Friday, July 15, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573) 751-0290
Blunt Announces Grants to Fight Child Abuse and Neglect
JEFFERSON CITY – Governor Matt Blunt announced today that the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Board of Directors awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to help fight child abuse and neglect in Missouri. The grants will be delivered to 64 Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) programs throughout the state.
"The Children’s Trust Fund and the programs it helps to support make a valuable contribution in Missouri’s efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect," Blunt said. "I applaud the many Missourians who have partnered to provide assistance to prevention efforts that help families avoid abusive situations."
According to the Missouri Department of Social Services there were 6,527 confirmed incidents of child abuse or neglect in 2004, involving 9,262 children. Abused and neglected children are at higher risk for adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, academic failure and criminal activity.
"Our contributors’ generosity makes these community investments possible," said Bill Heberle, CTF executive director. "CTF continues to invest in proven prevention models that help parents provide a safe environment for their children."
CBCAP programs offer a variety of resources. Many focus on home visitation and school-based prevention education including counseling, crisis intervention and parenting classes. Several provide pregnant and parenting teenagers education, resources and support. Others will introduce infant massage kits to new parents to encourage positive bonding or will provide safe cribs for at-risk infants. Grandparent and fatherhood initiatives, professional development training and support for victims of domestic violence continue to be addressed through CTF grants. CTF also invests in programs that support families of medically fragile babies and other physically challenged and disabled children at-risk of abuse.
Created by the Missouri General Assembly in 1983, CTF is Missouri’s foundation for child abuse prevention. Over the last six years the group has distributed nearly $15 million to 506 prevention projects.
For a complete list of the CTF CBCAP projects funded for Fiscal Year 2006, please visit www.ctf4kids.org or call CTF at 573-751-5147.
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