Together, we can prevent child abuse, America...because childhood lasts a lifetime.
Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide, recognizing that child development is a building block for community and economic development. We believe that communities across the country are doing innovative things with great results to prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring, and what we need to do as a nation is commit to bringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere.
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This August, join us in Baltimore for Together for Prevention: 2023 Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference, three days of learning, discovery and ongoing exploration of the evolving needs of our communities and the impact of our work. The registration deadline to take advantage of the early bird pricing is April 28, so register today!
Register: https://iplanit.swoogo.com/PCA2023
For 50 years, PCA America has been advocating for evidence-based resources like our signature home visiting program Healthy Families America, that helps reduce stress on parents so they can parent better and worry less. Make a gift today to support families: https://bit.ly/3UXs4En
From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season! š
Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry, PCA Americaās board vice-chair, bring light to the subject of trauma and healing through this amazing conversation with experts and everyday people.
And if you're in need of a last-minute holiday gift, consider picking up a copy of this book for a loved one. It's a thoughtful and meaningful present that can make a real difference in someone's life.
Prevent Child Abuse America applauds the bipartisan passage of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act, passed through the Omnibus bill by Congress today! This important spending package will expand the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program over the next five years, providing significant additional resources to tribal communities, and allowing for the continuation of virtual home visiting services. This is the first-ever increase in funding for the MIECHV program since its inception. Learn more at https://preventchildabuse.org/latest-activity/ceo-statement-on-omnibus-bill/
You can give the gift of happier and healthier childhoods this holiday season. Donate now: https://bit.ly/3UXs4En
The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act was included in the year-end package released today by Congress! Thank you to our champions in the Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee for their unwavering support for this critical program. This bill will expand the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program over five years, providing significant additional resources to tribal communities, and allowing for the continuation of virtual home visiting. MIECHV supports evidence-based home visiting for families and children from the prenatal period through kindergarten entry. These programs, such as Healthy Families America, build upon decades of scientific research showing a positive return on investment to society and taxpayers.
Prevent Child Abuse America looks forward to seeing the bill passed and signed into law later this week. We are proud to have advocated alongside the National Home Visiting Coalition (tag) and our colleagues, partners, and networks from across the country to make this happen!
https://preventchildabuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HVC-Statement-Omni.pdf
Still looking for a last-minute holiday gift? š Look no further! Finish up that wish list for you and someone you love,all while supporting the fight against adverse childhoods. https://bit.ly/3C5lnJl
Monthly giving is an investment in the expansion of proven services, resources, and policies that prevent abuse and neglect. Join our monthly giving program and become a Partner in Prevention! https://bit.ly/3W3xn5Z
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act () supports interventions to protect and respond to children after they have been seriously harmed, as well as family support services which prevent child abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place.
CAPTA is foundational to our nationās system for preventing and addressing child abuse and neglect, but it hasnāt been reauthorized since 2010. Reauthorizing this important program will help thousands of children and families in our state. We must ask Congress to ACT NOW and reauthorize CAPTA before the year comes to a close. Please reach out to your senators and representatives and ask them to take action now!
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The Respect for Marriage Act was officially signed into law by President Biden! All families deserve respect and recognition. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure that all legally married couples, regardless of s*x or race, are afforded the same protections no matter where they live, providing security and comfort to millions of families.
PCA America applauds those that have worked tirelessly to make this moment a reality.
āI always tell my moms, āIām your number one cheerleader,āā says Healthy Families America home visitor, Rachel. With The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 moving on to the Senate, now is the time to advocate for these programs! If passed, it will result in the first-ever increase in funding for programs. To show your support, visit https://bit.ly/3fojK0O
The holidays are approaching quickly, which means winter break is too. Weāve put together some tips for parents to help you make sure your children are playing in a safe and healthy way during their winter break. https://bit.ly/3yrdU41
All families need support sometimes. At PCA America, our evidence-based home visiting program, Healthy Families America, offers families what they need, when need it. But we canāt do it alone. Make a gift today. https://bit.ly/3UXs4En
š£BREAKINGš£ With bipartisan support, the Respect for Marriage Act cleared Congress sending it to President Biden to be signed into law. We applaud Congress for keeping children's best interests at the forefront of their work today and always.
Here at Prevent Child Abuse America, we strive to ensure all children grow up happy, healthy and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities. Every child needs stable, nurturing relationships to thrive, and marriage is one way to support and recognize those relationships.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 (HR 8876) with overwhelming bipartisan support! PCA America thanks the Ways and Means Committee leadership -- Congressman Richard Neal, Rep. Kevin Brady, Representative and Congressman Danny K. Davis and Representative Brad Wenstrup -- for their leadership in crafting this impressive bipartisan legislation. This morning, an inspiring and emotional hour of debate took place to honor the late Representative Jackie Walorskiās dedication to supporting families and celebrating the programās impact on families.
Chairman Danny Davis (D-IL) quoted HFA Parent Participant, Erica Beck, who testified before the committee earlier this year and where she shared that, āHome visiting changed our lives forever, and for the better because of Myia [our home visitor]. She is helping me and Louis, my husband, help our kids succeedā¦.and she is educating all of us.ā
Our work is not done! The bill will now move to the Senate. If ultimately passed, it will result in the first-ever increase in funding for the MIECHV program. The PCA America and Healthy Families America networks, along with the National Home Visiting Coalition, have been leaders in advocating for this billās passage. Letās keep up the great work and get MIECHV reauthorization across the finish line this year!
PCA America sends their deepest condolences to Representative Donlad McEachin's friends and family. For the past five years, he was an outspoken advocate for the prevention of child abuse. Thank you Rep. McEachin for your dedication and support for children and families.
One of the wisest investments we can make as a nation is in healthy pregnancies and early childhood development. That is why the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting () program is so critical. Evidence-based programs that help families provide proper nutrition, mental and behavioral wellbeing, and a loving home pay massive dividends throughout the life of those who are served.
Unfortunately, this important bipartisan program is at risk. If Congress doesnāt act by December 16th to reauthorize the program, it will expire; that would cause untold hardship for the programās beneficiaries, as well as negatively affecting recruitment and retention of qualified and effective home visitors.
That is why PCA America has joined the National Home Visiting Coalition and hundreds of other organizations around the country in our support of the bipartisan Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 8876).
The U.S. House is expected to vote on this critical bill this week, and we urge its passage without delay. Healthy pregnancies, infant and child health and development, and school readiness are too important for these critical services to slip through the cracks. Please share and urge your Members of Congress to act now, because . To show your support, visit https://tinyurl.com/b8huyauk
As the reauthorization of the bipartisan Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program deadline gets closer, please reach out to your member of Congress today to express your...
Help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 for families and children this Giving Tuesday. Donate now! https://bit.ly/3UXs4En
Give the gift of happier, healthier childhoods this Giving Tuesday. Help us reach our goal of $100,000 for children. https://bit.ly/39dFwOg
All families deserve respect and recognition. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure that all legally married couples, regardless of s*x or race, are afforded the same protections no matter where they live, providing security and comfort to millions of families. Prevent Child Abuse America applauds the House for passing the Respect for Marriage Act with significant bipartisan support earlier this summer and are encouraged by the Senateās bipartisan vote of 62 to 37 to advance the bill and continue moving this important legislation forward.
From our family to yours, PCA America wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for today?
PCA America sends their deepest gratitude to Sigma Delta Tau Sorority for raising over 100 thousand dollars towards the prevention of child abuse and neglect! For the past fifteen years, Sigma Delta Tau Greek Grind has remained the largest and most successful Greek philanthropic event on the University of Georgia's campus. All 19 Panhellenic sororities on UGAās campus come together every October to compete in an exhilarating dance competition to benefit PCA America. Together, we can find !
āIf you canāt pay your rent or you have to work three jobs and take three buses and you donāt have child care,ā said PCA America President and CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick who offered her expert insights to reporter Andy Newman of The New York Times in the article, āIs N.Y.ās Child Welfare System Racist?ā
New York Cityās Administration for Childrenās Services must protect children without overpolicing families. A report the agency commissioned says it often fails.
The PCA America Chapter Network convened in beautiful Denver, Colorado for our first in-person annual Executive Director's meeting in almost three years. Adding to the benefit and excitement of the meeting was sharing it with the Children's Trust Fund Alliance allowing state and national leaders from both organizations to discuss key issues together including: supporting needs in media training; promoting race equity; engaging in adaptive strategic planning; promoting the protective factors framework; and building the knowledge base related to prevention. We couldnāt be more thrilled ā or grateful ā to have had such a successful meeting with deep engagement and knowledge exchanges that illustrate how partnership in prevention works.
Every child deserves to be safe and loved ā anchored by a supportive family, a welcoming community, and a Nation devoted to their education, health, safety, and well-being. On National Childās Day, PCA America renews our commitment to making America the best place in the world to grow up. To learn how you can help children thrive, visit https://bit.ly/3Gtf8Sl
PCA America President and CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick, headed to the U.N. Headquarters in New York to participate in the vote and ceremony that declared November 18 World Day for Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. PCA America is honored to have been a founding partner for this historic event!
Today is World Day for Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Championed by the Global Collaborative with PCA America as a founding partner, the new World Day will mobilize civil society and governments to act to prevent child s*xual abuse (CSA) and bring recognition to the challenges experienced by CSA survivors. Help us light up the world with hope for survivors of child s*xual abuse, violence, & exploitation by lighting a virtual candle. https://bit.ly/3EIcAOY
Thanks to leaders and advocates, New Mexico will become the first state to have a dedicated funding source for child care enshrined in their constitution. This is a win for all families and children as very child deserves the foundation for a bright future.
Voters are using their right to put families first in the midterm elections. Minimum wages will increase in Nevada and Nebraska due to ballot measures on their statewide elections, and children in Colorado will see universal free school meals. Advancing policies across states that strengthen family financial security, establish greater household stability, and alleviate parental stress help to create the conditions for all children, families, and communities to thrive. Visit out state policy agenda here: https://bit.ly/3tkUKLy
BREAKING: It is official. Voters said YES to Prop FF to ensure kids can eat at school no matter how much money their family has. In this time when so many families are struggling, this is a HUGE victory for us all!
Photos from Prevent Child Abuse America's post
Photos from Prevent Child Abuse America's post
Today, the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Congress enacted the ICWA nearly 45 years ago to address the destructive practice of separating Native American children from families and placing them with non-Native parents. A recent lawsuit ā Brackeen v. Haaland ā argues child placement preferences and other provisions in the law impose an excessive burden on states to involve and defer to tribes.
Invalidating the ICWA would have devastating consequences for Native children and the sovereignty of tribal nations in the US. Currently, American Indian/Alaskan Native children are 207% more likely to enter foster care than their white peers. You can help protect ICWA by signing the Stop Stealing Native Kids petition at https://tinyurl.com/428tzmpu.
For more information on the ICWA, visit https://tinyurl.com/2kxjp5eb.
Congress enacted the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) nearly 45 years ago to combat a widespread and destructive practice of separating Native American children from their families and placing them with non-Native parents.
We're hiring a Senior Communications Manager! Apply to join the nationās oldest and largest organization dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect.
The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for illustrating media relations expertise and management by providing marketing plans, writing op-eds and web, and social content. They also support PCA Americaās overall influencer relationship work, analyze communication data as well as create and amplify both PCA Americaās and HFAās efforts for advocacy, research, and communication around fundraising. This position reports to the directly to the Chief Communications Officer.
Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3DZwPr5
PCA America is pleased to share that today the declared Nov 18 World Day for Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Championed by the Global Collaborative with PCA America as a founding partner, the new World Day will mobilize civil society and governments to act to prevent child s*xual abuse (CSA) and bring recognition to the challenges experienced by CSA survivors.
PCA America President and CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick participated in the vote and ceremony at the UN today, sharing, āGreater awareness of child s*xual abuse, alongside strong policies and programs, are part of a successful public health approach to prevent child s*xual abuse before it can occur. PCA America is proud and humbled to be a founding partner of the Global Collaborative to bring prevention, awareness, and healing to our collective hearts and minds.ā
Pictured: PCA America President and CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick and PCA America Leadership Committee member Rev. Darrell Armstrong, were present when the United Nations General Assembly approved this UN International Day of Observance.
PCA America is pleased to share that today the United Nations declared Nov 18 World Day for Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Championed by the Global Collaborative with PCA America as a founding partner, the new World Day will mobilize civil society and governments to act to prevent child s*xual abuse (CSA) and bring recognition to the challenges experienced by CSA survivors.
PCA America President and CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick participated in the vote and ceremony at the UN today, sharing, āGreater awareness of child s*xual abuse, alongside strong policies and programs, are part of a successful public health approach to prevent child s*xual abuse before it can occur. PCA America is proud and humbled to be a founding partner of the Global Collaborative to bring prevention, awareness, and healing to our collective hearts and minds.ā
Pictured: PCA America President and CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick and PCA America Leadership Committee member Rev. Darrell, were present when the United Nations General Assembly approved this UN International Day of Observance.
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Just as a vehicle can bear only so much weight before it stops moving forward, challenging life circumstances can overload or overburden parents, making it hard for them to provide the best kinds of care and support. To prevent a breakdown in care, Healthy Families America focuses on services and resources that can help lighten the load on families. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3zpewIp. #PreventionIsPossible #BuildingBetterChildhoods
ā... When we help families address todayās stress, we can stop abuse and neglect of kids before it starts,ā says actor and activist, Stephen Bishop. Thank you, Stephen, for your support! To learn more, visit HappyChildrenHealthyFamilies.org. #PCAATurns50 #PreventionIsPossible
PCA America is celebrating 50 years of prevention! Over the past half-century, we have been able to directly impact millions of families through a nationwide network of state chapters and nearly 600 Healthy Families America home visiting sites. Our vast network raises public awareness about prevention and advocates for family-friendly policies at the national, state, and local levels. To learn more about our 50 years of prevention, visit https://bit.ly/3BCquAB #PreventionIsPossible #PCAAmericaTurns50
Children need safe and stable environments to thrive. But decades of housing discrimination mean that Black families today are less likely to live in neighborhoods with good jobs. Chronic stress can lead to a toxic stress response ā flooding the body with dangerous levels of stress hormones ā and making anger, hostility, and depression more likely. This set of cascading consequences helps explain the link between race and child abuse or neglect. Itās not race, itās racism. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3OSyGjO #BuildingBetterChildhoods #PreventionIsPossible
At PCA America, we are dedicated to building better childhoods for all children by preventing child abuse and neglect. In partnership with Social Current, we have created an easy-to-use toolkit to support practitioners and professionals. The toolkit describes how childhood adversity is a public, preventable, and solvable issue. Visit BuildingBetterChildhoods.org to learn more. #BuildingBetterChildhoods #PreventionIsPossible
Policies that strengthen family financial security can greatly reduce childhood adversity and enhance the relationships that help children thrive. Families facing financial hardship sets the stage for more stress and less tuned-in interaction with children. Boosting family incomes through tax credits or paid family leave can relieve the pressure, helping to head off childhood adversity before it happens. To get involved, visit https://bit.ly/3l1iXSV and show your support in expanding the Child Tax Credit. #BuildingBetterChildhoods
Child abuse and neglect is a preventable, public issue. The Building Better Childhoods toolkit, developed in partnership with Social Current, offers a new robust set of resources - at no cost - to help you communicate about child adversity for impact. #BuildingBetterChildhoods
#PCAAmericaTurns50š š„³ Over the past 50 years, the solution has become clear: Long-term investments in children and families is the way to a brighter, more just future. The next stage of PCA Americaās work, starting in this 50th year, prioritizes prevention through a holistic approach to ensure children and families have the supports they need. Alongside our nationwide network of state chapters and nearly 600 Healthy Families America home visiting sites, PCA America is shifting the narrative about child abuse and neglect by firmly focusing on and addressing the root causes of abuse. To learn more about our 50th anniversary and future initiatives, visit our 50th website preventchildabuse50.org/.
When we work together, we can all help prepare children to grow up to be healthy and thriving members of our community. Learn how you can help by planting a pinwheel in our nationwide virtual garden:https://bit.ly/VirtualPinwheelGarden š±
Here at PCA America, we believe building better childhoods doesnāt only start in the home, but in the community as well. Thatās why new resources are available to support organizations in communicating about childhood adversity. Whether you are interacting with others professionally or personally, this toolkit will give you the tools and education necessary to guide you through these conversations. Visit BuildingBetterChildhoods.org to learn about the benefits of prevention and upstream resources.
Child abuse prevention is only possible when we come together. PCA Americaās President and CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick, was able to join Orr Group's "Partner Perspectives" series to discuss her lifetime dedication to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, her vision for the future of PCA America, and the impact Orr Group has on our mission and organization. Watch the full interview here:
Five inexpensive supplies, fours minutes of your time, three easy steps, and too much fun for one common cause! Check out Dr. Merrick's tutorial for making your own pinwheels at home. Such a great idea to spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month!
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we all have a role to play. š š± At Prevent Child Abuse America, we are determined to move upstream and prevent child abuse and neglect before they happen ā growing a better tomorrow for all children, together. Learn more about how you can spread the word about preventing child abuse and neglect this April at https://preventchildabuse.org/growing-better-together-2022/
We love seeing parents grow through Healthy Families America! Parents and babies can thrive when they're supported and uplifted. Help families like Marina's by making a gift today: https://preventchildabuse.org/thankyou2021/
Healthy Families America home visitors, like Karla, help parents reach their parenting goals and feel more confident! You can help support families like Alejandraās, please consider making an end-of-year gift: https://preventchildabuse.org/thankyou2021/
Healthy Families America works to equip new parents with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Over the past year, 70,000 mothers and caregivers like Cynthia have received this crucial support because of help from partners like you. Together, we can prevent child abuse, Americaā¦because childhood lasts a lifetime. Please consider an end-of-year gift: https://preventchildabuse.org/thankyou2021/
Winter is an exciting time for children! Weāve put together some tips for parents to help you make sure your children are playing in a safe and healthy way during their winter break: https://bit.ly/3yrdU41 Check out these other great tips to keep your kids safe as we approach the holidays: https://bit.ly/3pUENts
November Parenting Tip of the Month: Use Thanksgiving to Teach Children About Gratitude š . Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to talk to children about the importance of giving back and teach social-emotional learning concepts like gratitude and empathy. Follow to learn more: https://bit.ly/3wmd8nZ
Itās the season for thanks and givingā¦and holiday shopping! Did you know you can support PCA America at no cost to you through AmazonSmile? On the Amazon mobile app, go to āSettingsā select āAmazonSmileā to turn it onāthen select āPrevent Child Abuse Americaā as your charity and weāll receive 0.5% of your qualifying sales. https://preventchildabuse.org/give-as-you-shop/
September Parenting Tip of the Month: Preparing for back-to-school āļø š The most important piece of getting your kids ready for back to school is helping them have a positive attitude! Ask your children questions like āwhat class/teacher are you most excited for?ā or āwho havenāt you seen this summer that you are excited to see when school starts?ā Continuing to reinforce the positive aspects of going back to school can help build up your childās own excitement. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Eg1DlJ
July Parenting Tip of the Month: Strengthening protective factors in your community šŖ We all want the best for our children. One way to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up feeling safe and loved is to make an effort to learn about and promote the protective factors in your family and in your community. Learn how: https://bit.ly/3kX9YDB
With summer break right around the corner, this month's parenting tip focuses on summer activities and developmental milestones š. Playing is how children learn about the world, and during the summertime there are tons of activities to keep kids busy. From riding bikes to playing hid-and-seek, there are a lot of different ways for young kids to learn through play. This Parenting Tip has some ideas for activities you can do with your kids that will not only get your kids outside but can help you track developmental milestones as well. Follow the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/2TfPNVB
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