May 4, 2020
Thank you for caring for kids during the COVID-19 Crisis!
There are numerous Missouri school counselors, bus drivers, nurses and teachers who are filling in the gaps to keep children safe during this unprecedented time. 

As summer begins, the resources below will support school personnel in their efforts to protect the children and families in their communities.
School board members in Missouri have responsibilities as mandated reporters. Watch as Jessica Seitz, MKF Public Policy Director discusses how these important community leaders are essential for keeping kids safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Children in vulnerable situations need adults to check on them and to trust their guts if something does not feel right. Child abuse and neglect expert Cherisse Thibaut provides clear tips on how to keep kids safe in this podcast of MO Charters Work!
FREE Training and Resources
Caring for children's emotional well-being
In addition to keeping children physically safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to care for their emotional health. This resource from Child Trends outlines how to support the emotional well being of the children in your life. Click HERE to read the article.
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children
Research shows that 95% of abuse is preventable through education. The Monique Burr Foundation is a leader in prevention education and offers excellent resources to support educators and parents in caring for kids! Click HERE to see all resources.
Beau Biden Foundation Resources for Teachers

This blog from the Beau Biden Foundation supports educators in recognizing abuse and neglect even with the challenges of virtual learning. Click HERE to read the blog.


Take these important steps this week to be #Essential4Kids:


  • Follow Missouri KidsFirst on Facebook, and Twitter to get up to date resources and learn more about taking steps each day during this difficult time to protect the children in your life.

Thank you for being #Essential4Kids!

Additional Resources about Child Abuse Prevention
 
Resources for Caregivers


Darkness to Light's How to Be a Safe Adult


Free Training
Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training crucial training for all adults to understand reporting and investigation of child abuse and neglect.

Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children evidence-informed prevention training to help adults prevent, recognize, & react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Darkness to Light’s “Protecting Children During a Crisis” is designed to help caregivers and advocates create child protective strategies.

Monique Burr Foundation provides several trainings on the following: Preventing Human Tracking, Real World Safety- Protecting Youth Online and Off, and other topics to help adults protect children.
 
Helplines 
1-800-4A-CHILD (422-4453)  

1-866-FOR-LIGHT (866-367-5444) or Text “LIGHT” to 741741 

For all Families: 1-800-552-8522  
Kinship Navigator Line for kinship caregiving: 1-833-KIN-4-KID

1-855-427-2736

1-800-799-7233
If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto  https://www.thehotline.org/  or text LOVEIS to 22522

1-800-985-5990 or Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Government and Public Health Resources
State
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services find the public health response to the COVID-19 virus in Missouri. 

Local
Local public health agencies are leading efforts in responding to and preventing the further spread of COVID-19


To learn more, visit: www.missourikidsfirst.org and follow Missouri KidsFirs t on Facebook and Twitter .