For more information, please contact:
Annie Meagle
Great Circle
Phone: 314-256-4943
Fax: 314-535-6632
annie.meagle@great-circle.org

How You Can Support National Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Awareness Month this April

ST. LOUIS, MO (April 5, 2010) –April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month, bringing to light an issue that affects millions of children in our country daily and the ongoing need for prevention programs.

The most recent data from Missouri Children’s Division states there were 6,732 of substantiated cases of abuse and neglect in 2008. Of these, 30 children died as a result of abuse and neglect. According to the Children’s Division, these numbers only represent the cases that are brought to the state’s attention and many cases go unreported each year.

One of Missouri’s largest children’s social services agencies, Great Circle, is working to spread awareness across the state. The agency serves many children who have experienced the effects of abuse and neglect by providing treatment, education, prevention and support services to help them experience brighter, happier futures.

For those interested in supporting child abuse prevention programs, the agencies will be distributing free blue “Keep Kids Safe” awareness wristbands and blue ribbon pins through www.great-circle.org and www.bgtm.org.

Offer is available in United States while supplies last.

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Editor's Note: Presidential Proclamation on Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-child-abuse-prevention-month

Editor’s Note: Link to Missouri Children’s Division report: http://www.dss.mo.gov/re/canar.htm

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About Great Circle
Established as a result of the merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children’s Center, Great Circle provides treatment, education, prevention and support services to children with a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment. Great Circle’s mission to “reshape vulnerable lives through a community of partners, teachers and leaders, giving children and families the confidence to create bright futures” is fulfilled through campuses in St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and St. James, Missouri. As one of the children’s non-for-profit services in Missouri, the organization annually serves approximately 7,800 children and family members and employs more than 700 staff members. For more information please visit www.great-circle.org.