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DHonoring Our Past

Building Our Future

1989
2009
Safe and Healthy Children

Strong and Stable Families

Thriving and Prosperous Communities


DIntroduction
As the National Alliance of fondly and most often recounted begins confidence and parenting skills that child
Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds (the with a well respected pediatrician, Dr. Ray abuse and neglect cannot take root.
Alliance) celebrates its 20th anniversary E. Helfer, taking some time off to do a little
it seems appropriate to reflect on the fishing. While renewing his fishing license Dr. Helfer, who is credited with being
Alliance’s journey as a national voice he was surprised to discover that the fee the father of the Children’s Trust Fund
for child abuse prevention and on some had nearly doubled from the year before. movement, was a pediatrician, a faculty
of the key milestones of the child abuse When he inquired about the increase in member of the medical school at Michigan
prevention movement. the license fee he was told that the money State University and an expert on child
was used to support the conservation of development and child abuse and neglect.
The Alliance was built on the shoulders of fish and wildlife so there would always be Dr. Helfer’s work built on that of his
many individuals who worked tirelessly fish to catch. According to Alliance lore, mentor Dr. C. Henry Kempe who co-
to ensure that resources, programs and this is when the concept of a designated, authored an article on the battered-child
policies were in place to protect our protected source of funding solely for the syndrome in the Journal of the American
youngest and most vulnerable citizens. It prevention of child abuse and neglect was Medical Association in 1962. Dr. Kempe
was their passion and commitment that formed. and his colleagues at the University of
ignited the spark that became a national Colorado School of Medicine defined
movement to strengthen families and David Mills, former Director of the battered-child syndrome as a clinical
protect children through a network of Michigan Children’s Trust Fund and the condition in young children who have
statewide funds dedicated to preventing first Executive Director of the National received serious physical abuse from
child abuse and neglect. Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention their caregivers. Battered-child syndrome
Funds, was inspired by the stories told was described as a significant cause of
As with many historical events, the by Dr. Helfer. One such story contrasted childhood disability and death and was
creation of Children’s Trust Funds (CTFs) producing a beautiful lawn by using also considered an “unrecognized trauma”
begins with a story. There are several pesticides to kill off the weeds versus by social workers, pediatricians and other
versions of the story but the one most growing the grass so thick, with the help of medical personnel. In 1968, Dr. Helfer
fertilizer, that there’s no room for weeds to authored The Battered Child Syndrome
The Alliance thanks Carolyn S. grow. This analogy reflects the vision of the which was co-edited with Dr. C. Henry
Abdullah, lead author, Alliance members Alliance and other organizations working Kempe and is still used as a textbook in
and national partners (past and present) to prevent child abuse before it ever medical schools.
for their contributions to this paper. occurs – to help grow families so rich with

DDr. Ray E. Helfer Creates Funding for Prevention


Dr. Ray E. Helfer, M.D., One of the last studies that Dr. Helfer worked on involved
began using his influence research on infant mortality in non-human primates. It had
to create a protected source become illegal to important these animals into the United
of funding for prevention by States which created a market to sell the offspring of those
persuading the state legislature already in the country. The infant mortality of those offspring
in Michigan to increase funding was very high and researchers were hired to find out why.
to add 50 full-time “prevention What they found was no surprise to Dr. Helfer. The primates
workers” to the protective services budget. After the were raised in captivity and never saw a mother caring for
“prevention worker” positions had been created and filled, all her young and therefore had no idea how to feed their young,
50 had full-time protective service caseload and none of them keep it warm or protect it from danger. As a result, most of
was doing any prevention work. The needs and demands of the young died in infancy. It became evident that bonding
children in crisis had compelled the decision makers to divert required more than birth and parenting is a learned skill. As
the money to treatment. This event helped shape the law that a result of this study, laws were passed that required zoos to
created Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund and served as a model provide a series of support systems in order to breed non-
for all states. human primates. A housing arrangement that provided privacy
and safety for infants and mothers was required in addition to
other conditions to decrease infant mortality.

2
DA Turning Point
A turning point in the child abuse prevention and implement prevention promote legislation for a protected source
prevention movement came in 1973 when strategies. CAPTA contained the first of funding for child abuse prevention at
the Senate Subcommittee on Children federal mandates for reporting suspected the state level. In partnership with the
and Youth held open hearings in support child abuse and neglect and encouraged Kansas Committee for the Prevention of
of a bill introduced by Senator Walter states to create child welfare agencies to Child Abuse (the state chapter of Prevent
Mondale of Minnesota. By all accounts receive and respond to reports. CAPTA Child Abuse America) and Debbie
the most riveting testimony came from a has been through numerous revisions Stabenow, formerly a state senator and
mother who shared her journey of violent and reauthorizations and today, child presently U.S. Senator from Michigan, the
outbursts with her child, unsuccessful welfare services remain the responsibility first Children’s Trust Fund was created
attempts to get help from a variety of of the states, with each state designing its in Kansas in 1980 followed next by the
agencies and ultimately her role as own system of compliance with federal Michigan Children’s Trust fund.
co-founder of Parents Anonymous®, requirements.
Inc., a national child abuse prevention Congress made a further commitment to
organization. Jolly K’s appearance was In 1974, Dr. Helfer began developing support innovative programs to prevent
reported on national television and is a questionnaire to predict who was at child abuse and neglect by resolving that
credited with putting a human face on risk for abusing a child. Ultimately the the week of June 6-12, 1982, should be
a national concern, helping the Senate questionnaire had to be abandoned designated as the first National Child
Subcommittee and the general public because it produced too many false Abuse Prevention Week. Congress
understand that child abuse and neglect positives to accurately predict potential requested that the President issue a
is a preventable issue. The legislation is abusers. The unpredictability of the proclamation asking Government agencies
believed to be the first to address child questionnaire results led Dr. Helfer to and the public to observe the week with
abuse and neglect on a national level and conclude that universal programs would be programs, ceremonies and activities. The
led to the creation of the Child Abuse needed to address child abuse and neglect. following year, April was proclaimed the
Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Prevention was a good approach for all first National Child Abuse Prevention
parents because at some point all parents Month. Since then, child abuse and
When the Child Abuse Prevention and need support. This awareness provided the neglect awareness activities have been
Treatment Act (CAPTA) was passed by foundation for the creation of Children’s promoted across the country during April
Congress in 1974, it became the first Trust Funds. of each year.
legislation to address child abuse as a
preventable issue, leading to a flurry of Dr. Helfer used his influence and his
activities to better define child abuse travels to speak across the country and

DExemplary Leadership
One of the greatest strengths of the
Alliance is its dedicated board of directors. The
exemplary leadership provided by the board
presidents has been a key factor in the growth
and development of the Alliance.
Mary Anne Snyder, Wisconsin 2006–2009
Deborah Strong, Michigan 2003–2006
Sherri Jo McLemore, Arkansas 2001–2003
Donna Pincavage, New Jersey 1998–2001
Judy Harrison, Louisiana 1996–1998
Janie Fields, Texas 1994–1996
Patty Wolfe Hasselbring, Missouri 1992–1994 Alliance Board Presidents
David Mills, Michigan 1990–1992
The Alliance has had eight presidents including (left to right) Mary Anne
Snyder of Wisconsin, Deborah Strong of Michigan, Sherri Jo McLemore of
Arkansas, Donna Pincavage of New Jersey and Judy Harrison of Louisiana.

3
DFocusing on Prevention
While there was a new and exciting In 1981, a group of national organizations The National Child Abuse Coalition has
energy focused on prevention, it was still formed the National Child Abuse taken the lead in working with Congress
a challenge to create a protected source of Coalition to coordinate their advocacy each time CAPTA has been reauthorized
funding focused on prevention before the in opposition to the new Reagan and amended, spearheading successful
occurrence of child abuse. States struggled Administration’s pledge to repeal the efforts to stop attempts to repeal or block
with the concept of setting aside funds Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment grant this important legislation. CAPTA
for something that hadn’t happened while Act (CAPTA). This initial collaborative funds have been and remain decidedly
there were families in crisis and child effort was successful. The Alliance has below the amount of funding required to
protection systems were overwhelmed with been and remains actively involved in the fully support family strengthening and
cases where children needed treatment and Coalition as a strong voice for prevention child abuse prevention strategies across the
immediate services. When state budgets and increased resources to support country. However, since 1981, these funds
were stretched and underfunded, decision- community-based, family strengthening have increased by almost 400 percent –
makers often saw prevention services as efforts. from $23 million to $113 million – largely
the most expendable strategy. due to the Coalition’s advocacy efforts.

DRay E. Helfer, M.D., Award Recipients


The annual Ray E. Helfer, M.D., Award was established in 1992 in
collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics to honor an esteemed
pediatrician who has made significant contributions to local and national efforts to
prevent child abuse and neglect.

1992 Dr. Robert ten Bensel 2001 Dr. Carole Jenny


1993 Dr. Bernard Cullen 2002 No award given
1994 Dr. David Chadwick 2003 Dr. Glen Bartlett
1995 Dr. Richard Krugman 2004 Dr. Vincent Palusci
1996 Dr. Astrid Heppenstall 2005 Dr. Mary M. Carrasco
Hager 2006 Dr. Christopher Spencer
1997 Dr. Anna I.S. Binklewicz Greeley
1998 Dr. Ben G. Raimer 2007 Dr. Richard Allan Aronson
1999 Dr. Edward N. Bailey 2008 Dr. J. Robert Beshear Dr. Mary M. Carrasco received the
2000 No award given 2009 Dr. George Brown prestigious award in 2005.

DAlliance History
1912 1926 1965 1968
• Federal Children’s Bureau created. • National Association for the • Head Start founded. • Ray E. Helfer, M.D., writes the
Education of Young Children landmark book, “The Battered
DNational Milestones (NAEYC) founded. Child Syndrome,” which was co-
edited with Dr. C. Henry Kempe.

4
DEstablishing State Children’s Trust Funds
The Child Abuse Prevention Funds, paving the way for the creation of development of many CTFs and offering
Challenge Grants were a part of the CTFs in over 40 states by 1988. Children’s Trust Funds the opportunity
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of to network with other prevention
1984 and provided incentives for states to A pivotal player in the child abuse organizations by participating in PCAA’s
invest in prevention, recognizing the need prevention story and the Children’s annual conferences. In fact, it was at the
for dedicated funding to prevent child Trust Fund movement was the National PCAA conference in 1988 that the idea
abuse and neglect. Many states had already Committee to Prevent Child Abuse for a national organization to specifically
established CTFs as an important way to (NCPCA), now known as Prevent Child support Children’s Trust Funds was born.
ensure funds for prevention and many Abuse America (PCAA), as well as their
used the Challenge Grants to support state chapters. Donna J. Stone founded With the continued growth in the number
the work of CTFs. By 1984, Connecticut, NCPCA in 1972, establishing a strong of CTFs across the country, several CTF
Louisiana, Missouri, Wisconsin and national presence and advocacy voice Directors began to explore the advantages
Alabama had established Children’s Trust for child abuse prevention. PCAA was of creating a central organization to
instrumental in supporting the support the unique needs of these
diverse statewide prevention entities.
Collectively CTFs distribute more than
$100 million annually to thousands of
state and local programs. The varied
organizational structures of CTFs include
private non-profit organizations, and
quasi-governmental agencies, with others
being embedded in larger government
systems such as public health, child
welfare and education. Monies are raised
using a variety of funding mechanisms
including fees from birth certificates,
marriage licenses and income tax check-
offs. Many CFTs had also been designated
as the State Lead Agency for the Child
Abuse Challenge Grant Program which
Alliance President Mary Anne Snyder presents Dr. Richard was reauthorized in 1989 and transferred
Allan Aronson (above) with the Ray E. Helfer, M.D., Award to CAPTA. Grants to states, totaling $5
at the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting in San Diego. Dr. J. million required a focus on education for
Robert Beshear (above right) received the award in 2008 and professionals and the public as well as the
Dr. George Brown (below left) in 2009. development of community prevention
programs.

• Dr. Ray E. Helfer, M.D., begins


research on predictive behavior
for child abuse and neglect which
leads to legislation to create
Children’s Trust Funds.

1969 1972 1973 1974 1977


• Parents Anonymous®, Inc. founded • Prevent Child Abuse America • Jolly K (co-founder of Parents • Child Abuse Prevention and • ZERO TO THREE founded.
to provide weekly support groups founded. Anonymous®, Inc.) testified Treatment Act (CAPTA) enacted to
for parents and children to about child abuse and neglect provide federal funding to states in
strengthen families nationwide. in Congressional hearings for support of prevention, assessment,
proposed Child Abuse Prevention investigation, prosecution and
and Treatment Act (CAPTA). treatment activities.

5
DThe Alliance Is Created
In 1989, the National Alliance of resources. The structure of the Alliance American Humane, Prevent Child Abuse
Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds (the is unique for a national organization. The America, Parents Anonymous®, Inc. and
Alliance) was created to provide extensive voluntary board of directors, comprised the Children’s Bureau, Office of Child
support to Children’s Trust Funds in all exclusively of CTF representatives, is active Abuse and Neglect at U.S. Department of
aspects of their work including providing in supporting all aspects of the Alliance’s Health and Human Services.
collective and individual training and work. A cadre of skilled consultants
technical assistance, peer consulting, located across the country carries out the The Alliance was annually holding a
access to key data and research and serving work of the Alliance in close collaboration membership meeting where CTFs could
as a national leader and voice on the with the board of directors, other national learn, network, share successes and
importance of strengthening families and organizations, the federal government, challenges and brag about what made
preventing child abuse and neglect. foundations and, of course, state Children’s their Children’s Trust Fund special. The
Trust and Prevention Funds. annual membership meeting was the
The Alliance is the only national birthplace of the Parade of States, a much
organization that provides direct support By the mid-1990s there was a Children’s beloved activity where members share
to Children’s Trust Funds. Its establishment Trust Fund in all 50 states, the District of a gift representative of their state while
as a membership organization was Columbia and Puerto Rico. The DC CTF giving an update on their activities and
intentional and the leadership of the was established in 1993 and Puerto Rico in accomplishments.
Alliance has always felt strongly that 1999. The Alliance had grown into a strong
the Alliance should focus strongly on national voice for prevention with an office With the untimely passing of Dr. Helfer in
creating opportunities for members to in Washington, DC and one on the campus 1992, the Alliance established the Annual
support each other and share expertise and of Michigan State University. As a national Ray E. Helfer, MD Award in collaboration
leader in the field, with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
the Alliance forged The award is presented to highlight the
partnerships with valuable contributions of a pediatrician to
other national local and national efforts to prevent child
organizations such abuse. CTFs submit nominations and
as the American each year it is exciting to see how many
Academy of pediatricians are following in Dr. Helfer’s
Pediatrics, footsteps.

• Connecticut Children’s Trust Fund


Dr. Ray E. Helfer, M.D., (right) congratulates the governor of Kansas established.
on creating the first Children’s Trust Fund in 1980. • Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund
established.
• Michigan Children’s Trust Fund • Missouri Children’s Trust Fund
established. established.
• First Children’s Trust Fund • Washington Children’s Trust Fund • Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund • Alabama Children’s Trust Fund
established in Kansas. established. established. established.

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984


• Title V Maternal and Child Health • National Child Abuse Prevention • Child Abuse Prevention Challenge
Block Grant program initiated. Month established. Grants (part of the Comprehensive
• Family Resource Coalition founded Crime Control Act) provided
(name later changed to Family incentives for states to invest in
Support America). prevention.
• National Child Abuse Coalition
founded.

6
DUniversal Approach Builds on Family Strengths
By the late 1990s it became clear that a began conducting substantial research family and outsiders have no role. Based
transition was needed from the historical for PCCA on how to reframe the issue on the findings, PCAA and Frameworks
silos and segmented way of working with of child abuse and neglect, supported by made recommendations about messaging,
families to a more universal approach that funding from the Doris Duke Charitable including using recent research in child
recognized and built on family strengths. Foundation (DDCF). PCAA’s goal was development to give messages about what
The Alliance was poised to work with to move beyond awareness and concern works. The research also suggests that
CTFs and with other organizations to by developing strategies to change the beginning communications with the term
advance this new strengths-based way of perception of child abuse and to begin child abuse causes the public to think
working. changing behavior. The premise of this about the stereotypes associated with child
work was based on the understanding abuse and is less likely to increase public
The prevention field was beginning to that it’s important to change how the will for prevention strategies. A more
recognize that messages regarding the story is told, taking into account the useful approach is to provide solutions and
importance of preventing child abuse values and frames of reference associated calls to action early in the messaging.
and neglect were having the unintended with the issue. In April 2004, PCAA
consequence of distancing the public hosted a Summit on Building Public The Alliance has enthusiastically taken
from the issue rather than building strong Will for Prevention in Washington, DC a leadership role in reframing its own
public will to resolve it. Efforts to generate to share their research findings with a work and assisting CTFs in reframing
awareness of child abuse and neglect were broader audience. Their findings included their thinking and messaging by moving
not having the desired effect of mobilizing information on the lack of understanding to a more strengths-based language that
strategies to end the problem. about childhood development and child reflects the new ways of thinking about
abuse and neglect as well as the public’s and supporting children and families.
The Frameworks Institute and its partners,
Cultural Logic and Public Knowledge, perception that parenting exists inside the

• Ohio Children’s Trust Fund


established. • National Alliance of Children’s
Trust and Prevention Funds
• Vermont Children’s Trust Fund established to assist state
established. • Massachusetts Children’s Trust Children’s Trust and Prevention
• Virginia Children’s Trust Fund Fund established. Funds and promote and support a
established. • More than 40 states have system of services, laws, practices
• Children’s Trust Funds (CTFs) developed CTFs. and attitutdes that strengthen
Texas exploratory meeting to • Utah and Chicago Organizing families’ capacity to provide their
• Oregon Children’s Trust Fund discuss development of a national • Arkansas Children’s Trust Fund Meetings to discuss development children with safe, healthy and
established. organization to support CTFs. established. of a national organization for CTFs. nurturing childhoods.

1985 1986 1987 1988 1989


• Chicago Longitudinal Study begins • Federally funded Child Abuse
and investigates the educational Prevention Challenge Grants
and social development of a reauthorized and transferred
same-age cohort of 1,539 low- to CAPTA under the Children’s
income, minority children (93% Bureau – $5 million in grants to
African American) who grew up states to fund the development
in high-poverty neighborhoods in and ongoing support for Children
central-city Chicago. Trust Funds.
• Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent
Child Abuse begins in Virgina.

7
DGrowth and Partnerships
From the Doris Duke Charitable The five Protective Factors are: The Alliance was also experiencing
Foundation’s initial steps in funding child
abuse prevention strategies, beginning
Parental Resilience significant growth and strengthening
its partnerships with other national
in 2000, they have made significant and Social Connections organizations, resulting in increased
coordinated contributions to the field of Knowledge of Parenting and Child capacity to implement new strategies and
prevention by providing financial support Development have an even greater impact on state and
and guidance to several key initiatives.
In addition to the landmark work on
Concrete Support in Times of Need national efforts to strengthen families and
prevent child abuse and neglect.
reframing child abuse prevention, the Social and Emotional Competence
foundation funded the development and of Children In late 2004, the Alliance entered a
expansion of the Strengthening Families cooperative agreement with the Centers
The identification of these protective
Initiative, an approach created by the for Disease Control (CDC) to implement
factors and recognition that those
Center for the Study of Social Policy a new initiative - BECAUSE Kids Count:
working with families can help support
(CSSP). Creating a National Plan to Strengthen
development of protective factors
Families and Prevent Child Maltreatment.
sparked a change in the way practitioners
In 2001, CSSP began exploring the role The Alliance’s goal for the BECAUSE
approached their work with families
of early care and education centers in Project was to expand the capacity of the
and the way they addressed preventing
preventing child abuse and neglect. Early Alliance and its CTFs to help prevent
child abuse and neglect. CSSP identified
childhood settings had historically been child maltreatment before it occurs, to
21 exemplary early care and education
known to play a critical role in promoting conduct an inventory of local child abuse
programs across the country and
the social and emotional development of prevention programs and strategies
developed tools and resources to support
young children with additional evidence supported by the CTFs, assess the Alliance’s
more programs in implementing the
that programs that did intentional and the CTFS’ current strengths and needs
approach. They began exploring policy
outreach to parents contributed to family for assistance and develop and launch a
and practice changes that would be needed
strengthening and child abuse prevention. national plan to help prevent child abuse
for large scale implementation.
and neglect in all its forms. Through the
CSSP’s exploration included reviewing BECAUSE Kids Count Project, the Alliance
research on child abuse and neglect and strengthened its collaborations with the
conferring with researchers, practitioners two other national organizations that were
• Annual Ray E. Helfer, M.D., Award
and parents to identify protective factors established by the Alliance and the also grantees of CDC, Prevent Child Abuse
known to reduce child abuse and neglect. American Academy of Pediatrics. America and Parents Anonymous® Inc.
This process of data collection led CSSP • Dr. Robert ten Bensel, first Ray E.
to develop a conceptual framework Helfer, M.D., Award recipient.
that involved building evidence-based • Alliance Membership Meeting –
Chicago.
protective factors around young children. • Patty Wolfe Hasselbring elected
• Alliance Membership Meeting –
Atlanta.
President of the Alliance Board of
Directors. • Dr. David Chadwick, Ray E. Helfer,
M.D., Award recipient.
• Michigan CTF and Bob Caldwell,
Ph.D, professor from Michigan • Janie Fields (TX) elected president
• First official Alliance Membership State University, create one of the • Alliance Membership Meeting – of the Alliance Board of Directors.
Meeting – Chicago. first documents describing the Pittsburgh. • Alliance begins two-year grant
• David Mills elected president of • Alliance Membership Meeting – tangible costs of NOT providing • Dr. Bernard Cullen, Ray E. Helfer, with the federal Office of Child
the Alliance Board of Directors. Denver. prevention strategies. M.D., Award recipient. Abuse and Neglect (OCAN).

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994


• U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse • Dr. Ray E. Helfer, M.D., dies. • Family Preservation and Family
and Neglect releases “Creating • National Center for Injury Support Programs established as
Caring Communities: A Community Prevention and Control and part of Omnibus Reconciliation
Response to Child Maltreatment.” Division of Violence Prevention Act to enable states to develop or
established at the federal Centers expand family preservation and
for Disease Control and Prevention. community-based family support
services.
• U.S. Advisory Board on Child
Abuse and Neglect releases
“Understanding Child
Maltreatment” (recommends
universal home visiting as key
prevention strategy).
8
As a result of the partnership with CDC As a national organization that provides researchers and others as members of a
and the BECAUSE Project, the Alliance support and guidance to CTFs across Think Tank. The Think Tank met for the
established a National Working Group the country, the Alliance is in a unique first time in August 2009 and is expected
comprised of an esteemed group of experts position to influence the criteria for to contribute significantly to what is
from social services, medical, public effective strategies and programs that known and implemented to prevent child
health and related fields, as well as parents, focus on family strengthening and abuse across the country.
to advise the Alliance as it developed a child abuse prevention. CTFs have a
five-year strategic plan. The plan, Safe tradition of supporting innovation The Alliance plan reinforced key
and Healthy Children, Strong and Stable through their grant making process and organizational values including developing
Families, Thriving and Prosperous have supported programs that highlight and sustaining effective partnerships
Communities, was instituted in 2006 and new approaches and show promising with parents. The Alliance contracted
consists of six key components: replication possibilities. The National with a parent leader consultant in 2006 to
assist with writing the strategic plan and
Providing National Leadership for Working Group (NWG) was instrumental
in helping the Alliance identify strategies to bring a parent voice to all aspects of
Systemic Change the Alliance’s work. The Alliance created
to collect and use evidence most effectively
Supporting a Robust National and to support CTFs in similar roles. a National Parent Partnership Council
Network of CTFs Approximately half of the members joined in 2007 to more broadly represent the
Modeling and Promoting Effective a subcommittee that focused exclusively voice of parents and to actively advise the
Alliance and CTFs on developing and
Parent Partnerships on expanding the definition of credible
strengthening parent partnerships.
Embracing and Shifting Messages evidence in the child abuse prevention
field.
from Prevention to Promotion As a support for CTFs and in partnership
Expanding the View of Evidence- As a result of their work, the Alliance with CTFs around the country, the
Alliance developed Guidelines for Effective
Based Practice to Reflect a produced a document that promotes
the use of evidence along a continuum Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds.
Continuum of Evaluation
of strategies, including the expertise of These guidelines were designed to offer
Approaches
examples of effective practices that have
Building Cross-Systems Partnerships professionals and the wisdom of parents.
The Alliance, CDC and the other two contributed to the success of many CTFs.
and Strategies This document reflects the Alliance’s
BECAUSE organizations, along with the
federal Office of Child Abuse and Neglect, commitment to strengthen the capacity
designed a Knowledge to Action Research and provide technical assistance to CTFs
Consortium and recruited leading as they support prevention efforts in their
• Alliance Membership Meeting –
communities.
New Brunswick, NJ.
• Dr. Richard Krugman, Ray E. Helfer,
M.D., Award recipient.
• David Mills hired as Executive • Alliance Membership Meeting – • Alliance Membership Meeting –
Director of the Alliance. Salt Lake City. Cincinnati.
• Alliance office is opened at • Dr. Astrid Heppenstall Hager, Ray • Dr. Ben G. Raimer, Ray E. Helfer,
Michigan State University. E. Helfer, M.D., Award recipient. • Alliance Membership Meeting – M.D., Award recipient. • Alliance Membership Meeting –
• Children’s Trust Funds exist in all 50 • Judy Harrison (LA) elected Seattle. • Donna Pincavage (NJ) elected New Orleans.
states, the District of Columbia and president of the Alliance Board of • Dr. Anna I.S. Binklewicz, Ray E. president of the Alliance Board of • Dr. Edward N. Bailey, Ray E. Helfer,
Puerto Rico. Directors. Helfer, M.D., Award recipient. Directors. M.D., Award recipient.

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999


• Personal Responsibility and Work • Adoptions and Safe Families Act • The ACEs (Adverse Childhood
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of of 1997 enacted to improve the Experiences) Study is published,
1996, Public Law 104-193, better safety of children, to promote documenting child maltreatment
known as the Welfare Reform Bill adoption and other permanent as a public health issue.
passed and created the Child Care homes for children who need
and Development Block Grant. them and to support families.

9
DBridging Across Systems
The Alliance became a stronger of seed grants were Arkansas, Georgia, funds are ideally positioned to bridge
partner in the Strengthening Families Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, New across systems to support the SF/PF
Initiative when it received a 3-year grant Hampshire, New Jersey and Washington. Framework as an enhancement to early
from DDCF in 2005 to launch its national The Alliance also created an Early childhood systems efforts. Many states
Early Childhood Initiative. The grant Childhood Initiative Learning Community participating in the Early Childhood
was awarded to build the capacity of the and invited participation from a total of 18 Initiative Learning Community began to
Alliance and individual CTFs to promote states, including those receiving funding. work with their early childhood partners
the Strengthening Families Protective The Early Childhood Initiative Learning to develop plans for Quality Rating and
Factors framework, developed by the Community now includes 26 state CTFs, Improvement Systems (QRIS). QRIS
Center for the Study of Social Policy, in their early childhood partners and parent are a way to improve and communicate
early care and learning settings. leaders. about the level of quality in early care
and education settings. With support
In May 2006, the Alliance awarded CTFs in the Early Childhood Initiative from the DDCF and the A.L. Mailman
seed grants to nine CTFs, through an Learning Community engaged in Foundation, the Alliance implemented
independent and competitive funding meaningful work with their early the Strengthening Families through QRIS
application process, to support innovative childhood partners to embed the Initiative. Through this Initiative, the
strategies that would help families build Strengthening Families/Protective Alliance is working intensively with three
protective factors, in partnership with the Factors framework throughout their state CTFs and their partners (Idaho,
early childhood leaders in their states.. early childhood systems (professional Pennsylvania and Tennessee) to offer
Those nine CTFs received grant awards development systems, higher education support and materials to any other state
of up to $50,000 each to implement systems, child welfare systems, child teams interested in using the state QRIS
their proposed projects and to serve as care licensing and quality rating and process to promote the Strengthening
mentors for other CTFs. The recipients improvement systems). Children’s trust Families Protective Factors framework.

• Alliance Membership Meeting –


Boston.
• Dr. Vincent Palusci, Ray E. Helfer,
M.D., Award recipient
• Alliance receives BECAUSE Kids
Count Grant from CDC.
• Alliance creates National Working
Group with esteemed group
of researchers, pediatricians,
2000 Alliance Annual Meeting in Santa Fe, NM • Alliance Membership Meeting – policymakers, parent leaders and
St. Louis. others to advise and support the
• Dr. Glen Bartlett, Ray E. Helfer, Alliance’s development of a Five-
• Dr. Carole Jenny, Ray E. Helfer, M.D., Award recipient. Year Strategic Plan.
M.D., Award recipient. • Doris Duke Charitable Foundation • Alliance becomes an
• Annual Membership Meeting – (DDCF) Planning Grant to the organizational partner in the new
Washington, DC (cancelled). • Annual Membership Meeting – Alliance. five-year grant to the FRIENDS
• Sherri Jo McLemore (AR) elected Washington, DC. • Deborah Strong (MI) elected National Resource Center.
• Alliance Membership Meeting – president of the Alliance Board of • Teresa Rafael hired as Alliance president of the Alliance Board of • Teresa Rafael appointed Alliance
Santa Fe. Directors. Interim Executive Director. Directors. Executive Director.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004


• Doris Duke Charitable Foundation • Center for the Study of Social • Maternal and Child Health Early • Reframing Summit held by PCA
(DDCF) begins awarding grants to Policy (CSSP) begins the Childhood Comprehensive Systems and funded by DDCF – shares
prevent child abuse and neglect. Strengthening Families Initiative (ECCS) program launched to research from Frameworks
with funding from DDCF. implement the Maternal and Child Institute related to reframing
Health Board Strategic Plan for messages to build public will to
Early Childhood Health. prevent child abuse and neglect.
• “From Neurons to Neighborhoods: • Circle of Parents established.
The Science of Early Childhood • Individuals with Disabilities
Development”: Landmark Education Act.
report which urges the nation to
re-examine policies that affect
children and families and to
increase its investment in their
well-being.
10
DThe Journey Continues
Twenty years after its inception, others who believe that strengthening collaboration is needed. Any successful
the National Alliance of Children’s Trust families is a powerful approach for strategy must acknowledge that parents
and Prevention Funds continues it journey eradicating child abuse and neglect. have wisdom to offer and that all
as a national leader and a voice for safe and families have strengths to build on. Most
healthy children, strong and stable families As the Alliance reflects on its history and importantly, it is more evident now than
and thriving and prosperous communities. accomplishments, it is clear that both ever before that strengthening families
The journey continues because of the patience and urgency are required, that and keeping children safe is everyone’s
individuals who remain committed to both innovation and rigor are necessary responsibility.
the vision of Dr. Ray Helfer and so many and that even with a single-minded goal,

DMission of the Alliance To achieve its goals, the Alliance


Initiate and engage in national efforts that is implementing the following key strategies:
help State Children’s Trust and Prevention Providing national leadership for systemic change
Funds in strengthening families to prevent Supporting a robust national network of Children Trust Funds
child abuse and neglect. Modeling and promoting effective parent partnerships
Promote and support a system of services, Embracing and shifting messages from prevention to promotion
laws, practices and attitudes that supports
families by enabling them to provide their Expanding the view of evidence-based practice to reflect a continuum
children with safe, healthy and nurturing of evaluation approaches
childhoods. Building cross-systems partnerships and strategies
• Alliance Membership Meeting – • Alliance Membership Meeting –
San Diego. Washington, DC.
• Dr. Christopher Spencer Greeley, • Dr. J. Robert Beshear, Ray E. Helfer,
Ray E. Helfer, M.D., Award M.D., Award recipient.
recipient.
• Alliance ECI Meeting – Seattle.
• Mary Anne Snyder (WI) elected
• National Alliance Parent
• Alliance Membership Meeting - president of the Alliance Board of
Partnership Council fully
Boston. Directors.
established (6 members) and
• Dr. Mary M. Carrasco, Ray E. Helfer, • Alliance trainings for CTFs on the • Alliance Membership Meeting – working in partnership with the
M.D., Award recipient. Strengthening Families Initiative – Washington, DC. Alliance.
Seattle and Atlanta. • Dr. Richard Allan Aronson, Ray E. • Alliance Membership Meeting –
• DDCF Early Childhood Grant Award • Alliance’s Strengthening Families
Helfer, M.D., Award recipient. Atlanta.
supports the Alliance’s work to • Alliance distributes seed grants through Quality Rating and
help CTFs engage in national totaling $450,000 to nine states. • Alliance ECI Meeting – San Diego. • Alliance ECI Meeting – Atlanta.
Improvement Systems (QRIS)
expansion of the Strengthening • Alliance creates ECI Learning • National Alliance Parent Project begins – funded by DDCF • Dr. George Brown, Ray E. Helfer,
Families Movement. Community with 18 states. Partnership Council (NAPPC) and the A.L. Mailman Foundation. M.D., Award recipient.
• Alliance expands its collaboration • Alliance develops Five-Year begins with one charter member • The Children’s Bureau funds the • ECI Theory of Change completed.
with the Center for the Study of Strategic Plan. to include the parent voice in the Alliance, the Center for the Study • Alliance begins the “Making the
Social Policy (CSSP) to promote the • Alliance contracts with a parent Alliance’s work. of Social Policy (the lead agency) Case for Prevention” initiative,
Strengthening Families Initiative. leader consultant bringing a • Community Café approach and ZERO TO THREE, to create the funded by DDCF.
• Alliance Board and National parent voice to all aspects of the expands parent partnerships in the National Quality Improvement • Alliance celebrates its 20th
Working Group Meeting – Chicago. work of the Alliance. Alliance’s work. Center on Early Childhood. Anniversary.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


• Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 • CDC identifies the promotion • Center for the Study of Social • Federal Lifespan Respite Initiative
passed to assist family caregivers of Safe, Stable, Nurturing Policy (CSSP) establishes provides 12 awards totaling
with affordable, hiqh quality Relationships (SSNRs) as a Strengthening Families National more than $2 million to provide
respite care. strategic direction for child Network (SFNN). temporary relief to caregivers of
• Child maltreatment prevention maltreatment prevention. • CDC establishes the Knowledge individuals of any age with special
identified as a priority at CDC. • Prevention Subcommittee of to Action (K2A) Consortium with needs.
Federal Interagency Workgroup the Alliance, the other BECAUSE • First Knowledge to Action
on Child Abuse and Neglect Kids Count grantees and OCAN Consortium Think Tank meeting
established. serving as the Leadership Group held at CDC – Atlanta.
joining with CDC in planning and
implementation.

11
State Children’s Trust and
Prevention Funds comprise
the nation’s largest funders
of community-based
family strengthening and
child abuse prevention
programs and other
strategies. Collectively, they
distribute more than $100
million annually to thousands of
state and local programs. They also build
capacity in local programs, facilitate broad collaborations with state partners
and help incubate new and promising practices.
The National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds is the only
national organization that provides support to all aspects of the work of state
CTFs. The Alliance represents CTFs in national policy and practice discussions
and joins in dynamic partnerships with CTFs, federal agencies, foundations,
state governments, other national organizations and parent leaders.

www.ctfalliance.org

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