JUNE 1, 2007

Every five minutes a child is reported as the victim of abuse or neglect in Michigan.

To combat that grim statistic, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Children's Trust Fund officials today introduced the newly redesigned CTF fundraising license plate.

"Our children are our most precious resource," Land said. "It is difficult to think that anyone would harm a child. When you purchase a CTF fundraising plate, you support services and programs dedicated to protecting Michigan children and help one of the state's most vulnerable populations."

The plate's brightly colored logo portrays the Upper and Lower peninsulas as green imprints of a child's hands. The hands are framed against a background of blue water and a yellow sun that are stylized as if a child had drawn them. The Children's Trust Fund name appears at the bottom in green, red and blue lettering.

Richard Bearup, Children's Trust Fund executive director, explained that targeted educational outreach and support is crucial in helping to protect the thousands of Michigan children at risk.

"Training and prevention are the keys to ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect," Bearup said. "Studies show that abused children frequently grow up to be abusers themselves. Furthermore, the societal costs of abuse - the damaged families, higher crime rates and increased burdens on the health care system - can be avoided by providing parents with the skills necessary to succeed at parenting. So, when you elect to purchase a CTF fundraising plate, you are making an investment in the success of Michigan children."

Plates may be ordered at a branch office or through the mail. Order forms are available on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Plates are mailed within 14 days.

The CTF plate is one of seven special cause fundraising plates that were introduced in April 2001. Motorists purchasing a fundraising plate pay $35, with $25 of that earmarked for the special cause. The plates may be personalized for an additional $30 and are available in a disability version. When they are renewed, $10 is sent to the special cause.

Sales and renewals of CTF plates have generated nearly $6 million for the Trust Fund. The money provides funding to local CTF councils to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

It also supports community-based, direct service programs that meet a diversity of needs including childhood development, home visits, parenting education and support as well as referrals.

CTF was established in 1982 by the Legislature and is the only independent, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. For more information about CTF and its mission, visit www.michigan.gov/ctf.

Visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about fundraising plates and vehicle registrations.

Related Link
> Plate Order Form (includes new Image)