Child Abuse Prevention Month

During April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Protective factors are conditions or attributes that, when present in families and communities, increase the well-being of children and families and reduce the likelihood of maltreatment. Identifying protective factors, such as the following, helps parents find resources, supports, or coping strategies to keep their family strong even when life is challenging:

Nurturing and attachment
Knowledge of parenting and child and youth development
Parental resilience
Social connections
Concrete supports for parents
Social and emotional competence of children

History of National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Things You Can Do to be a PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Kids

💙 Teach children they have a right to be safe.

💙 Listen to children and believe what they say.

💙 Know the signs of child abuse and neglect.

💙 Call Childline (1-800-932-0313) if you suspect abuse.

💙 Wear a blue ribbon everyday.

💙 Get to know your neighbors and community.

💙 Discuss child abuse prevention with your co-workers, friends, and family.

💙 Support programs that protect children and families with your time and money.

2022 Annual PA Child Protective Services Report

Click this button to be taken to the 2022 Annual PA Child Protective Services Report where you can see statewide and county by county child abuse statistics.

2022 National Child Maltreatment Report

In Pennsylvania, any act or failure to act that is done intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly is child abuse when a child is harmed.

7 Essentials of Life

Children have the right to proper:

1. Food

2. Shelter

3. Clothing

4. Supervision

5. Medical Care

6. Education

7. Protection from Harm

These essentials of life become an issue when there is cause for concern about the health, safety, or welfare of a child.

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)

Child Protective Services Law (CPSL)

You can report child abuse or neglect by calling ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 OR you can report online via the PA Child Welfare Information Solution Website (see link below). Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

To make a report, you need information regarding the following:

1. The child

2. The perpetrator of abuse/neglect (an act or failure to act)

3. The act or failure to act that would harm, or potentially harm, a child

Lawrence County Children and Youth Services

The mission of Lawrence County Children and Youth Services is to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, and to take steps to protect children through investigation. Steps will be taken to preserve families when possible. We will strive to assure that children will have safe permanent homes.

lawrencecountypa.gov

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Help prevent child abuse by downloading the contents below and sharing them with your children. Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit Go Blue Day - Friday, April 5, 2024 Wear your favorite blue in honor of your commitment to preventing child abuse.

allianceforchildren.org