Tax Checkoff Fights Child Abuse

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF), Missouri's Foundation for Child Abuse Prevention, was the first State Income Tax Check-off in 1984. This is the donation option given to each of us via our State tax returns. Since CTF receives no general revenue, the money received through the check-off program remains an important source of donations. Knowing we are the "Show-Me-State," you may be wondering where these funds go and what they are doing to help Missouri families. CTF uses the Tax check-off funding to support community-based organizations throughout the state that in turn support children and strengthen their families by incorporating five protective factors:

1. Nurturing and Attachment: A child's early experience of being nurtured and developing a bond with his parents or other caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development.

2. Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development: Discipline is both more effective and more nurturing when parents know how to set and enforce limits and encourage appropriate behaviors based on the child's age and level of development.

3. Parental Resilience: Parents who are emotionally resilient have a positive attitude, creatively solve problems, and effectively address challenges and deal with stress are less likely to direct anger, blame and frustration at their children.

4. Social Connections: Many parents often find themselves isolated. Trusted and caring family and friends provide emotional support to parents by offering encouragement and assistance in facing the daily challenges of raising a family.

5. Concrete Supports for Parents: Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation and access to essential services to ensure the health and well being of their children. Many of the community-based prevention programs that CTF supports include: safe crib/safe sleep, crisis nurseries, home visitation, parent education, grandparent support, mentoring for teens, infant nurturing, as well as public awareness campaigns that address the dangers of shaking a baby, never leaving children unattended in vehicles, emotional abuse prevention, and parenting with patience.

You can help prevent child abuse and neglect by using the check-off box on your State tax return or making a tax deductible gift to CTF! Taxpayers not eligible to receive a refund may also make a donation when filing. Contact an accountant for additional information or visit www.ctf4kids.org to learn more. As a former foster parent, adoptive parent and mother of four, it is imperative that we protect, nurture and support our future generation. CTF and the children of Missouri thank you!

Patrice Mugg

CTF Board Chair

Kirkwood, MO