News

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Protect Our Children: Digital Advocacy Day Makes it Easy

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 unanimously passed 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

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

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.

Planting the Seeds to Prevent Child Abuse

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🄬.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

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.

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

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.

Two $25K Innovation Grants Awarded by Prevent Child Abuse America to Prevent Human Trafficking in New Jersey and Advance Positive Fatherhood Project in Ohio

Chicago—Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) announced today two new $25,000 innovation grants, one to focus on preventing human trafficking in New Jersey and another to promote positive parenting through a groundbreaking fatherhood initiative in Ohio. The grants are an integral part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments that enable children, families, and entire communities to thrive.

“Prevention happens in partnership, and our robust nationwide state chapter network resides at the heart of our work to ensure that all children and families get what they need to succeed,” explained PCA America President & CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick. “Dedicated state-level leadership and staff, as well as the numerous local partners they collaborate with, allow us to both extend our primary prevention efforts broadly and tailor them to meet the specific needs of diverse communities across the country. For instance, the project spearheaded by our New Jersey chapter addresses the very serious problem of human trafficking in the state.”

Given its proximity to many large cities, New Jersey is a prime target for human traffickers to recruit adolescents. Young girls and boys, targeted under the pretenses of love or a “job opportunity,” are forced and coerced into a dangerous, exploitative and traumatic life. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem: experts project an increase in human trafficking due to t

Webinar: “Reframing Childhood Adversity: Promoting Upstream Approaches”

Join us Monday, March 22, at 1:00-2:30 PM CT, to be among the first to hear new recommendations on reframing childhood adversity from the FrameWorks Institute.