Learn How To #ProtectPAKids

PFSA and United Way of Wyoming Valley Partner to Protect PA Kids from Abuse and Neglect

 

PA Family Support Alliance (PFSA) worked with the United Way of Wyoming Valley (UWWV), through a grant from the Moses Taylor Healthcare Foundation, to address child abuse prevention in a multi-year, multi-tiered project. PFSA provided training to UWWV and its partner agencies for professionals and volunteers who are mandated reporters. In addition, UWWV partner agencies participated in PFSA’s Train the Trainer program allowing them to establish their own in-house training program.

PFSA also educated community members about protecting children by holding Front Porch Project sessions in high poverty communities as identified by United Way staff.

We are developing an educational brochure and providing PA Blue Ribbon bookmarks and ribbons cobranded with UWWV. It has been a wonderful partnership to #ProtectPAKids!

KAYLA KRESSLER APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Kressler, a former clinical supervisor and program site director at Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, a community-based outpatient dual-diagnosis treatment program in York County, will direct PFSA’s services to a network of statewide affiliated agencies.

Kressler has more than a decade of experience in the field of addiction treatment and is widely regarded as a specialist in supporting and helping to heal individuals with substance use disorder and their families.

“We are thrilled to have Kayla join our team! The breadth and depth of her clinical and administrative experience will enrich our growing portfolio of programs to protect children across the commonwealth from abuse,” said Angela M. Liddle, MPA, president and CEO. “Kayla joins PFSA in the midst of an opioid and heroin epidemic that has wreaked devastation on families and left many grandparents struggling to raise grandchildren due to their parents’ death, incapacitation, or incarceration. Kayla will work effectively and tirelessly to help families cope with addiction recovery while keeping children safe.”

“When I was six-years old, my grandmother took me out of a home where there was domestic violence, neglect, and abuse,” added Kressler. “For the last 10 and a half years, I’ve worked in the mental health and drug and alcohol sector as a counselor. I know this work is very necessary and I am channeling my grandmother’s spirit as I bring my passion to help families in recovery. I value working with a group of strong and committed individuals at PFSA to effect change on a program level to better protect children.”

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April Was Child Abuse Prevention Month

#ProtectPAKids is far more than a hashtag: It is a movement to make child protection a priority in Pennsylvania. Join us!

A number of Downtown and Central PA regional entities, including the Harrisburg Hilton, Kamionka Entertainment Groups’s five restaurants, residences and establishments along State Street, the PA Turnpike headquarters, the State Capitol, the Market Street and Walnut Street bridges, and schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, shone blue lights in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. PFSA’s messaging, “Learn How to “ProtectPAKids,” can be seen on more than 130 billboards across the state, thanks to additional support from the Outdoor Advertising Association of Pennsylvania.

Going Blue to #Protectpakids

On April 4, 2018, the State Street Corridor and the State Capitol featured 4,416 blue ribbons flags as a tribute to each child victim of abuse in Pennsylvania in one year and there was a special memorial of 46 black ribbons, one for each child PA lost to abuse in 2016 – the last year for which we have statewide statistics. During the Awards Ceremony, children presented 46 pairs of children’s shoes and baby booties to symbolize that violence had cut short their path to adulthood.

PFSA board and staff members, sponsors, community volunteers, and celebrity guests, among them, Miss Pennsylvania 2017 Katie Schreckengast, several of the 2015 Red Land Little League U.S. World Series Champions, and Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick – planted the flags.

Community Members Paint Murals to Commemorate Child Abuse Awareness Month

Painting for Prevention

In communities all over Pennsylvania, Painting for Prevention brings affiliates, advocates, families and artists together for a day to create beautiful, lasting tributes to children, family life and the places we know as home. Each mural has its own character and message. They serve as “ambassadors” delivering the message that child abuse can be prevented, throughout the year.

View mural gallery

Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids

Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Awards

Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance and its sponsors, led by PSECU and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Pennsylvania, presented 2018 PA Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards on April 4 to five Pennsylvanians for their efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. The Wolf administration designated April 4 #WearBlueDay in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to honor all victims of child abuse and to encourage everyone to help keep kids safe.

Jen Spry, RN
Jen Spry, RNPhiladelphia, PA

Jen is a child sexual assault survivor who now teaches young people how to be safe online and advocates for an end to child sex trafficking.

Darryl Gibbs
Darryl GibbsEphrata, PA

Darryl is a father who lost a baby daughter to Shaken Baby Syndrome and now teaches parents about the dangers of SBS.

Joyce Seitz
Joyce SeitzYork, PA

Joyce is a proud grandmother and a 17-year volunteer for the parent-support group at Children’s Aid Society-The Lehman Center.

Megan King
Megan KingWest Chester, PA

Megan is a Chester County deputy district attorney who prosecutes child abuse cases and is a key member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.

Jo Ciavaglia
Jo CiavagliaLevittown, PA

Jo's reporting for The Bucks County Courier Times and the Intelligencer has led to substantive legislative changes to better protect children.

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