Wolf Administration Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Efforts

Harrisburg , PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller joined commonwealth representatives and community advocacy groups at the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Awards Ceremony hosted by Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). This event honors those who have made profound efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children in acknowledgement of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Pennsylvania children are a priority for Governor Wolf and their safety is of the utmost importance to the administration and everyone here today,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “It is important for us to stand together and support this important cause. We must continue to be the voice for these individuals who are often unheard.”

DHS believes that protecting Pennsylvania’s children from abuse and neglect is a vitally important responsibility. The cause unites lawmakers, community partners, the child protective services system, citizens, and families to provide a safe environment for children throughout Pennsylvania.

In partnership with counties, schools, and community organizations, the department is promoting evidence-based programs that give parents the skills and supports, both formal and informal, that they need to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“The toll of abuse in this Commonwealth is almost too much to bear,” noted Angela M. Liddle, MPA, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. “But we cannot let these failures define us nor defeat us in the mission of protecting children. Let us find in the voices of these young people with us today the strength we need to confront and stamp out child abuse in all its forms. That is why we celebrate the heroes among us; to ignite the spark within each of us that can save more children.”

PFSA prevents child abuse and protects children from harm by helping parents learn positive parenting techniques, educating professionals and volunteers who work with children to recognize and report child abuse, and helping community members learn how they can play a positive role in keeping children safe. PFSA offers a suite of bilingual training programs, including free, in-person Mandated Reporter Training, in how to recognize and report suspected child abuse.

During the month of April, DHS will display the Children’s Memorial Flag and Banner in honor of children who have died as a result of child abuse or neglect. The department encourages all Pennsylvanians to wear or display blue ribbons as a way to signify the importance of child abuse prevention. For other events around Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit www.pa-fsa.org/Calendar.

“Keeping children safe is a critical part of our mission at DHS,” said Secretary Miller. “All Pennsylvanians have an obligation to protect and keep our children safe. Pennsylvania’s children need us to do everything we can to protect them today and in the future.”