State Gives Nearly $2.2M For Child Abuse Prevention Programs In West Alabama

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

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UA says it received the funding through Child Development Resources and the UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.

Sallye Longshore, director of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, said she looks forward each year to participating in the organization's 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," she said. "These community-based entities implement evidence-based programs to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect in Alabama."

Also known as the Children’s Trust Fund, the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention provides annual funding to community-based programs across the state that are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

In 2023, alone, the agency has awarded 175 grants statewide, ranging from prevention efforts, including parent education, to home visiting, fatherhood, mentoring, respite care and community awareness programs.

Child Development Resources Parent Services Coordinator Leslie Guy said the funding received from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention is integral in aiding the work of agencies with families in West Alabama.

“It allows us to work with parents to promote optimal child development and family dynamics, and prevent child abuse and neglect," she said.

Here's a look at the different programs that will benefit from the funding:

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

Baby TALK aims to help parents establish a nurturing relationship with their small children, while teaching them infant development information and providing suggestions for developmentally appropriate activities.

PAL provides parents and other caregivers of children ages birth through 18 with statewide toll-free number, where the calls are fielded by a parent resource specialist who will listen and offer information. PAL says the line is available Monday through Friday at (866) 962-3030. Families can also utilize PAL by Text by texting “PAL” to 274448.

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

Other 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
• Community Care Development Network.

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