Children's Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania

09/10/2026

On World Su***de Prevention Day, we join advocates globally to champion an ongoing theme: Changing the Narrative on Su***de. 💬💙

Changing the narrative means moving away from a culture of silence and stigma toward one of deep understanding, connection, and hope.

Su***de is not inevitable—it is preventable. When we foster open, honest, and compassionate conversations, we build environments where every person feels safe reaching out for help.

To effectively protect our youth, we must also recognize the underlying factors that impact mental health. Children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or assault face a significantly higher risk for depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Addressing trauma early through compassionate, specialized care is a vital component of su***de prevention.

Here is how we can work together to change the narrative:
🗣️ Talking openly about mental health and trauma helps break down shame. Offering patient, non-judgmental listening lets survivors know they are never alone.

🌱 Equipping children and young people with emotional resilience, coping strategies, and healthy boundary-setting gives them essential tools to navigate difficult experiences.

📞 Ensuring that crisis support is easily accessible. Help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

☑️ PennCAC offers specialized training for professionals supporting children and families, building critical skills in trauma-informed responses and connecting youth to appropriate care.

Explore our professional training opportunities and learn more about how trauma impacts youth mental health: https://penncac.org
***dePreventionDay

09/10/2026

Thank you to our returning sponsor, Andreozzi + Foote, for their tireless work supporting survivors of all ages. 💙

Your support of SHINE ensures that Children's Advocacy Centers can provide a coordinated, compassionate response to child abuse — one that helps families find hope, healing, and a brighter future.

09/08/2026

Turn your Friday lunch break into a power hour that supports Pennsylvania’s youngest child abuse survivors. 👟

So much better than a working lunch — take a walking lunch on September 18 from 11am to Noon to support child abuse survivors and show them they are not alone. We’ll start on City Island and end at the PA State Capitol.

Can't step away? Donate the cost of your lunch to ensure child abuse survivors statewide are met with the resources they need to heal and SHINE.

Sign up to walk or make a donation now: https://bit.ly/4ySeWES

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we pause to celebrate and honor the dedicated workforce that protects, supports, and advocates for Pennsylvania’s children and families every single day. 🛠️💙

From forensic interviewers and family advocates to social workers, medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health therapists, and administrative teams—our statewide network is powered by compassionate professionals who give their all.

Behind every child who finds room to heal is a team of steadfast individuals working together to build a safe path forward.

To our Keystone CAC workforce, multidisciplinary team partners, and family advocates across the Commonwealth: thank you for your commitment, resilience, and heart.

We wish everyone across Pennsylvania a safe, restful, and peaceful Labor Day weekend! ☀️✨

Learn more about our team and statewide network: https://penncac.org/our-team/

09/05/2026

Small actions can lead to big changes. By joining us for SHINE, you’re supporting child abuse survivors in your community — in their toughest moments — and creating a safe place where healing can begin.

Walk with the Children's Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania on September 18 or donate online to support the work CACs do to support Pennsylvania’s youngest survivors.

Together, we can make sure every survivor’s future is bright. ☀️ Visit https://bit.ly/4ySeWES to walk or donate.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

As 1.9 million Pennsylvania students head back to the classroom, educators, counselors, school nurses, and coaches serve as a vital first line of protection for our youth. 🍎

Swipe through our quick Back-to-School Educator's Safety Checklist to review key signs, mandated reporting details, and ways to support child well-being this school year. ➡️

Thank you to all PA school staff for your steadfast commitment to keeping our kids safe!

Read full mandated reporter guidelines and state resources at ChildLine: https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/report-child-abuse-or-neglect (shorten)


Slide 1:
• Headline: Back-to-School Safety Checklist for PA Educators
• As 1.9 million PA students return to class, school staff serve as a vital first line of protection.

Slide 2:
• Know the Indicators
• Refresh your understanding of behavioral and physical signs of abuse. Sudden changes in performance, withdrawal, or unexplained injuries are key cues to notice.

Slide 3:
• Know How to Report
• School staff are mandated reporters. Keep ChildLine accessible:
• Call: 1-800-932-0313 (24/7)
• Online: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe

Slide 4:
• Connect with Local CACs
• Familiarize yourself with your local CAC. Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) work alongside schools, law enforcement, and child protective services to provide prevention education and ensure trauma-informed care.

Slide 5:
• Create a Safe Landing Space
• Maintain an open, empathetic demeanor. Reassure students that their safety matters and they will be supported without judgment.

Slide 6:
• Thank you, PA Educators! 💙
• Save this post or share it with a colleague to keep child safety top of mind.
• Learn more at https://penncac.org/

09/01/2026

September is National Child Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the organizations, advocates, and communities working tirelessly to support the health, safety, and well-being of our youth.

At PennCAC, we believe that raising awareness is the first step toward building protective environments where every child can feel secure, supported, and heard. When we educate ourselves and our communities on child safety, we create a strong foundation where healing can happen.

Here are a few meaningful ways you can participate in National Child Awareness Month with us:

🌱 Educate & Empower: Take time to learn about body safety, internet safety, and the role of local Children's Advocacy Centers.

💙 Support Local CACs: Get to know your local CAC and learn how you can support their work.

💬 Foster Open Conversations: Create a safe space at home and in your community where children know their voices matter.

Every child deserves room to heal, discover hope, and walk a safe path forward.

Healing happens here—and awareness starts with all of us.

Learn more about our mission and find your local CAC at the link in our bio. 🔗 https://penncac.org/

09/01/2026

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide life-changing, compassionate care to children and families across Pennsylvania. But who supports the centers themselves?

That’s where PennCAC comes in. As the statewide chapter, our mission is to deliver the training, resources, and advocacy that local centers need to focus entirely on what matters most: helping child abuse survivors heal.

Here is a quick look at how we champion our network of Keystone CACs behind the scenes:

🎓 Specialized Training & Professional Development. We connect local multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, social workers, and medical professionals, with the latest evidence-based education and specialized training so they can deliver top-tier, trauma-informed care.

📈 Data Management & Operational Tools. By managing unified database systems and providing technical assistance, we handle the complex administrative logistics. This helps our network of CACs track outcomes across Pennsylvania.

⚖️ Statewide Advocacy & Policy Support. We serve as a unified voice in local government and legislative spaces, advocating for sustainable funding and resource allocations that protect child welfare initiatives across the Commonwealth.

🤝 Building Collaborative Networks. We foster a strong, connected community among our member centers, allowing them to share best practices, navigate challenges together, and ensure that a safe path forward is available to children in every county.

Learn more about our chapter's mission and how we strengthen local advocacy efforts across the state, visit our website: https://penncac.org/how-we-support-cacs/

09/01/2026

We're honored to have the continued support of SHINE sponsor, UPMC. 💙 Thank you for believing in the CAC movement and mission.

Together, we're helping children across Pennsylvania find safety, get the care they deserve, and begin their healing journey.