UA Programs Receive Support to Help Alabama’s Children

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention has awarded $2,197,000 to community-based programs that are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District.

The University of Alabama received funding for programs within Child Development Resources and the UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.

“The Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention looks forward each year to participating in our annual district check presentations. These events provide opportunities to highlight the outstanding work of our agency’s funded programs in each of the state’s Seven Congressional Districts. These community-based entities implement evidence-based programs to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect in Alabama,” said Sallye Longshore, director of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.

The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, also known as the Children’s Trust Fund, provides annual funding to community-based programs across the state that are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. This year, the agency awarded a total of 175 grants statewide to a range of prevention efforts, including parent education, home visiting, fatherhood, mentoring, respite care and community awareness programs.

Child Development Resources, part of the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, is home to three programs receiving Children’s Trust Fund support including Baby TALK, PAL and PAL by Text.

Baby TALK encourages parents to establish a nurturing relationship with their small children, teaches them infant development information and suggests developmentally appropriate activities.

PAL aids parents and other caregivers of children ages birth through 18 through a statewide toll-free number. The calls are fielded by a parent resource specialist who will listen and offer information. The line is available Monday through Friday at 866-962-3030. In addition, families can utilize PAL by Text by texting “PAL” to 274448.

The UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, part of the UA College of Arts and Sciences, provides support to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and associated mental health concerns through comprehensive evaluation and therapy services, research opportunities, and consultation services.

“The funding received from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention is integral in aiding our agencies work with families in West Alabama,” said Leslie Guy, parent services coordinator with Child Development Resources. “It allows us to work with parents to promote optimal child development and family dynamics, and prevent child abuse and neglect.”

Additional local organizations receiving funding include United Ability, Inc., Pickens County Family Resource Center, UCP of West Alabama, BAMA Kids, Inc., Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, Central Alabama Regional Child Advocacy Center, Dallas County System of Services, Inc., Sowing Seeds of Hope, Dallas County Family Resource Center, and Community Care Development Network.

According to the 2021 Alabama Kids Count Data Book, there were 48,077 reports of child abuse and neglect in the state. The data also included 11,603 victims that year.

The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, a state agency founded in 1983, secures resources to fund evidence-based community programs committed to the prevention of child maltreatment. The agency advocates for children and the strengthening of families.