Where the power of a child's voice begins in Northwest Missouri.


In October 2021, the Nodaway County Sheriff's office was awarded a one-year, nonrenewable, grant with two primary objectives:
  1. Respond to and provide the area with a children’s advocacy task force and personnel for investigations to occur involving victims and/or witnesses of crimes who are minors. 
  2. Prevent crimes against children by providing educational outreach campaigns and initiatives to increase awareness and knowledge across the region with the primary goal of decreasing child sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking and exploitation.

The facts are 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the last year and about 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18; including, 1 in 7 girls and 1 in 25 boys. More than 90% of children who are commercially sexually exploited have been sexually abused in the past. Despite these startling statistics, it’s a silent epidemic people are afraid to talk about. To respond and prevent abuse from occurring, the Nodaway County Sheriff's office firmly believes it is every adult's responsibility to be a part of what is arguably one of the most significant health crises facing children in Missouri today and especially in the Northwest Missouri region.

Within the Northwest Missouri region, law enforcement has experienced a significant increase in crimes against children since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in crimes is multi-dimensional as professionals continue to gain a larger perspective of how this pandemic has and will continue to impact children, families and communities in the region. The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office assessed the need and found a solution through the help, collaboration and support of regional agencies who are primary responders to child abuse investigations, support services and community prevention. With the direct funding received, the two objectives have launched! 

Through this funding, the Nodaway County Sheriff's office has already taken significant action and created an extended multi-disciplinary team connected to this project where each individual understands when making a difference in improving children’s lives there is a place for everyone to contribute with a strong approach that serves the whole child.

The funding received through the grant is non-renewable. It will go the length to launch and complete the two primary objectives through the first year however, it will not go the full distance as our communities continue to experience an increased need.

Collaboration, community care and focus on the children first is every adults responsibility and that's where you can help. Help this project move forward in an even more significant way! Support each child's voice and donate to a cause that will extend to lengths of impact never before experienced in the region.

Every child deserves to have a great childhood. As adults, we must prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever happens. Our children are our future and we all have a role to play. 

Join us today by donating what you can and begin your own fundraiser by sharing with your community friends using your magic link!

This project is currently not a 501c3 and is overseen by the project director and Nodaway County Treasurer. To receive further information on the project, email Jackie Cochenour at [email protected].