Every April, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) observes Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month to encourage every Missourian to help keep children safe. Prevention isn’t just about spotting the bad. It’s about strengthening families and providing the support they need so the “bad” never happens in the first place. Most people believe they would recognize abusive behavior if it were happening, but what if you were put on the spot? Would you feel comfortable observing a situation and knowing when to call and what to report?

In Missouri, the Children’s Division receives more than 154,000 hotline reports each year, according to the latest data from the Missouri Department of Social Services. Advocates say many cases of abuse or neglect may go unreported because people are unsure what qualifies as abuse or how to report concerns.

While many people have the best of intentions, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect or to know when to report concerns. In response, LFCS developed a child abuse and neglect prevention checklist to help individuals better understand when and how concerning behavior should be reported.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Checklist

√ Know the warning signs. Unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, fear of certain adults, or signs of neglect such as poor hygiene or hunger can indicate a child may need help.

√ Trust your instincts. You do not need proof to make a report, only a reasonable suspicion that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.

√ Save the hotline number. Keep the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-392-3738) saved in your phone so you can act quickly if concerns arise.

√ If a child tells you something, listen calmly. Thank them for telling you, avoid asking leading questions, and report the concern so trained professionals can follow up.

√ Write down what you noticed. Record observations such as injuries, statements, or concerning behaviors to help provide clear information when making a report.

√ Remember that reporting starts the process. Hotline staff will ask basic questions about the child, the parents, and the situation to determine whether further investigation is needed.

How to Report Child Abuse in Missouri

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. The toll-free number is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and reports may be made anonymously.

Are you a mandated reporter? Ensure your certification is up to date by visiting the Missouri DSS training page.

For more information about recognizing the signs of abuse, what happens during a hotline call, and how to report concerns, visit the Lutheran Family and Children’s Services resource page: https://lfcsmo.org/who-we-are/reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect/.

For more information about prevention and family support services, contact the LFCS toll-free at 1-866-326-5327 or email help@lfcs.org.

Help Us Raise Awareness

Child abuse prevention is a community-wide effort. You can help by sharing this checklist with your neighbors, coworkers, and friends to ensure every child has a safe place to grow.

Our Young Professinoals board brings fresh leadership to support Missouri families across the state. Established in 2025, the group is cultivating a new generation of advocates dedicated to serving the St. Louis area and other communities statewide. Now in 2026, the YPB is laying an even stronger foundation to advance our mission.

We spoke with Anna Kappel, Program Coordinator at Guardian Angel Settlement Association and President of the Young Professionals board, about how they are putting our core values into action.

Q: What specific moment made you want to lead the Young Professionals board?

“The moment happened about a year ago at a networking event. What stood out was the unique opportunity to help shape a new board from the ground up for an organization doing such meaningful work. As a social worker, the idea immediately resonated. It felt like an exciting way to serve the community in a different capacity than my day-to-day work with older adults. Working alongside our Vice President, Natalie Sullivan, I realized that this experience would support my own professional growth while creating a space for other young leaders to deepen their connection to the community.”

Q: A core theme for LFCS in 2026 is the ‘Three Vs.’ How is the Young Professional’s board championing these principles?

“I see our values in how the group operates. There is a strong sense of compassion and purpose that guides us. Integrity also plays a big role. We share an understanding of accountability and transparency that ensures our work feels respected and meaningful. We are also uniquely positioned to champion Value. We create a space where individual skills and field-specific experiences are intentionally used. By combining diverse professional backgrounds, we turn individual strengths into shared impact.

At its core, feeling valued starts with our culture. Because we are in the early stages, we can set clear expectations for how we treat one another, recognize contributions, and ensure every member has a voice. We want an environment where people feel seen for who they are, not just what they offer.”

Q: What is the one legacy you want this year’s board to leave behind?

“A strong foundation. Everything we are focused on in 2026, from building clear structures and defining committees, is about making sure the board feels stable and intentional. Our success this year will be measured by the strength of the foundation we build for the future.”

Q: You have a busy year ahead. What is on the calendar for Young Professionals in 2026?

“We are kicking off with our first formal board meeting in February to launch our committees. In March, we’re hosting a St. Louis networking event for young professionals. Throughout the summer, we have volunteer opportunities planned so members can experience LFCS’s impact firsthand.”

Ready to make a difference? Join the Young Professionals board today to volunteer, network, and build a lasting impact in your community. Take the next step and get involved! Contact Rachel Hinz at Rachel.Hinz@lfcs.org.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season for hope, gratitude, and reflection on the powerful difference one life can make. Few stories capture that spirit better than Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Inspired by George’s revelation, we asked ourselves a similar question: What would life look like for Missouri families if Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) had never existed?

It’s a chilling thought.

When the Safety Net Disappears

In this imagined world without LFCS, the consequences are immediate and heartbreaking for vulnerable children and families across Missouri.

Safe Homes Left Behind

Picture a child needing emergency placement after abuse or neglect. Without LFCS’s foster care services, the network of caring, well-trained foster families we recruit, and support would be gone. That child, instead of finding comfort and stability, might languish in a state office or be moved far from home, prolonging their trauma.

Compassion Taken Away

Think of a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy—frightened, uncertain, and alone. Without LFCS’s free, confidential pregnancy support, she would have no nonjudgmental space to explore her options or access ongoing support. The courage and love we celebrate in birth parents would be replaced by isolation.

Children Struggling for Support

Now imagine a middle schooler battling intense anxiety after a family crisis—or a teenager sinking into depression. Without LFCS’s accessible counseling and wellness services, their path to healing would disappear. That young person’s potential would be dim without the professional guidance they need to recover and grow.

Parents Without Guidance

Imagine a parent struggling to navigate the challenges of raising children—overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Without LFCS’s parenting services, families would lack the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to create nurturing, stable homes, leaving children without the benefits of confident, informed caregiving.

The Wonderful Reality We Build Together

Thankfully, this bleak vision is only a story—a “world without LFCS” that will never come true. Because, like George Bailey’s return to Bedford Falls, we see the difference that hope, and compassion make every day. Because of our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and staff, LFCS continues to be there for those who need 

us most. You are all Clarences, guiding families back toward hope and helping us make sure that safe homes, compassionate counseling, and strong foundations never disappear.

As you look toward your year-end giving, help us keep this “wonderful life” promise real for Missouri children and families. Click here to donate. For more information, please visit our website or help@lfcs.org

August is here, and with it comes National Wellness Month. It serves as a valuable reminder that proper health means more than just physical fitness. It encompasses our emotional resilience, social connections, and the overall well-being of our families. While August shines the spotlight on these crucial aspects, at LFCS, we believe that wellness is a year-round journey. We are dedicated to supporting Missouri families every day, regardless of the challenges they face.

Support Without Roadblocks

Unfortunately, accessing vital mental health and wellness support can often feel like an uphill battle. Common roadblocks like excessive costs, the stigma surrounding mental health, or simply a lack of awareness about available services prevent many families from getting the care they need.

At LFCS, we are actively breaking down these barriers. We believe that wellness should not depend on your income or where you live. We offer free and low-cost support across Missouri, ensuring that families can access essential care without roadblocks. Our mission is to make sure every family feels safe, supported, and connected.

As a leader in mental health and family wellness, LFCS provides comprehensive wraparound services tailored to support the entire family. We offer a wide range of programs to meet diverse needs, ensuring that help is always within reach. From counseling for individuals and families to parenting support and educational resources, we are here to walk alongside you. To see how our parenting support makes a real difference, read the inspiring story of William and Elise’s family. For more strategies on building family resilience and coping skills, resources like the Devereux Center for Resilient Children can offer helpful activities and insights.

“Wellness starts with feeling safe, supported, and connected. That is what we provide at LFCS,” said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health for LFCS. “Our team is dedicated to fostering environments where every family member can grow, heal, and flourish.”

As August begins, take a moment to reflect on your family’s journey toward well-being. Remember that support is available year-round.

Connect with LFCS Today!

We are here to support Missouri families with free and low-cost services that break down barriers to mental health and wellness. To learn more about our parenting services, please visit our parenting section on our website. You can also contact us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) or email help@lfcs.org.

As July begins, we turn our attention to National Minority Mental Health Month – a crucial time dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities across the United States. This month is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a vital opportunity to spark conversation, dismantle barriers, and champion equitable mental health support for everyone.

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri,  we believe that mental well-being is a fundamental component of a healthy life, and access to quality care should never be determined by one’s background or socioeconomic status.

Unpacking Mental Health Disparities

The data paints a clear and challenging picture. While mental health concerns affect all communities, racial and ethnic minority groups often face significant hurdles in getting the care they need. For instance:

• As recently as 2023, among adults with any mental illness, Black (39%), Hispanic (36%), and Asian (25%) adults were significantly less likely than White (52%) adults to receive mental health services. (Source: KFF, 2023 Survey of Racism, Discrimination, and Health).

• • Even more recent data shows that Asian Americans are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. (Source: Office of Minority Health).

Understanding the Barriers

We recognize that individuals from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often face unique hurdles in accessing care. It’s unacceptable that such gaps persist, and at LFCS, we are determined to close this gap and ensure everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their background.

The reasons behind these disparities are complex and multifaceted. They include:

• Systemic discrimination. Experiences of racism and discrimination can contribute to mental health conditions and create a deep mistrust of institutions, including healthcare.
• Cultural stigma. In many cultures, talking about mental health is taboo, leading to silence, shame, and a reluctance to seek professional help.
• Lack of culturally competent providers. Finding a therapist who understands one’s cultural context, speaks their language, and can relate to one’s lived experiences is crucial but often challenging.
• Access issues. Minority groups are often less likely to have health insurance, face higher out-of-pocket costs, and experience longer wait times for appointments.

LFCS’s Commitment: Bridging the Divide

We believe in meeting people where they are by making mental health support accessible and responsive to community needs:

• We’ve expanded our services directly into schools in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, making mental health support more accessible to young people who might otherwise go without care.
• Understanding that summer often leaves a critical gap in support, LFCS is currently offering free summer counseling and psychiatric services for youth ages 3-19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County, ensuring vital care continues when school is out.
• We are also offering free mental health services to kids 3-19 in Jackson County this summer.

The need for accessible mental health support is clear. In 2024 alone, LFCS provided counseling services to 10,454 children and their family members across Missouri, delivering over 30,331 service hours. These services often make a profound difference, showing the journey towards hope and healing. We are inspired by stories like Emily’s, exemplified in her courageous essay about her mental health journey.

Alarming trends further underscore the urgent need for youth mental health support: in 2023, non-Hispanic Black or African American female students in grades 9–12 were nearly two times more likely than non-Hispanic Black or African American male students to attempt suicide (Source: CDC, 2023 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data). For a deeper dive into this vital topic, please read our article, “Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Black Youth and Teens.”

For more information about LFCS’s mental health services, visit lfcs.org, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

Across Missouri—and the country—nonprofits are facing an urgent and unprecedented reality. Operational costs are rising due to inflation, while government contracts and fixed grants have lost their purchasing power. Organizations like Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri are being asked to do more with less, at the exact moment when more people than ever are turning to us for help.

We launched the Meet The Moment campaign to rally support around this growing crisis, because the truth is: when nonprofits can’t meet the needs of their communities, real lives are impacted.

A Sector Under Pressure

We are not alone in this struggle. According to the 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report:

• 65% of nonprofits report that staffing shortages are impeding their ability to deliver services.
• 77% have seen an increase in demand for their programs.
• Three out of four have been forced to reduce staff or cut programs.
• 87% report increased demand for mental health services, even while struggling to find the staff to provide them.
• Nearly half lack the funds needed to meet client demand.

food on the table, and access mental health care. Without adequate support, these challenges ripple into our broader society—increasing emergency room visits, straining school systems, and deepening systemic inequality.

How LFCS Has Responded

Despite these challenges, LFCS has not stood still. Over the past several years, we have made bold, intentional decisions to grow in response to community need:

• Expanded in-person capacity through office renovations, allowing us to see more clients face-to-face.
• Opened new offices in Kansas City, extending our reach to children and families in Northwest Missouri.
• Prioritized the hiring of counselors, case managers, and social workers to make sure clients are not left waiting for the help they desperately need.
• Expanded our parenting program to strengthen the family unit and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.

These changes weren’t optional. They were necessary to meet the real needs of Missouri families. But they come at a cost—and that’s where we need your help.

Help Us Meet the Moment

The Meet The Moment campaign is a call to action. It’s a call to everyone who believes in the importance of mental health care, strong families, and children growing up in safe, loving homes.

At LFCS, we are committed to:

• Addressing Missouri’s mental health crisis
• Reducing child abuse and neglect
• Empowering clients to overcome heartbreak and trauma
• Supporting families navigating infertility
• Making an impact (view our 2024 annual report here to see how)

Guided by Jesus’ call to love one another, serve those in need, and be a light in the world, we are asking you to partner with us in this mission.

Our goal is to raise $150,000 by June 30. These funds will go directly to programs that are making a difference every single day.

When we fail to meet the moment, our communities suffer. But when we rise together—when we choose to act—real healing happens.

Join us. Give today. Help us Meet the Moment. Donate Today

Each year, thousands of children in Missouri experience abuse and neglect, facing challenges that can have lifelong consequences. At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we recognize Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in April as an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the safety, healing, and well-being of children and families in our communities.

Prevention Through Education, Therapy, and Support
Rather than solely focusing on intervention after abuse has occurred, LFCS prioritizes prevention by equipping parents with the tools they need to build safe and nurturing homes. Our Parenting Program helps families develop healthy parenting strategies, strengthen family bonds, and access valuable community resources.

Research highlights the effectiveness of parenting education in preventing abuse. A systematic review of intervention programs found a significant reduction in physical punishment and harsh discipline, as well as improvements in children’s social interactions, anxiety levels, and behavior. By investing in education and prevention, we can reduce child maltreatment and create a more supportive environment for families.

Mental health counseling is another essential part of breaking the cycle of trauma. Parents who can address underlying issues through therapy can create a more stable, loving home environment for their children. LFCS provides professional counseling services that help parents navigate challenges, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger emotional resilience, ultimately benefiting the entire family.

How You Can Help
Throughout April, LFCS encourages the community to join us in raising awareness and advocating for child abuse prevention. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Educate Yourself: Learn more about LFCS’s services and resources at lfcsmo.org.
• Know the Signs: Familiarize yourself with what to do if you suspect child abuse or neglect.
• Spread Awareness: Share information about Child Abuse Prevention Month on social media using #ChildAbusePreventionMonth and #LFCS.
• Show Your Support: Participate in Wear Blue Day on April 4 to raise awareness. Use #WearBlueDay to show solidarity.
• Volunteer Your Time: Support children and families in need through volunteering.
• Donate: Help us continue our mission of protecting children and strengthening families by making a contribution.

“Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of child maltreatment in Missouri and the importance of prevention,” said Heather Wall, Director of Parenting Services at LFCS. “Our team works to provide safety, healing, and resources to those navigating the devastating effects of abuse and neglect. By working together, we can build a community where every child is safe, supported, and loved.”

For more information about Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, visit lfcsmo.org, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

Please check out the resources listed below to support Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention and learn more about reporting an incident:

• Community Support Resources:
  • Stewards of Children
  • MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
  • State of Missouri Office of Child Advocate
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • Missouri Children’s Trauma Network
  • Kids Win Missouri
  • Monique Burr Foundation For Children