Missouri KidsFirst: An Update

Saint Louis In Tune

Protecting our children from abuse and neglect is an important role for every community. Jessica Seitz, Executive Director for Missouri KidsFirst shares some legislative highlights from 2022 for child protection and safety in Missouri.

Missouri KidsFirst empowers adults to protect children from abuse and neglect through community education, professional training, and child advocacy. They do this through:

• SAFE-CARE: Missouri KidsFirst manages the SAFE-CARE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination-Child Abuse Resource and Education) network. SAFE-CARE is Missouri’s medical response to child abuse.
• PREVENTION: Although we would like to prevent child abuse and neglect from ever occurring, we believe that adults must also be educated and empowered to recognize and react responsibly to child abuse.
• POLICY: Missouri KidsFirst advocates in the Missouri General Assembly for policies and statewide funding for programs that protect and prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
• MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING: Missouri KidsFirst manages Missouri’s Child Abuse and Neglect, Mandated Reporter Training (free and online). They also provide in-person mandated training to organizations for a fee.

This is Season 5! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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