LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared April 2006 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan, stressing the importance of preventing child abuse.

To provide greater protection for children at risk, the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), the Michigan State Police, the State Court Administrative Office, the Michigan Children’s Ombudsman and the Michigan Departments of Community Health and Education are working closely with communities to prevent child abuse and neglect now and in the future.

"Child abuse and neglect hurts everyone and there are many ways DHS and CTF are working to prevent it," DHS Director Marianne Udow said. "We all have a stake in ensuring that parents have access to the tools and support they need to be successful. Parents and other caretakers who have resources and support are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children."

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is a statewide non-profit organization that is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The CTF works in partnership with its 72 local councils to serve 81 of Michigan’s 83 counties. Local councils are independent, community-based organizations that identify needs and facilitate collaborative prevention programs for children and families in their community.

In addition to the financial support it provides to local councils statewide, CTF awards grants to direct service providers across the state that provide the following types of support services to families:

• Teen parenting support programs.
Early childhood development awareness programs.
• Parent education.
• Respite care.
• Referral services.
• Home visitation.
• Public awareness campaigns, such as “Never Shake a Baby,” and in Michigan, "We Love Our Kids" campaigns.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed legislation enabling the tax check-off amended the Income Tax Act to reinstate the income tax check-off that allows taxpayers to contribute money to the CTF. Michigan taxpayers are encouraged to join in the fight against child abuse and neglect by donating via their tax returns. Individuals can now designate on their annual tax returns that a contribution of $5 or more of their refund be credited to the CTF for tax years beginning January 1, 2005. The check-off is located on line 30 of the Michigan tax form. Taxpayers will need to fill in the amount they wish to donate, with the minimum being $5. The donation can be deducted on the next year’s tax form.

"The Children’s Trust Fund is working hard to ensure that Michigan’s children and their parents live better lives," Children’s Trust Fund board chair Nancy Moody said. "All families benefit from the help of strong, supportive neighborhoods and communities. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse require the shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community. There is no better way to safeguard the future of our society and our state."

The Michigan State Police also play an important role in protecting Michigan’s families and children by providing investigative resources to law enforcement agencies through the Michigan Missing Children Information Clearinghouse, working with schools and community groups to promote safety, and providing training to foster care and child protective services workers.

"From participating in programs that promote community awareness, to using investigative tools to reunite families with lost loved ones, law enforcement officers across the state are working to ensure the safety of Michigan’s children every month of the year," Col. Tadarial Sturdivant, director of the Michigan State Police, said.