U.S. Senator Bond marks milestone at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
 
April 11, 2008 - St. Louis, MO– Physicians, nurses and child advocates at St. Louis Children’s Hospital joined U.S. Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond in congratulating the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) for 25 years of fighting child abuse and neglect. In a reception at the hospital, physician leaders also thanked Bond for his longtime dedication to children’s health issues and support of legislation to train medical professionals who care for children.
 
“Senator Bond is perhaps the best friend a child in Missouri has,” said Dr. F. Sessions Cole, medical director of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “He has been a tireless advocate for early childhood education, children’s health, birth defects prevention and other policies benefiting children and families.”
 
Senator Bond helped create the CTF in 1983 as Governor of Missouri. Over the past 25 years, the CTF awarded more than $35 million in child abuse prevention grants to community-based organizations. The grants helped to develop effective and innovative home visitation programs for at-risk families, mentoring programs for teen mothers, safe crib programs and respite care programs for families in crisis.
 
“It will take all of us, the Trust Fund, hospitals, service providers and elected officials working together to make progress,” said Bond   “I am proud of our legacy and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership for children.”
 
A recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the Administration for Children and Families shows that one in 50 U.S. infants is a victim of nonfatal child abuse or neglect in a year.
 
Every year, the Child Protection program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital evaluates an average of 1200 infants and children for suspicion of child physical or sexual abuse or life-threatening child neglect. The program is staffed by pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners and licensed clinical social workers. In 1993, the hospital established a mandatory rotation in the Child Protection program for all physician residents, making awareness of child abuse issues part of every resident's Graduate Medical Education.
 
“All children should grow up in a safe, supporting and loving environment, free from abuse and neglect,” said Kirk Schreiber, executive director of the Children’s Trust Fund. “Our organization is proud to continue working with our partners like Senator Bond and St. Louis Children’s Hospital who share our passion to protect children and families.” 
 
About Children’s Trust Fund
Created in 1983 by the Missouri General Assembly, the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) is Missouri's foundation for child abuse and neglect prevention providing grants, education, and public awareness to community organizations across the state. Over the last 25 years, CTF has distributed over $35 million dollars of non-general revenue funding to support families and prevent abuse. For more information, visit www.ctf4kids.org.