From the UA News Center | The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention has awarded $2,197,000 to community-based programs that are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District.
The University of Alabama received funding for programs within Child Development Resources and the UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.
“The Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention looks forward each year to participating in our 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. These community-based entities implement evidence-based programs to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect in Alabama,” said Sallye Longshore, director of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.
The UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, part of the UA College of Arts and Sciences, provides support to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and associated mental health concerns through comprehensive evaluation and therapy services, research opportunities, and consultation services.
According to the 2021 Alabama Kids Count Data Book, there were 48,077 reports of child abuse and neglect in the state. The data also included 11,603 victims that year.
The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, a state agency founded in 1983, secures resources to fund evidence-based community programs committed to the prevention of child maltreatment. The agency advocates for children and the strengthening of families.