D S S P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2008
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Gov. Blunt, Department of Social Services' Children's Division Focus on Protecting Missouri Children, Highlight Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
Jefferson City — April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, and Gov. Blunt and the Missouri Department of Social Services' (DSS) Children's Division (CD) are joining with other state agencies and private organizations to raise awareness of abuse and neglect and to promote prevention.
"Over the last three years we have taken important action to increase the safety and security of Missouri children," Gov. Blunt said. "As we take action at the state level to protect children, we want to raise the level of awareness in our communities about abuse and neglect so that Missourians can partner with us to keep children out of harm's way."
"The Children's Division works with many public and private partners to reach out to families who need a helping hand," Children's Division Director Paula Neese said. "The state's child welfare system - the Children's Division, courts, schools, volunteers and many others - work daily toward the goal of eliminating child abuse in Missouri. Together with our partners, we are an important part of the solution, but it takes everyone in the community working together to prevent and address abuse and neglect."
The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline receives and investigates more than 50,000 reports of suspected abuse or neglect each year. Abuse and neglect is blind to race, religion, culture, age, gender or income. Stressors that can trigger abuse or neglect exist in every neighborhood in Missouri. The Children's Division asks relatives, friends and neighbors who see families in stress to offer assistance. Simple offers to perform daily tasks so a parent or caregiver can spend quality time with their child, or just listening and offering support can make all the difference.
"Child abuse and neglect prevention is not an issue that is critical just one month of the year," Neese added. "Neighbors, friends, relatives and everyone who has contact with a child become the eyes and ears of Missouri's child welfare system. We can all help prevent abuse before it happens."
Since 1989 a blue ribbon has served as the nationwide symbol for the fight against child abuse and neglect. It began with a grandmother who tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna as a way to remember her grandson who died as a result of abuse and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. Each year, organizations, businesses, churches, schools and others around the state commemorate Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month by participating in "Wear Blue Day." This year, "Wear Blue Day" is April 18th, and the Children's Division is urging all Missourians to participate in "Wear Blue Day." This is one of many activities being sponsored during Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. A full list of these activities and their locations can be found at www.mokidsfirst.org.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
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. The governor also signed legislation that mandates lifetime GPS monitoring for certain sex offenders. Additionally, Gov. Blunt instituted the Missouri Alert Network to enhance school safety.
