Coalition For Child Safety - Independence, Missouri

About Coalition for Child Safety

The Independence, Missouri community
suffered the pain of losing three toddlers
to child abuse in a period of less than six
months in 2002. In response to this
tragic loss, the Independence Health
Department called together the many
community partners that serve and
support families.

Our purpose is to foster the close
communication and collaboration that
strengthens the community support of and response to families, to raise awareness
about issues related to child abuse, and to provide education to the community as a
whole.

•        Community Education (includes Parents University)
•        Promotion/Finance
•        Prevention

Purpose Statement

The Coalition for Child Safety will mobilize the community and work cooperatively to
provide the children and families of our community with an environment that is safe,
supportive, and responsive.

the individuals, families, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, civic groups, of
Independence, and uniquely shape both the identity of our city and
of Independence, and uniquely shape both the identity of our city and

the quality of life for each resident.

Objectives

Raise the community’s awareness of child safety issues, especially child abuse.
Provide opportunities for the community to become involved in child safety
issues.
Review and identify financial resources for programs that work with child
abuse issues.
Work with law enforcement, governmental entities, agencies and
organizations for systemic improvement. Improve the linkage of
communication between service providers.
Provide education to the community regarding child abuse and child abuse
prevention resources.
Review child abuse and child neglect case data and information for
appropriate community action. Assess problems and identify solutions related
to child abuse and neglect.

Media Documents

2004-2005 Review & Renew: Medical staff of MCI donated $1000 to Coalition, Independence
School District and Children’s Division launched cooperative program, Buckle Up Our Future, a
child passenger safety action group in Independence was designated to work under the umbrella
of the Coalition...More

2003-2004 Looking Back to See the Future: Bill Heberle from Children’s Trust Fund commended
the Coalition for collaboration and mobilization of resources, Coalition members supported
Community Services League’s ‘Santa’s Workshop’, Coalition partners acquired curriculum and
teaching models for Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention; used at health fairs and day care
providers’ classes...More

2002-2003 A Year in Review: July 31, 2002: First meeting at City Hall in Independence. Community
partners introduced themselves and described what services and resources are provided by their
respective agencies. August, 2002: Coalition meeting at Independence Regional Health Center
Affirmation of purpose statement and objectives, Presentation of DVERT Program...More

Coalition for Child Safety Announcements:

Recipients of the "Communities Can Make a Difference" 2010 grant:

Independence Fire Department

Startright Teen Moms

LINC Fairmount Caring Communities

Randall Elementary PTA

Hope House

The Women's Clinic of KC

Recipients of the "Communities Can Make a Difference" 2009 grant:

CAPA

MOMs

Hope House

LINC Fairmount Caring Communities (Fairmount Elementary School)

StartRight Teen MOMs