The federal government in 2008 is planning to spend $1.2 million to help Minnesota based projects and agencies in educating and working at wiping out child abuse and neglect. With this money, the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University hopes to wipe out child sex abuse in three generations.

Victor Vieth, director of National Child Protection Training Center, calls child abuse an epidemic. Statistics show that one in 10 girls and one in 20 boys report abuse before they enter the 9th grade. With about one million new child abuse cases reported each year, this relates to about 20% of the population suffering from child abuse in Minnesota.

Some of the monies from the federal funds are targeted on training and education for first responders such as teachers and health care providers. In addition, the Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America is planning to hold a conference on April 23 and 24th 2008. The conference includes a wide variety of topics, research, innovation and skills building on effective prevention strategies and programs.

Our children are our future. Through education, intervention and support many local Minnesota agencies are here to help parents to prevent child abuse and neglect, support healthy childhood development and strengthen families.