Collaboration targets child abuse, neglect; Missouri: Independence School District 30.

Independence School District 30 in Independence, Mo., was named the state's winner in the 2006 National Civic Star Award competition for a ground-breaking partnership that provides family-support services aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect in families identified as at risk or in need.

The program, called the Independence Child Welfare Initiative, was created as a result of increasing numbers of child abuse and neglect cases in Independence. It involves the school district, the state of Missouri Children's Division and the Local Investment Commission.

For years communities have ceded responsibility for child maltreatment to state agencies, police departments and county courts. Schools, however, provide a place for regular contact with parents or guardians, providing openings for relationships to be developed with them.

Many of the district's children are not ready to learn when they come to school because they are suffering from a variety of conditions directly related to maltreatment. The Missouri Children's Division has ongoing staff and funding shortages that limit its focus on prevention and early-intervention strategies with families.

The Independence initiative is intended to help bridge the gap by providing services to about 300 families who have traditionally been served by the state. The Local Investment Commission is providing technical assistance and funding for the initiative and is helping to organize the community in taking actions to have a positive impact on children and their families.

The Independence Board of Education developed the child-welfare initiative by:

* Increasing public awareness of the problem with a moment of silence before each board meeting.

* Directing a committee to assess and review parent involvement throughout the district. The committee made several recommendations, including the provision of family support services at all schools.

* Developing the Independence Child Welfare Initiative and approving its implementation.

* Initiating the formation of a faith-based council that is working with local houses of worship on child-neglect and abuse-prevention approaches.

* Developing contacts with public and private groups that could be engaged in efforts to impact child abuse and neglect.

The Missouri Children's Division is providing specific referrals to the district, including children from birth to age 18 who reside in the Independence School District regardless of where the children attend school. With this approach, the school district is less likely to be seen as an enforcement agency, enabling its employees to develop relationships with parents or guardians.

Since the program was implemented, the state has reported a reduction in child-abuse referrals.

For more information, contact Superintendent Jim Hinson at Independence School District, 218 N. Pleasant, Independence, Mo. 64050, or call [phone]. The e-mail address is [e-mail].