Committed to Preventing Abuse and Neglect

Before It Happens

We are building a world where all children and families live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

What We Do:

Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has defined the national approach to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Our North Star:

All children and families are living a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

Join us in our mission to create a world where every child can grow up happy, healthy, and safe.

At Prevent Child Abuse America, we believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive. That’s why we work tirelessly to provide support to families and communities in need. Watch our PSA video above to learn more about how we can prevent neglect and abuse before it happens.

Research Spotlight

Assessing the Impact of Child Abuse Prevention Policies on Adult-Perpetrated Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a deeply significant yet preventable public health issue. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCA America is leading efforts to evaluate child sexual abuse prevention policies across the United States. This project seeks to advance understanding and implementation of policies that protect children and strengthen families.

Through collaborative partnerships with the National Conference of State Legislatures and Enough Abuse, we are working to drive meaningful change and create safer environments for children everywhere.

Take Action Now

The Child Tax Credit Families Need

Now is the time to reach out to your Senator about the cricital support to families through the Child Tax Credit. In 2021, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) was expanded and made available to those with little to no income through monthly payments. Nearly all families received the expanded monthly CTC – and nearly 66 million or 90% of children in the country – benefited from the program. However, the expanded CTC expired at the beginning of 2022.

National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month

In April and throughout the year, Prevent Child Abuse America and its state chapters will continue building the narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention. Communities must build positive futures together in partnership!

Federal & State Policy Priorities

Our Priorities to Support Children and Families

At Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), we recognize the pivotal role State and Federal laws and policies play in fostering healthy families and positive childhood experiences, while preventing child abuse and neglect. We advocate for evidence-informed, equitable, and family-centered policies, striving to ensure all families have the necessary resources and support. Join us in our mission to build a hopeful future for all families. See our State and Federal Policy Priorities here to learn more.

A North Star Guiding Our Vision

Our Theory of Change

A new vision for the creation of a primary prevention ecosystem that builds the wellbeing of our nation’s children and families.

About Prevent Child Abuse America

Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation’s oldest and largest organization committed to preventing child abuse and neglect before it happens. We promote programs and resources informed by science that enable kids, families, and entire communities to thrive—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. ​

Our success relies on a nationwide network of state chapters and nearly 600 Healthy Families America home visiting sites, which provide parents and caregivers a wide variety of services and resources in communities across the country. Our respected experts also develop innovative research that our vast network then puts into action. And we raise public awareness and engagement and advocate for family friendly policies at the national, state, and local levels to support programs that ensure children and families get what they need to succeed. ​

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Over 300,000 people are positively impacted by PCA America annually.
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Every $1 invested in Healthy Families America produces an estimated $1.81 in benefits for families and communities.
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Over 1 million home visits completed.
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state chapters and the District of Columbia

“When parents or caregivers are struggling and they are in survival mode, we can all play a role in supporting them and creating safe, stable and nurturing environments for them and their children.”

– Tammy Piazza Hurley

Director, American Academy of Pediatrics

Amber’s Story

“I would hate for someone to not have the resources.” Amber’s heartfelt journey with Healthy Families America®: radiates the profound impact of investment and support, echoing the importance of accessible resources in nurturing families and building brighter futures.

“One of the highest-rated charities for children in the nation”

Latest News and Updates

  • Prevent Child Abuse America Awarded $1.7 million from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to Strengthen Public Health Systems

    Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, is honored to be one of the recipients of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 5-year cooperative agreement aimed at strengthening public health systems and services across the U.S. This award will allow PCA America to translate public health science into action, promote health equity, and prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through its extensive nationwide networks of state chapters and signature Healthy Families America home visiting sites.

  • State Policy Priorities

    Unlock the blueprint for a safer, brighter future and discover how legislative efforts can expand access to vital resources, opportunities, and relationships for families. Our State Policy Agenda offers a range of solutions aimed at reducing stress and supporting families to thrive, for generations to come.

  • We need a federal law to end corporal punishment in schools

    Research has shown that physical punishment is an ineffective and harmful practice that increases children’s aggression and disobedience. It also lowers their school performance. Yet 18 states still permit their public school personnel to hit children in the name of discipline.

  • Policy strategies for the prevention of multiple forms of violence against children and youth

    Experiencing family violence has been linked to adverse health and economic opportunity. Yet, child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) are preventable public health issues.

  • AAP Chapter Partnerships with Healthy Families America and Prevent Child Abuse America

    In late 2022 through early 2023, 3 AAP Chapters engaged in projects to enhance collaboration among community organizations, to better support children and families.

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