Missouri Network Against Child Abuse

Missouri Network Against Child Abuse is the expert in training, community education, and child advocacy for professionals, community members, and partners who provide children with access to safety, justice, and healing.

MO-NACA is the accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). It plays a crucial role in Missouri as the statewide association of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), fostering a network committed to a coordinated and evidence-based response to child abuse. MO-NACA provides statewide advocacy on behalf of CACs, offers expert resources on child abuse issues, and provides training and technical assistance to members of Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs).

MO-NACA also serves as the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). MO-NACA plays a crucial part in supporting PCAA’s comprehensive prevention efforts by providing state-level expertise and resources. MO-NACA collaborates closely with a diverse range of community partners to implement day-to-day prevention initiatives. This includes developing innovative strategies to address issues like child sexual abuse, promoting awareness for preventing child abuse and neglect, and advocating with state and local governments to secure funding for programs aimed at benefiting children and families. 

MO-NACA is the leader in public policy and legislative advocacy for solutions to support the safety of Missouri children. Through active participation in public hearings and coordination with lawmakers and advocacy partners, MO-NACA consistently achieves success in advancing policies and securing funding that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children. The organization is proud to champion the cause of Missouri children, striving to bring about positive changes in the systems that prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. 

Advocating for and securing funding for agencies and programs supporting children affected by abuse and neglect is a key priority for MO-NACA. The organization is actively engaged in ensuring financial support for efforts dedicated to both the recovery of victims and the prevention of child abuse.

MO-NACA functions as a central support hub for the Missouri Stewards of Children® Authorized Facilitator Network. Stewards of Children® stands out as one of the only evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention training programs in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Developed by Darkness to Light, this award-winning program teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with a diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® equips adults with practical actions to reduce instances of child sexual abuse within organizations, families, and communities.

We believe it is every adult’s responsibility to keep kids safe. The Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training is designed to empower all mandated reporters and any adults committed to safeguarding children. Its purpose is to guide individuals in fulfilling their responsibility to protect children from sexual abuse and neglect. The online training is easily accessible and free of charge. Designed as an ongoing resource for mandated reporters, participants can explore supplemental resources within the training. The self-paced session typically requires one to three hours. Upon successful completion, participants receive certification and are eligible for two Continuing Education Units. You can take the training online at www.protectmokids.com.

MO-NACA provides resources, develops courses, and administers professional training and certification programs to support Multi-Disciplinary Team Members (MDTs), the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services, law enforcement, juvenile officers, and medical and mental health providers. MO-NACA leads the Multi-Disciplinary Team Enhancement Initiative – a coordinated, multi-year, statewide effort to identify and develop capacity-building opportunities for multidisciplinary teams.

MO-NACA is the certified course provider in Missouri for the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol, a comprehensive training program developed by the Zero Abuse Project. This course is specifically designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, child protection attorneys, and forensic interviewers. 

MO-NACA, in partnership with the Department of Health and Senior Services, oversees the state-funded SAFE-CARE program, coordinating a comprehensive medical response to child abuse and neglect in Missouri. SAFE-CARE focuses on providing direct patient care through state-of-the-art medical evaluations for children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. 

MO-NACA coordinates the multidisciplinary response to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) through our statewide CSEC initiative.