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Child Safety

All kids deserve a safe and nurturing upbringing. Child safety encompasses physical safety, but also safety in the home and in the neighborhood. In an effort to make sure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in a safe environment, WCCF has been involved in a variety of measures, from ensuring that kids are riding in proper carseats to making sure that newborn parents and caretakers of babies are educated in the dangers of shaken baby syndrome. We regularly support measures to protect kids from gun violence and monitor legislation governing child welfare issues. This project is largely shaped by the legislation introduced in any given session which affects kids and their safe and healthy development.

Recent News When it comes to child maltreatment prevention in Wisconsin: place matters. “Child Maltreatment Prevention: Where We Stand and Directions for the Future” is a series of reports just released by the Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) and the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families (WCCF). This first report details the results of a year long survey of county prevention programs. Read the press release and reports. Under current law, anyone can get a gun in Wisconsin without undergoing a background check or even showing identification.  AB 914 and SB 643 will close this large and dangerous loophole. See WCCF’s letter to legislators in support of these bills.

The US Department of Health and Human Services', Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect reports that since 1997 the overall incidence of child abuse and neglect nationally has fallen dramatically. Read the report.

Project Goals

Every child will grow up in a safe home and neighborhood.

Legislation passed in Wisconsin will make this a safer state for children to develop and grow.

WisKids Fact

Most Wisconsin adolescents report that their parents (most often their mothers) know their friends, teachers and school activities and where they are spending their time. The 2009 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey found high levels of social support among high school students.  Ninety percent of boys and 87 percent of girls reported that their family gives them love and support.

Project Staff

Ken Taylor, Executive Director contact