Jan14 Written by:mfox
1/14/2010 6:59 PM
The Archie School District has agreed to serve as a pilot location for the implementation of CHART’s first child abuse and neglect intervention. Members of a CHART sub-committee looking at the issue of abuse and neglect prevention voted to offer the Archie District the opportunity to serve as a pilot program. On 16 January, 2009, Teresa Hensley, Prosecuting Attorney and Mary Gutierrez, CHART President, visited with members of the administration and staff to solicit their support of CHART’s child abuse prevention efforts. The visit included a presentation by Teresa and Mary about the need for prevention efforts in Cass County and suggestions for how to proceed. Two days later, Sean Smith, school superintendent, contacted Mary to confirm his district’s desire to participate. Mary visited with the same staff members on 25 March at which time the group decided to schedule Mandated Reporter Training for school staff members on 13 August 2009 before the start of school. The CHART board approved the expenditure of funds to pay for 25 staff members to be trained. Fees for the training of additional staff members will be paid by the district. The program will be presented through the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) of Independence. The staff also discussed the possibility of a community awareness fair to acquaint the Archie community with the importance of this effort and the school district’s collaboration with CHART. Andrea Franz, school counselor, offered the students she works with in SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) to help implement future programs that the school district might adopt to create awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention. Schools provide an excellent avenue by which to reach the parents and guardians who are the protectors of children. CHART and, in particular, its child abuse and neglect sub-committee are very grateful to the Archie School District for making this commitment.
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