF Board are Paula E. Clay, Columbia; Kathleen Boyle Dalen, Ph.D., Kansas City; Richard C. Dunn, Springfield; Stephen F. Huss, Ph.D., Hillsboro; and Thomas M. Vansaghi, Ph.D., Kansas City. In addition, Governor Jay Nixon recently reappointed Board member Lynne M. Cooper, D. Min., St. Louis, to a second term.

The CTF Board of Directors is comprised of twenty-one members in which seventeen public members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, two Missouri Senate members are appointed by the President Pro Tem, and two House of Representative members are appointed by the Speaker of the House. 

Public members may serve up to two consecutive 3-year terms and may serve until their successor is appointed.  CTF also expresses appreciation to outgoing Board members Terry Bloomberg, St. Louis (8 years); Sam Burton, Ph.D., Rolla (11 years); Daniel 'Duke' McVey, North Palm Beach, FL (formerly of Jefferson City)(12 years); Christy Garnett, Independence (10 years); Margaret 'Peggy' Krokstrom, St. Louis (3 years); and Sheryl Maxwell, Lilbourn (3 years) for their volunteer work and outstanding service to CTF.