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Children deserve safe and nurturing environments no matter where they are born, including in Missouri. Too many of Missouri's children suffer, and in far too many cases die, as a result of a preventable condition--child abuse and neglect.
In 2007:
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50 Missouri children died as a result of child abuse and neglect
› 7,235 Missouri children were confirmed abused and/or neglected
The number of children abused and neglected in Missouri would fill over 17 elementary, middle, and high schools.
Unfortunately, whether or not children who are abused or neglected receive protection is largely an accident of geography.
Although not the entire story, state spending on child abuse prevention, protection and treatment is indicative of a state's commitment and ability to deal with the issue of child abuse and neglect at all levels. In 2006, Missouri spent $290.39 in federal and state funding per child to address child abuse and neglect.
The single best predictor of child abuse and neglect is poverty. One study found that a child living in a family with an annual income of $15,000 or less is 22 times more likely to be abused than one living in a family with an income of $30,000 or more. In 2007, according to the national publication Kids Count, Missouri ranked 32nd out of 50 states with 18% of children 18 and under living in poverty (poverty is defined as a household of four that earns $20,000 or less). 8% of the state's children live in extreme poverty, defined as a household of four earning $10,000 a year or less. These numbers are sure to rise as a result of the nation's current economic crisis. (www.kidscount.org)
Like the majority of states, Missouri is facing a severe budget shortfall for 2010. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities puts the figure at $923 million or 10.3% of the state's FY2010 total budget. Missouri was forced to deal with a $542 million budget gap this year; as a result, the state was forced to use approximately half of its rainy day funds to bridge that gap, setting the stage for more severe budget cuts when those monies are exhausted.
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We Can Do Better 
