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.
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.
What is CAPTA?
Created in 1974, CAPTA has provided funding to keep children safe and strengthen families through several initiatives. The federal law provides grants to states to support the prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect, such as the primary prevention strategies at the heart of Title II (Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention [CBCAP] grants) to the identification and treatment of abuse and neglect in Title I (state grants).
Although the U.S. House of Representatives unanimouslypassed CAPTA reauthorization last year, it was unfortunately never considered on the Senate floor, and therefore, never passed into law by Congress.
Why is CBCAP especially important now?
Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants enable states to provide several services to help prevent child abuse and strengthen families. Home visiting programs, parent support
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🄬.
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.
Our commitment to keeping children safe now includes a partnership with the Doris Duke Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Well-Being, administered by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.
