Conference Abstract Compendium Examples from the ... - CityMatCH

2009 CityMatCH Urban MCH Leadership Conference• Parents University; a workshop for parents and caregivers, where they choose class sessions from avariety of topics while their children are involved in fun, educational activities. A Showcase ofcommunity resources, programs, and services is provided to increase their access to family supportopportunities. This event has grown in size and popularity since initiation in 2004.• Community Mini-grants of $500 provided by CCS to community groups for prevention activities inApril (utilizing CTF funds). To date, eight grants of $500 awarded.• Family Resource Guides updated and printed yearly for services and resources in Independence area.These are distributed through partners and providers.• Creation of an effective network; inter-agency communication is vastly improved, which strengthensour response to families in stressful circumstances, and mobilizes resources more effectively.• City employee training on recognition and reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect, with laminatedreference materials for use in the field.• Multi-sector dialogue group leading to the creation of a training module for community groupsexplaining the link between animal cruelty, family violence, child/elder abuse.• Resource library created which includes printed materials and a Child Abuse Prevention presentationkit.LESSONS LEARNED• Public health is seen as a neutral entity, thus is a natural choice for leading the coalition.• Even tragedy wears out; motivation must be renewed and purpose redefined periodically to respond toemerging needs and to keep partners engaged.141