SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The newly created Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota held its quarterly advisory board meeting in Chamberlain, South Dakota this week. The agenda included a variety of topics, most notably the progress of the organizational groundwork for the center and updates on the current objectives.
CPCM launched its public website, www.sdcpcm.com, on August1, 2017. The website contains information about the work of Jolene’s Law Task Force, the creation of CPCM and the goals and objectives contained in the CPCM’s 10-Year Work Plan. The website also provides links to state and national resources, including a statewide database that allows people to search for counseling services in their area. The database was developed in partnership with The Helpline, based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“We are excited to offer the CPCM website as a tool for both professionals and community members. South Dakotans are ready for more information on how to end child sexual abuse and maltreatment; they are ready for change. The efforts of Advisory Board, including the publication of the website, demonstrate the statewide commitment to help South Dakota children facing traumatic experiences,” said Carrie Sanderson, director of CPCM.
Board members include representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Education, the Board of Regents, the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, child advocacy groups, law enforcement, community advocates, and a survivor of child sexual abuse. Minutes from the advisory board meeting will be published on the website, once approved.
Visit the website and join CPCM’s mailing list to stay up-to-date on the CPCM’s continued progress.
ABOUT CENTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD MALTREATMENT
The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, hosted within the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences, is the first statewide organization designed to join local, tribal, state and federal efforts in the fight against child sexual abuse. The Jolene’s Law Task Force, established through SDCL 2-6-31, developed a comprehensive 10-year plan to help South Dakotan’s know of, respond to, and prevent child sexual abuse. The mission of the Center is to propel the work plan through statewide partnerships.
ABOUT USD
Founded in 1862 and the first university in the Dakotas, the University of South Dakota is the only public liberal arts university in the state, with 206 undergraduate and 71 graduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, School of Law, Sanford School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Beacom School of Business and College of Fine Arts. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students and more than 400 faculty, USD has a 17:1 student/faculty ratio, and it ranks among the best in academics and affordability. USD’s 17 athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division I level.
