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May 16, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Lady Marks Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, Highlights Importance of Crisis NurseriesSPRINGFIELD - First Lady Melanie Blunt today marked Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, emphasizing crisis nurseries' role in the fight against child abuse and neglect. Department of Social Services' (DSS) Children's Division (CD) Director Paula Neese visited the local crisis nursery, Isabel's House, in support of Mrs. Blunt's efforts where she met with program directors and commended the work they do to prevent child abuse and neglect. Gov. Matt Blunt declared April Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. "Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month is a wonderful opportunity to emphasize our shared goal of protecting our children from child abuse and keeping families together," Mrs. Blunt said. "Crisis nurseries are one of the best resources we have to assist parents in the midst of high-stress situations." As part of this month, Neese is visiting programs across the state to highlight their roles. "Programs like Isabel's House prevent abuse and neglect by offering care to children of families in need," CD Director Neese said. "There are many stressors that can trigger violence in families or create a situation where parents need a short term alternate caregiver. Crisis nurseries provide safe, quality care to children as parents address family and household issues that might otherwise result in an unsafe situation. They have my admiration and appreciation for providing these critical services." Isabel's House provides free, temporary residential care for children when there is a crisis or trouble in the home. This care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children from birth to age 12. Experienced and trained staff care for the children during their stay. While there, children are involved in a number of activities which include attending school and working on structured projects. Nutritious meals are provided and parents are able to visit or call their children while they are staying at the facility. In addition to the residential care provided by the staff at the facility, they are strengthening families by providing support, education and training to caregivers to help them become better parents. Gov. Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt were instrumental in the opening of Isabel's House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks. Gov. Blunt worked to secure $500,000 in state funds to help build and support the crisis nursery. As a member of the Junior League of Springfield, Mrs. Blunt has been involved with Isabel's House since its inception. Isabel's House is the League's signature project. "I share the League's and our community partners' commitment to protecting the welfare of Missouri's children and supporting families in crisis, and I applaud the work of Isabel's House to provide a safe environment for children and assistance for Missouri families in need," Mrs. Blunt said. If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, please call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline immediately at (800) 392-3738. Gov. Blunt is working to make Missouri a safer place for our children. Gov. Blunt has made the safety and security of children one of his highest priorities and enacted Missouri's version of Jessica's Law to require a life sentence with at least 30 years served for predators who commit terrible crimes against young children, and he signed legislation that mandates lifetime GPS monitoring for certain sex offenders. Gov. Blunt also instituted the Missouri Alert Network to enhance school safety. Additionally, the governor signed legislation creating the Children in Crisis tax credit for up to 50 percent of donations to any organization that receives funding from the Court Appointed Special Advocate Fund, child advocacy center, or crisis care center. ###
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