SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Lawmakers, civic leaders and child welfare advocates will gather Thursday, Oct. 16, for a legislative awareness event aimed at addressing child abuse and neglect in Southwest Missouri.

Hosted by Community Partnership of the Ozarks’ Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN) Collaborative, the event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at 1414 W. Elfindale St. in Springfield.

The gathering will spotlight the region’s child welfare challenges and outline community-driven, data-based strategies for lasting change, according to a press release.

The event is tailored for legislators, funders and advocates and will include stories from the field, newly released local data and a framework that emphasizes local partnerships over top-down policies.

Highlights include a keynote address by Sara

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