Essentials for Childhood

What is Essentials for Childhood?

According to the CDC, “The Essentials for Childhood Framework is intended for anyone committed to the positive development of children and families, and specifically to the prevention of all forms of child abuse and neglect. It is organized into four sections, as seen below, with each one focused on a goal and related steps. While each individual goal is important, the four goals together are more likely to build the foundation of safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments.”

Through a partnership with the CDC, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) America offers strategic support to self-supported states involved in the Essentials for Childhood framework by providing training, technical assistance, and capacity-building tools. This focuses on organizational capacity, performance improvement, and partnership development to help states bridge the gap between public health science and community-based action. The initiative aims to foster systemic interventions that address the root causes of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Essentials in Action:

PCA America has partnered with Georgia Essentials for Childhood (a funded state) and Maryland Essentials for Childhood (a self-supported state) to develop two case studies that highlight collaborative prevention initiatives that support children and families.

Resources to Support Essentials Work:

Goal 1

Raise awareness and commitment to promote safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments and prevent child abuse and neglect

Goal 2

Use data to inform actions

Goal 3

Create the context for healthy children and families through norms change and programs

Goal 4

Create the context for healthy children and families through policies

This webpage is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award of $900,000 funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.