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We have created this site because state health departments can play a leading role in child maltreatment prevention through programs and services that enhance family resiliency and foster positive child development. With public health infrastructure existing in every state and territory within the United States, the public health system is well-positioned to create a prevention system for children and families. We hope the information provided in this site is helpful in supporting your efforts to promote the health and well-being of children.
This work was supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
In partnership with National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation
[Strategy 3.4: Cross-sector collaboration]
Cross-sector coordination can be extremely beneficial in addressing many issues that affect the public’s health. It can help leverage resources, expand reach, and integrate efforts for greater impact. However, cross-sector partnerships can also prose challenges such as buy-in from needed partners and organizing coordinated efforts. In Florida, a 2007 state statute mandated the establishment of the Governor’s Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Advisory Council (Governor’s Council). The council is charged with overall coordination and leadership of child maltreatment prevention in the state. Council membership includes representatives of all state agencies that touch the lives of children and families, child advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, the court system, service providers, and consumers. The following state agencies are required to participate in the Governor’s Council:
The Governor’s Council’s work is carried out by workgroups that focus on specific goals and objectives identified in the Florida Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Plan. This five-year plan was launched in 2010 and was developed in conjunction with almost 200 individuals and encompassed the work of 20 local planning teams. Staff from different sectors responsible for child maltreatment prevention and intervention provide leadership for workgroups tasked with implementing strategic goals and objectives. Although addressing child maltreatment in a comprehensive way can be a daunting task requiring input and effort from staff in multiple agencies and organizations, it can be done in a systematic and thoughtful way and a Governor’s Council can be a useful mechanism for bringing these different sectors together, breaking down silos, and supporting integration of efforts.
