April 26, 2007

LANSING - The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) today donated more than 700 magnetic blue ribbons to the Michigan State Police calling attention to the cooperative efforts needed to prevent child abuse.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared April 2007 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan, stressing the importance of preventing child abuse. The Children's Trust Fund , the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Michigan State Police all work cooperatively with a number of public and private organizations to prevent child abuse and neglect.

"These blue ribbons help remind everyone that we all share a role in preventing child abuse and neglect," said Marianne Udow, DHS director and a member of the CTF Board of Directors. "Providing access to the tools and support that parents and caretakers need will help ensure that children have safe and healthy homes."

The blue ribbon has been widely recognized in recent years as a national symbol of child abuse awareness. This movement began in 1989 when a concerned grandmother, Bonnie Finney of Norfolk, Va., took a stand against child abuse after her grandson died. She tied a symbolic blue ribbon to her van as a signal to her community of her personal commitment to involve everyone in the battle to stop child abuse. The spirit of her blue ribbon grew, and it inspired a statewide community based effort to join forces in this tragic battle.

The Children's Trust Fund (CTF) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. The CTF works in partnership with its 72 local councils that serve 81 of Michigan's 83 counties. Local councils are independent, community-based organizations that identify needs and facilitate collaborative prevention programs for children and families in their community.

"Child abuse prevention is best done at the local level," CTF Chairwoman Nancy Moody said. "The Children's Trust Fund must increase its efforts to empower our local councils across the state to halt the abuse and stop the abusers."

The Michigan State Police also plays an important role in protecting Michigan's families and children by providing investigative resources to law enforcement agencies through Michigan's Missing Child Information Clearinghouse, working with schools and community groups to promote safety through the Teaching Educating And Mentoring (TEAM) School Liaison Program, and by providing training to foster care and child protective services workers.

"We will proudly display these blue ribbons on our patrol cars as a visible sign of our commitment to protecting Michigan's youngest citizens," MSP Director Col. Peter C. Munoz said. "Join us in putting an end to child abuse."

For more information about the Children's Trust Fund, visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/ctf

For more information about the Michigan State Police, visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/msp