Westchester Medical Center Grant
Governor Pataki's office announced that funding has been approved for a regional SBS prevention program that will involve 20 hospitals in the lower Hudson Valley, covering eight counties. The program will be coordinated by the Children's Advocacy Center at Westchester Medical Center with assistance from the SKIPPER Initiative and Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association.

April 20, 2004
GOVERNOR PATAKI ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO FIGHT FAMILY VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

Nearly $1.6 Million in Grants Will Bolster Child Abuse, Domestic Violence Prevention Efforts

Governor George E. Pataki today announced nearly $1.6 million in grants to 21 programs across the State to fight child abuse and domestic violence. The grants, awarded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) through the New York State Children and Family Trust Fund, coincide with the Governor's proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in New York.

"The protection of New York's children is one of our highest priorities and we have worked hard since 1995 to enact new measures that work to prevent child abuse and domestic violence," Governor Pataki said. "These new grants will build on that strong record and provide new support to local community organizations across the State to help strengthen families by fighting and preventing child abuse and domestic violence."

A total of nearly $1.6 million in grants -- ranging from $37,500 to $130,000 -- will go to 21 child abuse prevention and support programs. The funding will be used to establish or expand child abuse prevention, family support and parenting programs; and comprehensive efforts that involve children, educators, parents and the community in the prevention of violence and child abuse. The community-based programs address needs in rural, suburban and urban areas.

OCFS and Prevent Child Abuse New York yesterday kicked off the 9th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference in Albany. Held Monday, April 19, through Wednesday, April 21, the conference provides participants with the newest abuse prevention, child protection and parenting information. Workshop topics include: child abuse prevention and intervention, parenting support, mental health issues, domestic violence prevention, management and supervision issues and child and adolescent behavior.

The New York State Children and Family Trust Fund, administered by OCFS, operates with the guidance and assistance of a 13-member advisory board. It is funded through an annual appropriation in the state budget and through federal funds. New York's Trust Fund statute allows for donations from private individuals, corporations and foundations. The program is dedicated to family violence prevention in all its forms, including child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.

Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner John A. Johnson said, "Governor Pataki recognizes the complex problems facing many families today. His continued support of innovative, community-based services will help to protect our most vulnerable citizens and stop abuse before it occurs. We are committed to building upon the success of the past and looking for new ways to prevent and treat child abuse so that all children can grow up safe and healthy."

New York State Children and Family Trust Fund Chairman Thomas W. Roach said, "We're pleased to fund these worthy programs, which will help strengthen and support families and individuals to be free of violence. Through the support of Governor Pataki and the state Legislature, and our partnership with OCFS, we have significantly helped promote child abuse prevention and education."

Prevent Child Abuse New York is the only statewide not-for-profit in New York whose singular mission is to prevent child abuse in all its forms. Services include providing a resource on child abuse for families, individuals and organizations, and advocating for expanded and improved activities to prevent child abuse. The New York Chapter is part of the Prevent Child Abuse America nationwide network.

This year's New York State Children and Family Trust Fund grant awards and program descriptions follow:

PUBLIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Kaleida Health/Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo - $130,000. Enhances the existing hospital-based program to reach parents at the first post-natal visit to the pediatrician, reminding parents of the dangers of shaking their child and tracking their receipt of this information. Program currently reaches 17 counties through 32 hospitals.

Children's Hospital Foundation at Westchester Medical Center - $122,300. Hudson Valley Shaken Baby Prevention initiative aims to replicate the Buffalo region program and targets 19 hospitals in seven counties, educating all parents of newborns about shaking injuries and ways to educate others who care for their child.

 

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September 22, 2004
The New York State Legislature has passed a bill which will require ALL hospitals providing maternity services in New York to give all new parents the opportunity to watch a video that will educate them about the danger of shaking young children and what they can do to help protect their child from injury.

Governor Paktaki signed that bill on Sept. 22, 2004 at White Plains Medical Center in White Plains, NY.

Text of new bill

Portrait of Promise video