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What is Child
Abuse Prevention Policy?
There are over 7500 reported cases of child abuse and neglect in Wyoming
each year. Protecting children from harm through prevention of child
abuse is not only an ethical obligation, but also a fiscal necessity for
the state of Wyoming. Greater investments in effective prevention
programs that support and educate parents will result in healthier
families, future reductions in child abuse and long-term savings to the
state.
Background: Studies have
consistently shown that child abuse and neglect are directly
related to harmful outcomes for children, such a school failure,
delinquency, adolescent parenting, alcohol and other substance
abuse, youth suicide, and mental health problems.
In fiscal year 1999, Wyoming spent
approximately $23,385,488 for intervention services for troubled
families, and $2,795,185 for out-of-home placements for children and
youth. During the same time $43,507,075 was spent for treatment,
supervision and confinement of juvenile offenders. Much of the need for
these expenditures was the lack of strong parenting skills leading to
child maltreatment.
In contrast, Wyoming invested about
$70,000 in one program specifically designed to prevent child abuse. The
Healthy Start program provided services to 70 mothers in seven counties
through the Wyoming Department of Health and the county health nursing
system. Wyoming also allocated $300,000 from the Wyoming Children's
Trust Fund specifically for child abuse prevention programs.
A broader based home visiting
program focused on supporting parents in developing their skills as
parents and caregivers would enhance the likelihood of thriving
families and provide broad benefits to Wyoming.
Policy
Recommendations
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Wyoming should increase its investment in the prevention of
child maltreatment by supporting and expanding prevention
programs that are based on demonstrated models of
effectiveness such as Healthy Families America.
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Wyoming should identify a lead agency for child abuse
prevention.
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Programs developed at the community or county level should be
public-private partnerships that included local funding and
local capacity building.
Go to 2006 Wyoming Children's Agenda.
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