Public Policy
We advocate for policies and services that strengthen families and communities, promote healthy child development, and prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens.
We do this through our nationwide state chapter network and nearly 600 Healthy Families America (HFA) evidence-based home visiting program sites across the country.
The public policy program at Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) operates on the national level to mobilize support for federal policies and provide technical support to help facilitate effective advocacy at the state and local levels,too. When communities, policymakers, and resources are invested in prevention strategies, we can begin to envision a world where the negative impacts and outcomes from child maltreatment will be nonexistent.
PCA America has been fortunate to have continued widespread bipartisan support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for our policies and initiatives and are grateful for Congress’ actions to support children and families.
Policy Agendas & Resources
-
2021 Federal Policy Agenda
If we are to achieve our prevention aims, we must prioritize all children and families in both policy and budgetary decisions. By enacting the recommendations outlined in this document, we’ll make sure that children and families can keep moving forward, even during this difficult time.
Toolkits & Guides
-
2021 State Public Policy Prevention Strategies
Supporting children and families through state-level policy is one of the most promising strategies for preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting health and well-being. This resource details our public policy priorities for 2021.
Toolkits & Guides
-
The American Rescue Plan Act: Frequently Asked Questions on CAPTA and MIECHV Provisions
This resource answers frequently asked questions about the The American Rescue Plan Act, specifically addressing the provisions related to emergency funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).
Toolkits & Guides
Select Public Policy Resources
-
Paid Family Medical & Sick Leave Toolkit
This toolkit is a product of the Prevent Child Abuse (PCA America) Chapter Network Policy Affinity Group’s work across the policy area of paid family leave as a strategy in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Affinity Group Reports
-
Medicaid & Home Visiting
Learn why the Medicaid program is a good funding option for states who wish to both support existing home visiting services and expand access to home visiting services.
Stats & Factsheets
-
Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) & HFA Home Visiting
Learn how the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) gives states, territories, and tribes the option to use child welfare programming funds (Title IV-E federal funds) for evidence-based preventive services.
Stats & Factsheets
Engage in Advocacy
You can influence public policy. Advocacy happens in many different ways, but at its core advocacy is about raising awareness, building and leveraging relationships, and educating others around the issues and policies that matter to you.
With our easy-to-use Voter Voice action center (below), you can learn more about the issues we support and sign up for action alerts. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with these issues and share the information widely with your personal and professional networks.
Voter Voice also lets you find and contact your elected representatives. Policymakers want to hear about the issues that concern their constituents the most and welcome your feedback. Help advocate for children and families in your community by letting your legislators know you support policies and programs that promote healthy child development and prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens.
Our Public Policy Experts
