THE PUBLIC MIND: TRUST FUND HOPES TO PREVENT FURTHER CHILD ABUSE CASES

To the Editor:

Recently the Children's Trust Fund Board of Directors announced that $21,888 has been awarded to the Community Counseling Center for a model program to prevent child abuse and neglect among families affected by substance abuse. I would like to thank staff writer E.J. Rotert for his article, which helped bring much needed attention to the tragedy of child abuse and neglect.

The problem of child abuse and neglect is frightening; over 45,000 reports of child abuse and neglect were reported to authorities in Missouri last year alone. So prevalent is the problem that it has been declared a national emergency by the federally commissioned U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect. That board has called upon each citizen to join with all other citizens in resolving that the continued existence of child maltreatment is intolerable.

Missouri's Children's Trust Fund, established in 1983 by state law, is the only statewide organization dedicated to preventing child abuse through funding of community-based programs and public education. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Children's Trust Fund works to establish community-based programs that will strengthen families and prevent child abuse. A large part of funding for child abuse prevention comes from voluntary contributions designated by taxpayers on their Missouri State income tax return.

In an effort to address the special needs of families affected by substance abuse, the Children's Trust Fund Board solicited proposals for funding for demonstration programs addressing those specific needs. Forty proposals, requesting nearly $1.7 million, were received in response to this solicitation. Of those 40 proposals, two were selected for funding, one being the proposal designed by the Community Counseling Center.

The Children's Trust Fund is pleased to support the Community Counseling Center in Cape Girardeau in this innovative effort to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and congratulates Cape Girardeau on this successful application.

Patty Wolfe

Executive Director

Children's Trust Fund

Jefferson City, Mo.