The Child Abuse Prevention Council evolved out of the legislative changes, which occurred during 1976-1979. Mandatory reporting legislation caused the number of child abuse cases reported and investigated to increase dramatically. Agencies responded with minimal community coordination. In December of 1977 the Junior League, aware of the influx of services and lack of integration, established the Child Abuse Impact Group to study and to review services and determine where gaps and duplication occurred. Out of this study group the Junior League invited over 100 people to an orginzational meeting to form the Greater Des Moines Child Abuse and Neglect Council. The council was incorporated in the State of Iowa in September 1979. The name was changed to the Child Abuse Prevention Council in 1993.
The philosophy of the organization thoughout its history has been to serve as a neutral third party to the service delivery system. The council focuses on community planning and monitors community services. When a gap becomes apparent, the council may elect to develop a program to fill the need, seek grant funds to initate a program and provide the service for a limited period of time. However, it is the long range goal of the council to turn programs over to the direct sevice agency capable of continuing the service. Examples of programs initiated by the Council (either in total or in conjunction with other organizations) and later housed at other agencies include:
One of the council's crucial roles in the community is to gather both professionals and lay-persons to address prevention and treatment gaps in Polk County. With only part-time staff, council programs are frequently dependent on volunteers. Although the council is not a direct service agency some programs initiated by the council over the years have remained under the auspices of the council in order that the community may continue to be served.
The HOPE! Drama Troupe, Multi-Disciplinary Team, Parent Education classes, Speakers Bureau, Blue Ribbon Day, educational conferences and brown bags are current prevention programs of the Child Abuse Prevention Council. The council collaborates with other agencies by accessing professionals, spaces, and resources to make these programs available to the Community. Because of our unique and needed mission in Polk County, the Department of Human Services continues to provide the council with office space, phone and mailing.
The council is governed by a board of directors, which meets monthly September through May except for December. An executive committee composed of the officers of the board and the immediate past president meets monthly. Membership is open to anyone interested in helping to prevent child abuse. For more information contact Linda L. Kirkman at: