UA Programs Receive Funding to Support Children

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention joined local and state leaders on Jan. 24 to present a check for $1,955,000 to local organizations in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

Of the 18 local organizations, The University of Alabama received support 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 213 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, parents can utilize PAL by Text by texting “PAL” to 274448. 

The UA Autism Spectrum Disorder 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.” 

Children’s Trust Fund partnered with the UA College of Human Environmental Science and the Center for Business and Economic Research to release a 2021 study on the enormous intervention cost. Services associated with child abuse and neglect incidents are estimated to cost taxpayers $3.7 billion annually. Based on this report and the number of first-time child maltreatment incidences reported, the average intervention cost is $368,416 per case. In contrast, prevention is much more cost-effective. The average cost per participant in an ADCANP/CTF-funded program is $53 for adults and $11 for youth.

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.