|April is Child Abuse Prevention Month|
In 2009, 109 Missouri children died of child abuse and neglect, an increase of 11 percent over 2008, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services. Nearly one-third of the child abuse fatalities were inflicted by a parent or guardian. Ninety-two percent of those children were under the age of five, with an average age of three to eight months.
These are sobering statistics but there is something that can be done to increase awareness and prevention efforts in our communities. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we wanted to acknowledge some of the excellent events taking place over the next few weeks and highlight valuable resources that are currently available.
Small Wins = Big Victories, Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Conference
The Children’s Trust Fund is hosting a statewide child abuse and neglect prevention conference April 13-15 in Jefferson City. The Pinwheels for Prevention rally will kick off the conference on the Capitol south lawn.
Wear Blue Day
Join child advocates nationwide and “Wear Blue” on Friday, April 15, 2011 to help prevent child abuse. The goal is to register 20,000 participants throughout the United States.
Trends and Implications of the 2009 Child Maltreatment Data Webinar
The Quality Improvement Center on Early Childhood is offering an interactive webinar discussion on the 2009 child maltreatment data on April 14 from 3:30 – 5pm EST.
Stewards of Children: Adults Resolving Child Sexual Abuse in the Community
Stewards of Children is an interactive prevention program developed by Darkness to Light, a national child sexual abuse prevention organization. The training is free and will take place April 27th from 9am – 12noon at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. To register, call 816-778-8000.