Idaho Children’s Trust Fund

In 1985, the Idaho Legislature created the Trust Fund to prevent child abuse and neglect before they ever happen. The Trust Fund makes grants and provides training and technical assistance to programs throughout the state that work directly with children and their families. The ICTF also coordinates statewide awareness activities and brings together parents, practitioners and other community members to learn about best practices for prevention. An independent board, created by state statute and appointed by the Governor, oversees fundraising, expenditures, and operations. The Trust Fund board includes governor-appointed members from the seven regions of the state, as well as three members representing the Idaho Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Director of the Department of Health and Welfare. Board members are citizen volunteers who are appointed because of their expertise in child and family issues. While located within state government, the Children’s Trust Fund is a unique public-private partnership, receiving no state general funds. Private citizens from throughout Idaho steer its course and raise the funds necessary to make prevention grants for local community programs. The Trust Fund receives funding from two sources: a federal grant earmarked for the lead child abuse prevention agency in every state, and private donations from individuals and businesses. No state general funds are allocated to the Children’s Trust Fund.