Area residents can help keep kids safe in Delta County this tax season by adding a simple check mark to Form 4642 on Michigan 2018 state income tax returns. By donating to Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund on your state income tax form, you can help prevent child abuse and neglect in our own county. It is a simple way to protect our children. 100 percent of the contributions made locally will stay in Delta County to support the Welcome Newborns child abuse and neglect prevention program.

“Every child deserves our protection. No task is as important, as keeping our children safe from harm,” said Lannie Berg, Welcome Newborns Program coordinator of Delta County. “Unfortunately, too many children fall victim to neglect and abuse by the very people they trust to keep them safe”.

Statistics show that parents are responsible for more deaths of children under age 5 than all childhood illnesses combined. Ignorance and impatience are usually behind these tragic deaths, often the end of a short life marked by repeated episodes of abuse. “We all must be actively involved if we are going to succeed in keeping our children safe” said Berg.

Established in 1996, our local Welcome Newborns Program of Delta County is a 501 C3 nonprofit organization that was established to provide support to Delta County families. Designated as a local council of Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund, the goal is to support families in the community by focusing on the prevention of child abuse and neglect, including services that promote support, safety and child development.

“We have been given a unique opportunity to increase the funds available in our community to prevent child abuse and neglect and are encouraging Delta County citizens to check the box, make a donation, and show the rest of the state how much Delta County cares about its’ kids. As a Local Council of Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund the Welcome Newborns Program of Delta County includes programs that teach parents and caregivers how to combat their own impatience – how to “stay cool” when the challenges of child-rearing make the job feel overwhelming. The Welcome Newborns program significantly impacts the lives of children in our neighborhoods and community.

This year, Michigan’s Children’s Trust Fund will track Form 4642 donations from each county. In simple terms, the more dollars donated by Delta County residents, the greater the impact on local children and families. Our Child Abuse Prevention Council is asking county residents to help protect children by using Form 4642 and checking Line 3 (Children’s Trust Fund – Supporting and Strengthening Families in Michigan).

To learn more about the Welcome Newborns program, call (906) 786-7080, ext. 143.