BARK About the Community » Government Programs/Public Assistance

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Danielle.Perkins — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:56:49 +0000

Child abuse is defined as any act to harm or to threaten harm to a child’s health or welfare which can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation. Child abuse and neglect has become one of the more common causes of death and injury to children not only in the United States, but worldwide.

Most often, when there is evidence of spousal abuse or animal abuse, children are also being abused. The following are alarming facts about child abuse and neglect in the United States.

A child goes missing in the United States every 40 seconds.

More than 700,000 children go missing annually.

250,000 are classified as Runaways

150,000 are classified as “Throw-away/Abandoned”

300,000 are classified as Missing / Abducted

58,000 are taken by non-family members

If you suspect any child abuse, neglect, or endangerment please adhere to the following procedures:

CALL THE HOTLINE AT 1-800-392-3738, The Children’s Division staff this hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They will take information from you and respond to child abuse and neglect. If you live outside Missouri and want to report abuse or neglect of a Missouri child, call (573) 751-3448.
HAVE COMPLETE INFORMATION, Children’s Division needs specific information to be able to respond to a complaint of abuse or neglect. Be sure you have:
- the name of the child
- the name of the parent(s)
- the name of the alleged abuser
- where the child can be located
You will also be asked:
- Is the child in a life-threatening situation now?
- How do you know about the abuse/neglect?
- Did you witness the abuse/neglect?
- Were there other witnesses and how can they be contacted?

Notice to Mandated Reporters, Effective August 28, 2004: If you are required to report child abuse or neglect because of your occupation, you may no longer make an anonymous call to the Hotline.
CONSIDER IDENTIFYING YOURSELF, If you are not required by occupation to report, you don’t have to identify yourself when you make a hotline call, however being able to contact you later helps CD workers do a more thorough investigation. They may need to ask you for more information during the investigation process.

For more information on reporting child abuse, please contact the Missouri Division of Social and Senior Services athttp://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/rptcan.htm

President Obama is Coming to Town

Danielle.Perkins — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:12:32 +0000

As our country embarks on getting our economy back on track, it almost becomes an balancing act of all important issues that crucially affect our everyday lives and economic stability. In the state of Missouri, we face the same economic issues that most of the the other 50 states encounter. To address some of the concerns regarding healthcare, and unemployment, President Obama will be speaking to approximately 400 attendees at the St. Charles High School in St. Charles, MO. ”It’s a once in a lifetime event; we’re having a good time!” said the St. Charles School District superintendent, Randal Charles. To also show support to our community, he will be supporting Missouri US senator, Claire McCaskill.

To recive more information on the Presidents visit to MO, please visit http://www.kmov.com/news/local/President-Obama-to-visit-St-Charles-on-Wednesday-87034042.html

Heating Up the Neighborhood

Danielle.Perkins — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:00:11 +0000

I recently had an opportunity to be a “celebrity greeter” during the “Rise and Shine for Heat” initiative for Heat Up/ Cool Down St. Louis. During this event, the “celebrity greeters” requested funds to benefit area residents that may be in need of heating assistance. This event took place throughout several Hardee’s restaurant locations in St. Louis City and County, with media coverage from local news channels.

Heat Up/ Cool Down St. Louis provides a safety net in a region which often does not have enough federal, state or utility funds to help keep the needy connected to their utility services. It was to my surprise that the public was so generous when donating funds to a great cause. During this time of economic crisis, many people are in need of assistance in any way possible.

Heat Up / Cool Down St. Louis services these areas:

St. Louis City & County, St. Charles County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, St. Clare County (IL), St. Genevieve County, Iron County, Madison County, and Butler County.

For more information about Heat Up/ Cool Down St. Louis, please visit www.heatupstlouis.org

Kids Count Day at the Capital

Danielle.Perkins — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:51:40 +0000

January 27, 2010 marked the day that over 80 healthcare advocates throughout Missouri convened in the state’s capital, Jefferson City, to rally for more programs for children. This day also marked the official release of the “Kids Count in Missouri Data Book.” For more information on “Kids Count Day” please visit, www.mokids.org.

Safety Net Programs — A Life Saver

kathleen.oguin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:44:31 +0000

The New York Times recently published an article: Food Stamp Use Soars and Stigma Fades. The article reports that there are 239 counties in the U.S. where at least a quarter of the population receives food stamps—and the program is expanding at a pace of about 20,000 people per day. Missouri even made the story – a third of the children in Missouri receive food aid. This recession is hitting the once middle class in our society. What would happen to all of us if we lost our jobs, homes, savings and sometimes our self worth? What if not for the many safety net programs?

What’s Next for Healthcare Reform?

Mike Siegel, M.D. — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:03:06 +0000

Happy New Year! Now that the Senate and House both have passed health reform bills, you might be wondering how these two different pieces of legislation might be reconciled before the President actually gets something he can sign. The Sunday New York Times opinion page recently offered up its take on how it would like to see things play out. Your thoughts?