RELEASE: March 29, 2005

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Davy promotes child abuse prevention funding
Reminds residents to check off Children's Trust Fund on their tax returns

TRENTON—Stressing there are now three weeks left before the tax filing deadline, Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy urged New Jersey residents to check off line 54 on their state tax return in support of the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) and its efforts to prevent child abuse.

“Prevention is a key part of our child welfare reform plan,” said Commissioner Davy. “Our goal is to help our children and families earlier so they never become involved with DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services).”

As part of its efforts to reform the state child welfare system, DHS is concentrating heavily on prevention programs through the creation of a new division, the Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships. Through this new division, the Department is partnering with local government, community providers, faith-based organizations and other stakeholders to identify local needs so appropriate services may be developed in local communities.

According to Donna Pincavage, executive director of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and director of the Children's Trust Fund, over $12 million have been awarded to community programs in every county since the inception of the Children's Trust Fund in 1985.

Among the types of programs funded by the CTF are parenting education classes for fathers and teen mothers, home visiting programs for at-risk newborns, respite care, support groups for families of substance abusers and programs for families of children with disabilities.

Last year, 20,034 taxpayers checked off line 54 and donated a total of $226,667.82. At its peak 1989, the CTF received over half a million dollars from 96,000 taxpayers. Today, there are now 10 other tax check offs on the New Jersey tax return.

“Everyone can help prevent child abuse by supporting the Children's Trust Fund and its efforts to protect children and strengthen families before abuse happens,” said Commissioner Davy. “There is still so much more we need to do and by working together we can hopefully stop the tragedy of abuse.”

According to DYFS, 8,200 New Jersey children are victims of abuse and neglect each year. Thirty-five percent of all child abuse victims are four years old or younger. To report child abuse in New Jersey call the new 24-hour hotline 1-877-NJ-ABUSE.

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