The West Virginia Children’s Trust Fund is not a provider of direct services. Through a variety of initiatives, including “Partners In Prevention,” the WVCTF supports local communities in creating efforts to prevent problems before they ever begin.

Partners in Prevention is based on the belief that child well being hinges on the capacity of local communities to support families and protect children. This approach is built on a framework of collaboration between and among community groups, state and local organizations, and local teams. Everyone has a role to play to strengthen families and children in the Mountain State. Community Teams across the state participate in this program of educational workshops, networking and mini-grants. The goals of the teams are:

• raising awareness about child abuse and neglect and its prevention
• developing and expanding effective services that prevent or reduce child maltreatment
• informing policymakers about best practices in the prevention of child abuse and neglect

Partners in Prevention and the WV Children’s Trust Fund makes possible projects such as:

• Events that increase community and professional understanding of how to keep children free from child abuse and neglect.
• Programs such as “Parents as Teachers” which works with new parents by offering in-home family education.
• Education to faith communities to assist them in supporting families.
• Parenting classes in several counties,

…and much more. Click here for a detailed complete list of projects funded in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Click here for a map of Partners in Prevention program locations.