By Melissa Hansen

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is funding five state health departments—California, Colorado, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington—to reduce childhood maltreatment and improve children’s health and well-being.

The CDC’s Essentials for Childhood Framework highlights evidence-based strategies states can consider to promote relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy. To help policymakers around the country with this task, the CDC is providing technical assistance and training to 20 states in addition to the five funded ones.

The aim of the effort is to improve lifelong health by addressing root causes of poor health later in life. States participating in the initiative are using data to implement evidence-based policy strategies that promote safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments. Research shows those components are essential to ensure children maintain optimal health and reach their full potential.

Additionally, CDC recently launched a free online resource that supports parents with information and videos that address common parenting challenges, like tantrums and whining. The skills, tips and techniques for parents are designed to help prevent child maltreatment.

Melissa Hansen is a program principal in NCSL's Health Program.

Email Melissa.