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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For information contact: Debby Howland (816) 363-1898, dhowland@tcpkc.org
Family Support Agencies Campaign for Greater Awareness
During Child Abuse Prevention Month in April
Roundtable Highlights the Many Ways to Keep Kids Safe
KANSAS CITY – Because too many children are still exposed to violence or neglect, area child and family support agencies are banding together to spotlight the problem during Child Abuse Prevention Month — and to promote ways that we can work together as a community to help year-round.
During April and throughout the year, Kansas Citians are being asked to protect children by:
- Learning the facts about child abuse
- Knowing the potential signs of abuse and neglect
- Keeping an eye on the children in your neighborhood and community
- Speaking out when you see potential signs
- Knowing who to call if you suspect abuse or neglect
The Kansas City Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition, a group of advocates and elected officials, have joined together again this year to bring needed attention to child abuse and the prevention, training and treatment services available in metropolitan Kansas City.
This year the Kansas City campaign is focused on 30 Days, Many Ways to Keep Kids Safe. One of the primary campaign goals is to help people understand the behaviors and physical changes that might indicate child abuse:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes of behavior, such as becoming withdrawn to overly aggressive
- Overly sexual behavior or expressions
- Signs that a child is not getting enough to eat
- Lack of hygiene
- A decline in school performance
About two dozen agencies serving children and families in Kansas City have planned an activity or event during April 2007 that will inform and educate parents and caregivers about preventing child abuse. The Kansas City Star will publish a list of local Child Abuse Prevention Month events on March 30, 2007.
Members of the Child Abuse Roundtable Coalition include: The Children's Place, Operation Breakthrough/St. Vincent's, Heart of America United Way, The Family Conservancy,
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Homefront, KidSafe, Partnership for Children, MOCSA, CAPA, Sunflower House, Rose Brooks Center, Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Arts Center, Children's TLC Easter Seals, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Synergy Services, NOVA Center, Jackson County Children’s Division, Jackson County Family Court, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Coalition for Child Safety, Missouri Child Welfare Ombudsman, Cornerstones of Care, KCMO Police Department, Independence Police Department, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater KC, Triality, Office of the Guardian ad Litem, City of Kansas City, Missouri, Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association, NEWHOUSE, Hope House, Clay County CASA, Jackson County CASA, KC Metro Child Traumatic Stress Program, the Local Investment Commission, Gillis Center, Catholic Charities, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, UMKC School of Law, and Kathy Harms and Associates.
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For more information on child abuse prevention, visit these Web sites:
Prevent Child Abuse Missouri / www.pcamo.org
Prevent Child Abuse America / www.preventchildabuse.org
Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri / www.ctf4kids.org
Citizens for Missouri’s Children / www.mokids.org
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