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Child Abuse Prevention Council of Des Moines, Iowa
The mission of the Child Abuse Prevention Council is to eliminate child abuse in Polk County through education, training and support.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council is a small grass roots organization whose programs include:
- Free Parenting Classes
- HOPE! Drama Troupe
- Multi-Disciplinary team and education training.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council operates on a small annual budget derived mostly from program grants. We also do one main fundraising event each year to supplement grant income. This event is our annual auction at which we honor an individual who has gone above and beyond in the protection of children. Past recipients of the award are: Dr. Rizwan Shah; Bruce Buchanan; Dr. Vince Lewis; HOPE! Drama Troupe; and Collaborating Agencies.
In 2003 the Child Abuse Prevention Council honored Michele A. Moore posthumously for her life’s work in advocating for children by initiating the Michele A. Moore Award of Distinction. Michele passed away May 17, 2003 after a brief illness. Michele was known as an advocate for children and families in her personal life and in her professional life as a supervisor of the Child Protective Assessment unit at the Department of Human Services. Her care and concern for children was a driving force in her life. For several years she taught parenting classes for Sudanese immigrants on Saturday mornings. In 1999, Michele traveled with friends to a village in Mozambique, Africa to do volunteer work in a remote hospital for a month. For nearly 20 years Michele served on the Multi-Disciplinary Team where she provided insightful consultation to obtain services and protect children. Her calm, professional manner allowed her to soothe tense situations and navigate through the sometimes-complex human services system to get things done. She was always positive, always friendly and always kind. She lived and worked the social work code of ethics – compassion, dignity and respect – Above all else – Do no harm.
In 2004 the first Michele A. Moore Award of Distinction was awarded to Yvonne Burrell with Foster Care Licensing at the Department of Human Services. Ms. Burrell was nominated by her co-worker Ardis Sullivan for her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of vulnerable children. Yvonne serves as a mentor and source of information for human service workers when placing children in foster care. She is known to be a strong advocate for families and for relative placement when appropriate and is especially sensitive to cultural issues affecting children.
In 2005 the award was presented to Sgt. Barry Arnold with the Des Moines Police Department for his efforts to protect children from internet pornography. Sgt. Arnold supervised the Sexual Abuse/Child Trauma Unit, which investigates all crimes of a sexual nature and child abuse cases. Myrna Molinari, supervisor with the Department of Human Services and the nominator, says, “ Sgt. Arnold has worked closely with the Department of Human Services to ensure the safety of children who are at risk and has educated and trained other officers in recognizing child safety issues. He is dedicated and compassionate in his work with children. This community is fortunate to have such a dedicated professional to help protect our children.”
In 2006 the Michele A. Moore Award of Distinction was presented to Jo Mulvihill with Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services. Ms. Mulvihill is the coordinator of the Child Sexual Abuse Resource Coalition and serves as a member of several other collaborative groups whose mission is to protect children from sex abuse. She was nominated by co-workers Sandra McGee and Sara McMillan for her exemplary advocacy for children. They state, “Jo is a resource to team members and has forged strong relationships with them because of her unique ability to build trust and consensus and get results. She can navigate bureaucratic systems and views obstacles as challenges to overcome. With Jo’s guidance the Child Sexual Abuse Resource Coalition has become a model for other communities around the country. She is a consummate advocate for the protection of children and thus a worthy recipient of the Michele A. Moore Award.”
Darla J. Brown, a social worker with the Department of Human Services received the award in 2007. Darla began her work with DHS as a Treatment Worker serving children and families involved in the Child Welfare System. In 1997 she began working as a Child Protective Assessment Worker and continues in that position. Darla is a member of the Severe Trauma Team and is often assigned difficult cases that require a high level of knowledge and skill. She has the respect of her peers and appreciation of her supervisors for the difficult work she does to protect children on a daily basis. Darla Brown is a wonderful reminder of the thoughtful professional we all loved and admired in Michele Moore.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council accepts nominations each August for the Michele A. Moore Award, which is presented at the annual benefit auction held the second Friday of November. Applications can be obtained by calling the council office at 515-725-2682.
