Prevent Child Abuse America

08/14/2024

At PCA America, we use our research to support policies, programs, and strategies that improve the health and well-being of children and families across the country. For example, policies like paid family leave (PFL) can help parents and caregivers during important life events. This includes having or adopting a baby. PFL can relieve financial worries during this joyful, but stressful time.

Read PCA America's research to find out more about how PFL strengthens families and helps children thrive:https://preventchildabuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FINAL_PCA-America_R01CE003178_PFL-Fam-Violence_2024.pdf

08/13/2024

Children in families with access to financial and practical support are less likely to face abuse and neglect. Family-friendly policies, like Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), help reduce stress for parents and caregivers so they can create safe and caring environments for their kids.

Learn how PCA America's policy team is using our research to improve the lives of families: https://preventchildabuse.org/what-we-do/public-policy/

08/12/2024

Prevention happens in partnership—and our primary partners in child abuse and neglect prevention are the valued members of our nationwide state chapter network, who amplify our important work in communities throughout the country.

We are grateful for these incredible organizations for providing expertise, resources, and supports to children, families and organizations in their communities. Together we are transforming the narrative around prevention, conducting innovative research, and advocating for policies and programs that strengthen families from the start.

Learn more about our network: https://preventchildabuse.org/what-we-do/state-chapter-network/

08/11/2024

🌟 The 2024 Olympic Games showcased not just athletic brilliance, but also the extraordinary resilience of athletes like Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, Lydia Jacoby, and KennyBednarek, who courageously shared their experiences of overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including foster care, mental health challenges, and financial struggles. We congratulate all the athletes for their remarkable courage and outstanding performances during the Games.

At PCA America, we are dedicated to fostering nurturing environments that enable every child to reach their full potential and thrive. Your donation can help us provide the essential resources, mental health support, and safe homes that children and families need to build a brighter, more hopeful future.
Join us in making a difference—donate today: https://give.preventchildabuse.org/campaign/576255/donate

08/09/2024

PCA America is working to end child abuse and neglect in our country. By 2050, our goal is to cut abuse and neglect in half-- that's 50 MILLION kids who will be safely diverted from child welfare in the next 25 years. But we need your help to reach this goal.

Never donated before? Make a $10 gift today to help us strengthen families, prevent child abuse, and ensure children thrive: https://give.preventchildabuse.org/campaign/576255/donate

08/08/2024

Exciting news! PCA America is teaming up with HungryFriend to make supporting families and children even easier and more delicious than ever! Here's how it works:

1. Sign Up for Free: Download the HungryFriend app.
2. Create Your Account: It only takes a few minutes. Simply fill out your details and start exploring!
3. Start Dining Out: Discover our partner restaurants near you and start dining out with purpose. Every meal you enjoy helps make a positive impact in your community.

Ready to join and make a difference? Visit https://dashboard.hungryfriend.net/user/get-started?org_id=562 to download the app and get started. Together, we're committed to creating a better future for children by preventing abuse and neglect before it ever happens.

08/06/2024

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Takkeem Morgan as our new Senior Director of Communications at Prevent Child Abuse America. Takkeem’s unique blend of personal lived experience, professional expertise, and visionary approach makes him a passionate advocate for families and a dynamic leader in the field of child abuse prevention. Our team looks forward to the impact of his leadership on our unwavering commitment to ensure that every child and family lives a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

08/05/2024

At PCA America, we believe that early, caring relationships are key to healthy child development.

The staff with Healthy Families America (HFA), our national home visiting program, build strong relationships with families and parents, who are building nurturing relationships with their children.

HFA parents champion their children's health and development.

Our research shows HFA kids are ready for and succeed in school. More excel academically and receive gifted services. 26% fewer children receive special education services.

Learn more about HFA:
https://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/

08/03/2024

Yesterday PCA America participated in a Health Summit organized by our partner, the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). We are thankful for the opportunity to have led a roundtable session titled, Preventing Child Neglect & Long-Term Health, where we discussed how to strengthen a family’s financial security and establish greater household stability so that all children, families, and communities thrive.

Visit our policy page to learn about effective state policy options that prevent child neglect, support families, and ultimately build healthy, strong communities: https://preventchildabuse.org/what-we-do/public-policy/

08/02/2024

Reimagining Education: Get Your Teach On (GYTO)

PCA America works with Get Your Teach On (GYTO), who understands how important teachers are. They don't just teach; they also support students and their families. Teachers help create a caring environment where students can grow and stay safe.

We appreciate GYTO for helping kids grow up healthy and happy. Together, we are making sure children and families live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

08/01/2024

Exciting news!!! Claire Louge, Executive Director of the PCA America Arizona Chapter, is featured this week on the Community In-Site podcast. In this episode titled, “Reporting is Not Prevention: Changing the Narrative around Child Safety”, Claire discusses why Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is shifting the culture within their organization, how they developed the Lean on Me AZ toolkit to promote family support, and how it is being adapted in other communities.

Oftentimes, we tend to confuse detecting child abuse and neglect with preventing it, when true prevention aims to stop it from happening at all. Learn from Claire how to ask the right questions to support families in keeping children safe, and how kindness and a culture of support are the ultimate forms of prevention. Subscribe to Community In-Site on your favorite podcast platform today and become part of a growing community dedicated to family well-being.

07/31/2024

This Thursday, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.

This act would expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and help 16 million children in low-income families in the first year. The CTC is a crucial policy that boosts family financial stability, reduces child poverty, and prevents child abuse and neglect. PCA America works with policymakers to adopt family-strengthening policies like the CTC that support positive childhoods and prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever happens.

Join us today in urging the Senate to support this important legislation: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=20724

07/30/2024

Every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. When families have what they need, when they need it, in their own communities without stigma—before a crisis occurs—then children can thrive. Learn how you can help strengthen families from the start by ensuring that your elected officials are supporting proven prevention policies and programs that stop child abuse and neglect. Visit PCA America at: preventchildabuse.org.

Families

07/29/2024

PCA America's signature home visiting program, Healthy Families America (HFA), embodies the four cornerstones of healthy relationships (safety, comfort, predictability, joy). Once parents experience these in a genuine way and in the context of a relationship with another, they are able to provide the same experience for their children.

When a new baby is born, parents take home this vulnerable little bundle and they have to learn everything about this new person – their likes and dislikes, how they communicate, what they need, and on and on. It can be really difficult to do that without someone else in your corner to believe in you and encourage you to keep going – to let you know you’re on the right track, to tally the wins and to make sense of the hard parts.

With HFA, families will always have ‘someone in their corner’ to support them as they navigate the joys and struggles of parenthood.

Hear more directly from HFA parents here: https://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/success-stories/

07/27/2024

Almost 150 million Americans share one important role: being a parent.
Every year on the fourth Sunday in July, we celebrate National Parents’ Day to honor the crucial role parents and caregivers play in a child’s life. However, some families struggle to get the resources and support they need for their kids. We’re working with families, communities, and public officials across the U.S. to help parents and caregivers become more financially stable and access things like affordable childcare, housing, paid sick and family leave, and school meal assistance. Together, we can prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens.

Make a gift today: Link in bio!

07/26/2024

Policies such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) have evidence of reducing the stressors of poverty that can overload families, promote safe and nurturing family environments, and ultimately build more prosperous communities. The CTC is a critical policy option that increases family financial stability, reduces child poverty, and prevents child abuse and neglect. Learn more and join us in creating safer environments for kids and preventing child abuse and neglect before it starts: Link in bio!

07/26/2024

Policies such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) have evidence of reducing the stressors of poverty that can overload families, promote safe and nurturing family environments, and ultimately build more prosperous communities. The CTC is a critical policy option that increases family financial stability, reduces child poverty, and prevents child abuse and neglect. Learn more and join us in creating safer environments for kids and preventing child abuse and neglect before it starts: preventchildabuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CTC-One-Pager-0522.pdf

07/25/2024

Prevent Child Abuse America is excited to introduce Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, part of Hawaii Children's Action Network (HCAN), as the newest state chapter. HCAN is the coordinator of Hawaii’s Children’s Trust Fund Coalition and their primary prevention approaches focus on increasing advocacy and elevating community voices through partnerships, community engagement, and systems change. As Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, HCAN will continue to advance policies and upstream approaches that promote financial stability, economic mobility, and access to healthcare among Hawaiʻi’s children and families. HCAN is a strong partner of Hawaii's statewide home visiting network, family strengthening initiatives, and public education efforts. PCA Hawaii is led by executive director Deborah Zysman. Please join us in welcoming PCA Hawaii to the Chapter Network.

07/24/2024

Every experience a child has, whether good or bad, shapes their future. Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) come from safe, stable, and loving relationships that make children feel secure and valued. This helps mitigate the harmful effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can affect a child's health and well-being over time.

Parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, community members, and neighbors all play a role in creating environments where children feel safe and cared for. The more PCEs a child experiences, the more likely they are to stay healthy and bounce back from challenges. PCA America is working to ensure children, parents, and caregivers have to access comprehensive family supports that promote economic stability and contribute to PCEs.

Learn more about PCEs in this research paper co-authored by PCA America's Chief Strategy Officer, Jennifer Jones:https://positiveexperience.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prevalence-of-Positive-Childhood-Experiences-Among-Adults-%E2%80%94-Behavioral-Risk-Factor-Surveillance-System-Four-States-2015%E2%80%932021.pdf

07/22/2024

Partner Spotlight: Thank You!

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on our amazing partner, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. From innovative research to intentional collaboration, Chapin Hall’s groundbreaking research, policy efforts, and expansive resources have played a key role in helping PCA America, its nationwide Chapter Network, and the broader prevention field address the root causes of child abuse and neglect.

Thank you, Chapin Hall, for your continued partnership in prevention and for believing in our vision of all children and families living a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future!

07/18/2024

to the NBA All-Star Weekend with NBA Cares!
We had an incredible time connecting with coaches, who shared the importance of being role models and hearing from kids about the impact their parents have on their lives. Watch these inspiring videos from the event! Looking forward to next year's All-Star Weekend! Prevention is possible with the support of partners like NBA Cares! Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up happy, healthy, and safe.

07/17/2024

Alejandra, an HFA mom, says, "I can raise my kid differently...and give my boys the best version of me."

Alejandra's story rings true for many parents who have a vision for the kind of parent(s) they want to be - sometimes, that vision being different than the parenting examples they have had in their own lives. Healthy Families America (HFA) affiliates are thrilled to partner with parents just like Alejandra, who build nurturing relationships with their children, champion their children’s health and development, and cultivate a flourishing future for their families.

Together, we imagine a world where all children and families are living a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

Will you join us? https://give.preventchildabuse.org/campaign/576255/donate

07/16/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for PCA America’s first Associate Board Mixer! It was truly inspiring connecting with young professionals who are passionate about helping children and families thrive.

If you are interested in joining our Associate Board and live in the Chicago area, fill out the application by August 31st.

Associate Board members will attend quarterly meetings and plan a signature event to help raise money to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Apply today! https://preventchildabuse.org/resources/pca-americas-associate-board/

07/16/2024

Most people think child abuse is a “bad parent” problem, but the root causes may be different than you think. Access to affordable housing and quality childcare, paid family leave, and school breakfast and lunch programs—all prevent child abuse. Help us help communities, parents, and kids thrive by keeping families out of crisis in the first place.

Visit PCA America’s website to find out how you can make prevention possible: preventchildabuse.org.

07/15/2024

Did you know that children and families of color are more likely to experience poverty and come to the attention of the child welfare system for child abuse and neglect? In fact, over 50% of black children will experience a child welfare investigation before the age of 18.

We can't ignore the systemic issues that are causing this to happen. We need to change how our society values and cares for all children and families. This means addressing inequity and injustice, so all families benefit from policies, programs, and systems that ensure access to the resources and support they need to thrive before a crisis happens. As the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, PCA America is connecting families, communities, elected officials, businesses, and prevention workers across the country to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for all children.

Learn how PCA America's Theory of Change provides a game plan for supporting families from the start: preventchildabuse.org/theory-of-change

07/12/2024

Did you know prevention is possible?
A study by our prevention partner, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, found that neighborhoods with Family Resource Centers (FRCs) had 26% fewer child abuse and neglect investigations than similar neighborhoods without them.

FRCs are welcoming community or school-based hubs that offer support and resources to children and families.

They are flexible, family-focused, and culturally sensitive. Parents and caregivers can access free or low-cost programs and services like parenting skill training, job training, mental health counseling, childcare, and housing support. These centers may reduce the chances of child abuse and neglect by helping to build strong, healthy communities.

Check out PCA America’s report on family support programs to learn how we’re strengthening families and promoting race equity through our research and policy efforts.https://preventchildabuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCA-America-Race-Equity-Literature-Review.pdf

07/11/2024

PCA America’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jennifer Jones, is featured this week on NH Family NOW, the podcast of our New Hampshire Chapter: NH Children's Trust. In this episode titled “After Pride,” co-hosts Jasmine Torres Allen and Nathan Fink lead a thought-provoking discussion about what it means to have pride after Pride, and how yearlong support and welcoming spaces strengthen entire communities.

Entrepreneur, educator, and curator, Lionel Loveless, and Seacoast Outright executive director, Heidi Carrington Heath, also join the conversation.

Listen to the full episode at: nhchildrenstrust.org/nhfn on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask your smart speaker to play NH Family NOW!

07/10/2024

"We walk alongside families; we are not there to tell you what to do or how to raise your kids or check to see if your house is clean. We're here to partner with families to help them give their kids the best possible start in life".

In this video, you'll hear those powerful words from Wendy Hensley, a HFA leader in Indiana, as well as the stories of several HFA parents and staff who have found confidence and joy in their parenting!

We are of all the incredible HFA parents out there - you are amazing!

And we're also of our HFA programs, like Healthy Families Indiana, a state-wide program available in all 92 counties throughout the state. It's incredible to know families throughout the state can access Healthy Families, regardless of what county they live in. Thanks for all you do, Healthy Families Indiana! Healthy Families America

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlXdpexA25M

"

Every family needs support. Healthy Families Indiana is here to provide support, not judgment.

07/08/2024

Did you know prevention is possible?

The economic relief from tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) support children throughout their life by addressing the impacts of poverty––from improving childhood nutrition and increasing rates of school enrollment, graduation, and college entry to supporting greater earnings as adults. Each day is an opportunity to build the foundation for a hopeful future.

PCA America works with policymakers to adopt family-strengthening policies like the CTC that support positive childhoods and prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever happens. Find out more ways on how you can support the CTC: preventchildabuse.org/resources/the-child-tax-credit-families-really-need/

07/08/2024

PCA America has worked with families for more than five decades and we know that, overwhelmingly, parents want to be good parents. And when families are financially stable and have reliable access to the basic resources they need, such as food, shelter, and clothing, they can provide a safe, healthy environment for their children to thrive. Help us address poverty and other root causes of child abuse and neglect. Together, we can make prevention possible.

Make a gift today: https://give.preventchildabuse.org/campaign/576255/donate