The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday that over $200,000 in funding has been awarded to Kentucky child sexual abuse prevention organizations.
The announcement comes ahead of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The funding comes from the Child Victim’s Trust Fund (CVTF). The money will fund child sexual abuse prevention programs and assist survivors of abuse.
“Every Kentucky child deserves a safe childhood, and my office is working diligently alongside our non-profit partners to do everything we possibly can to combat child abuse in the commonwealth,” Attorney General Daniel Cameron said. “This April, during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I’m urging every Kentucky adult to take a few moments to learn about how you can be a part of putting an end to child abuse and neglect.”
Kentucky’s 15 Children’s Advocacy Centers will be reimbursed for up to $85,500 to offset costs associated with administering more than 855 child sexual abuse medical exams, the attorney general’s office said. In addition to assisting with medical exam costs, CVTF awarded over $133,000 in regional and statewide child abuse prevention grants.
The Attorney General’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (CANP) oversees CVTF, a non-profit organization that provides funding for child sexual abuse prevention programs and reimbursements for child sexual abuse medical exam expenses that are not covered by Medicaid or private insurance.
Kentuckians wishing to join the fight to end child abuse can donate to the CVTF by making a private donation, by purchasing an “I Care About Kids’ license plate, or by donating a portion of your state income tax refund.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ latest Child Maltreatment Report, Kentucky ranks sixth in the country for child maltreatment. This report estimates that 14,963 children in Kentucky experienced abuse and neglect in 2021, and most of these children were under the age of four.
In April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the attorney general’s Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution will make presentations across the state to help Kentuckians recognize and report child abuse, beginning with STAND Against Child Abuse at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro on April 14.
To report suspected child abuse, contact local law enforcement or the Child Protection Hotline by calling 1-877-KYSAFE1 (1-877-597-2331).
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
