News

News

Long Term Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect

June 14, 2021

News

How many times have you heard adults say that children are resilient? That they have an innate ability to magically “bounce back” from any situation, regardless of how stressful. Recent work in child development and neuroscience increasingly suggests that children require safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments to thrive. Evidence shows that stress and trauma, especially when prolonged, can interrupt healthy child development, putting them at risk for lifelong health issues.

Press Releases

New Report Recommends States Introduce Laws to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, Strengthen Child Safety in Schools & Youth Organizations

June 2, 2021

Press Releases

Chicago—Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) announced today the release of A Call to Action for Policymakers and Advocates: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Legislation in the States, a new report detailing the need for executive and legislative efforts in all 50 states to prevent child sexual abuse. The 116-page report, authored by Jetta Bernier, executive director of MassKids, the Massachusetts chapter of PCA America and site of the Enough Abuse Campaign, documents specific policies geared towards the prevention of sexual abuse of children and youth in schools and youth organizations nationwide.

Statements & Messages

A Message from Dr. Merrick Supporting the Health, Safety, and Well-being of Transgender and Non-binary Youth and Families   

May 6, 2021

Statements & Messages

Sixteen states are considering legislation that would restrict physicians from providing medically necessary gender-affirming care to youth, and one state recently enacted such a law. Several of these bills would also criminalize parents who affirm their children’s gender identity, defining such affirmation as child abuse. These laws stand in direct opposition to the evidence-based care recognized by numerous professional societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, Endocrine Society, and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Press Releases

National Partnership to Reinvent Child Welfare Expands to Additional States; Now in 22 Locales

April 21, 2021

Press Releases

Thriving Families, Safer Children: A National Commitment to Well-Being—a first-of-its-kind effort of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, Casey Family Programs, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Prevent Child Abuse America—has expanded its reach to include child welfare jurisdictions in 22 states that stretch from coast to coast and a sovereign tribal nation. In announcing the addition of sites in 16 states, the District of Columbia and White Earth Nation, Thriving Families’ national partner leads are signaling the growing momentum to fundamentally rethink child welfare by creating the conditions and support systems for strong, thriving families where children are free from harm and supported in their communities.

Press Releases

‘Family Snapshots’ Survey Shows Stress, Positive Experiences Shaped Pandemic Year

April 20, 2021

Press Releases

Families experienced enormous life-altering changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions in daily routines, children’s schooling, finances, and personal relationships. The stress has taken a toll on many, and yet a recent survey shows that families also reported positive experiences as they found ways to adapt and strengthen bonds with children.

News

Protect Our Children: Digital Advocacy Day Makes it Easy

April 19, 2021

News

It’s never been easier to make your voice heard. All it takes is a few taps on a screen, clicks on a keyboard, or a message on your preferred social media platform to urge your elected officials to make a crucial investment in protecting our nation’s children. In many ways, it’s also never been more critical to let lawmakers know that it’s imperative that Congress appropriate $750 million for Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) in fiscal year 2022.

Chapter News

The Villages of Indiana Board of Directors Announces New CEO and President

April 13, 2021

Chapter News

The Villages of Indiana board of directors announces Shannon Schumacher, MSW, LCAC, LSW, has been selected to become the next CEO and president. She assumes the top job from President and CEO Sharon Pierce, who retires after nearly 30 years of tenure.

News

Planting the Seeds to Prevent Child Abuse

April 5, 2021

News

Spring has started to announce its presence, and for much of the country, that means milder temperatures, longer days, and the promise of a garden full of beautiful flowers and nourishing food. Spring, the embodiment of hope, also brings an opportunity to cultivate a different kind of garden—Pinwheels for Prevention🄬.

News

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

March 19, 2021

News

Ever since April was designated as National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in 1983, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) and its nationwide network of state chapters, along with other child welfare organizations, have recognized it as a time to raise awareness and inspire collective action, so that our country’s children can lead their best lives.

Chapter News

Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey Board of Directors Announces Appointment of New Executive Director, Gina Hernandez

March 3, 2021

Chapter News

The board of directors of Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey and its nonprofit subsidiary Child Wellness Institute is pleased to announce that Gina Hernandez will succeed Rush L. Russell as its next executive director beginning on April 5, 2021.