This week the #Essential4Kids newsletter will focus on resources for parent/caregivers to seek out support.

In times of crisis and economic insecurity, rates of child abuse and neglect increase. Parents/caregivers in Missouri are impacted by job loss, illness, and isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Providing resources to parent/caregivers about where they can receive support in taking care of basic needs is an important strategy to preventing child abuse and neglect.
Some days are harder than others. Help and an open ear are a phone call away. We all need someone to walk this parenting/caregiver journey with. You don't have to go it alone.

Missouri Parent Link Warmline
For all Families: 1-800-552-8522
Kinship Navigator Line for kinship caregiving: 1-833-KIN-4-KID
https://education.missouri.edu/parentlink/

National Parent Helpine
1-855-427-2736
https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/
Parents/Caregivers in Crisis Have Options
Crisis Care/nurseries provides temporary care for children from birth until their 18 birthday whose parents are experiencing a crisis/emergency situation. Providers help with more than child care. They can connect you with resources for housing, food, and other basic needs.

To find Crisis Care/Nurseries in Missouri click HERE
We All Need Someone In Our Corner
We all need help and support in our parenting journey.

Home visiting programs help families link to additional resources in the community and build parenting knowledge and skills.  

To find home visiting programs in your area click HERE .
Online Child Exploitation on the Rise
Forbes reports that the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) recorded a 106% increase in CyberTipline reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, an increase that NCMEC believes is directly related to COVID-19.(for full article click HERE )

NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.

1-800-843-5678
For more information go to: CyberTipline.org
Are you or someone you love being sexually abused?

Courage is taking a huge leap into the unknown.
Often, it's taking just another small step in the right direction.
Mostly, it's just the willingness to move.

If you or someone you love are in a situation where you're scared or you don't know what to do, help is available.

Text the word "light" to 741-741 to be connected to prompt, confidential resources.

Take these important steps this week to be #Essential4Kids:


  • Follow Missouri KidsFirst on Facebook, and Twitter to get up to date resources and learn more about taking steps each day during this difficult time to protect the children in your life.

Thank you for being #Essential4Kids!



To learn more, visit: www.missourikidsfirst.org and follow Missouri KidsFirs t on Facebook and Twitter .