RESOLUTION NO. 220443
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Recognizing The Children’s Place work to reduce the long-term effects of childhood trauma in our community and declaring the beneficial public health impact that early intervention can have on the most vulnerable children in Kansas City, Missouri.
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WHEREAS, The Children's Place is a mental health agency for children six-weeks through eight years old that focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment for children who have experienced a wide range of traumatic experiences including abuse, neglect, exposure to substance abuse, domestic or community violence, removal from the home, or separation from biological parents due to death, divorce, or incarceration; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2019 State of Children's Health report published by Children's Mercy Hospital, 17.3 percent of Jackson County's children experienced three or more adverse childhood events (ACEs); but at The Children's Place, where all children are under eight, 91 percent have experienced three or more ACEs; and
WHEREAS, The Children’s Place turns no child away for services due to their family or caregivers’ income or insurance status; and
WHEREAS, The Children’s Place’s mission is to help children and families heal from life’s deepest hurts; enabling children to lead happy, healthy, hopeful lives and work to restore the joy of childhood; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby declare the importance and beneficial public health impact that early intervention and treatment for children who have experienced trauma can have in Kansas City, Missouri; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to The Children’s Place with the appreciation of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for successful efforts and their local and national leadership, in making trauma responsive mental health services for children in Kansas City a public health priority.
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