Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Show-Me Solutions Highlights The Children’s Place
KANSAS CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt visited The Children’s Place today as part of his Show-Me Solutions initiative to highlight the work of charitable organizations throughout Missouri.
The Children’s Place originally opened in 1978 to increase awareness and help eliminate child abuse and neglect. Since then, The Children’s Place has outgrown its original scope and now also offers services designed to ensure the health, safety, growth and development of children.
"The Children’s Place is characteristic of the generosity found in numerous communities across Missouri," Blunt said. "They understand the value of providing early interaction and education for children to ensure they have the necessary skills to be successful in their future endeavors."
The Children’s Place day treatment program is designed to help children who are developmentally delayed or have behavior problems due to past abuse, neglect or pre-natal exposure to drugs. Their outpatient treatment program includes counseling, play therapy, family therapy, parent/child interaction training, assessments and psychological and psychiatric evaluations to help children facing attention and impulse control problems, behavior management concerns, developmental delays, death and grief issues, divorce, behavior disorders and the effects of abuse and neglect. They also serve as a referral entry point for children and families utilizing First Steps services in Jackson County.
Through their parenting support services, The Children’s Place works to educate parents and professionals about the importance of nurturing and preventing harm or injury to children. They also offer training services for a variety of professionals in the Kansas City area like law enforcement, social services, corporations, schools and early childhood educators.
During the visit, Blunt took the opportunity to read a book to the children.
Blunt created Show-Me Solutions to help increase awareness about the numerous charitable organizations throughout the state that provide assistance to our fellow Missourians. For information about the governor’s initiative, visit www.showmesolutions.mo.gov.
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