Pinwheels. Pinwheels. Everywhere.

As Child Abuse Prevention Month begins to wind down we will start sharing the photos that come to us highlighting what communities everywhere have been up to during the month to change the way we think about prevention and focus on healthy child development, creating equal opportunities for all children and getting things right for individuals and society from the start so we don't fix them later. This photo photo comes to us from Florida and The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families and we are thrilled to see so many communities embracing our efforts to launch a movement for America's children around the theme of Pinwheels for Prevention, the platform we are building as a means for engaging the public in this cause everywhere from coast to coast. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about this effort and as always thank you for all you do.

Tune in today!

Tune in today to the inaugural Tel-e-thon for America’s Children brought you by Prevent Child Abuse America. Join us from 12:00pm CT today, April 26, to 6:00pm CT tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27, as we engage in a discussion on the importance of healthy child development and child abuse prevention, enjoy interviews with a wide range of people and hopefully raise additional funds to support this work nationwide.

Learn about the growing national movement for America's children and how you can play a role. Hear from leading experts in the field like Dr. Robert Anda, co-author of the ground-breaking Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, and how the entertainment industry can make a difference with James Gray, director of films such as "Two Lovers" and "We Own the Night," and documentarian and survivor Alexandra Dickson Gray. Enjoy interviews with Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO James M. Hmurovich and Board Chair Christopher Greeley. Discuss how social media can impact real-world charities with Susan Gordon from Causes and Christa Laukevicz and Evan Kalish, founders of the Society Against Child Abuse cause. And so much more!

We want to thank Causes for hyping the Tel-e-thon on their blog. And we'll see you soon. Be sure to tune-in, join the conversation and tell your friends!

Prevent Child Abuse America Unveils Inaugural Tel-e-thon for America’s Children.

National child abuse prevention organization to offer twist on traditional telethon by conducting 30-hour event via Causes application on Facebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (April 18, 2011) – Prevent Child Abuse America, one of the nation’s leading child abuse prevention organizations, will unveil a new twist on a traditional telethons when it conducts the Tel-e-thon for America’s Children via the Causes application on Facebook. The event will take place from 12:00pm CDT on Tuesday, April 26, to 6:00pm CDT on Wednesday, April 27, in recognition of April’s designation as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Research shows that 90% of Americans are aware that child abuse is a serious issue. Therefore, the Tel-e-thon is designed to engage the public in a dialogue about child abuse prevention, highlight the many ways everyone can play a role – from getting educated on the issue to advocating for policy change to volunteering for charities that support children and families – and provide individuals with the opportunity to make one-time or recurring gifts to Prevent Child Abuse America. To achieve this, each hour (with the exception of 12:00 to 6:00am on April 27) will feature an interview with a special guest or a discussion topic for live chat on the Causes site on Facebook.

To participate in the Tel-e-thon, individuals should log into the Society Against Child Abuse page on the Causes application on Facebook, join if not a member and follow the conversation in the Bulletin section.

Among the special guests scheduled to participate are:

· Major motion picture director, James Gray (“Two Lovers,” “We Own the Night”)

· Co-author of the ground-breaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, Dr. Robert Anda

· Documentarian and child abuse survivor, Alexandra Dickson Gray

· Founder of the Promised Land Society and AwfulGrace.org, Bryan Specht

· Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO James M. Hmurovich

· Prevent Child Abuse America Board Chair Christopher Greeley M.D., FAAP

· Prevent Child Abuse Florida Executive Director Christie Ferris

· Prevent Child Abuse Idaho Executive Director Roger Sherman

· Causes’ Director of Nonprofit Services Susan Gordon

· Christa Laukevicz and Evan Kalish, founders of the Society Against Child Abuse on Causes

· Recipients and providers of Healthy Families America direct program service

“For nearly 40 years Prevent Child Abuse America has been dedicated to healthy child development and child abuse prevention,“ said Hmurovich. “As we look to awaken the nation to the fact that we all have a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect, we look forward to unveiling this new model and utilizing new technologies to continue engaging and activating people to take action on behalf of our nation’s children.”

Wichita, Kansas, named Pinwheel City USA by Prevent Child Abuse America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, Illinois, April 21, 2011 – Prevent Child Abuse America announced today that Wichita, Kansas, has been named a Pinwheel City USA. To receive this designation, a city or town of any size in the U.S. must apply for and meet the high standards of this award program, demonstrating its commitment to and support of healthy child development and child abuse and neglect prevention. Pinwheel City USA is an extension of Prevent Child Abuse America’s national Pinwheels for Prevention^® campaign, introducing the pinwheel as the symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention in the U.S.

Wichita’s commitment to healthy child development and child abuse prevention is resulting in tangible positive outcomes for the children and families who call it home. Of particular note to application reviewers were the involvement of the mayor, the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust fund, more than 60 local community organizations and Wichita State University, whose collaborative efforts have contributed to decreases in child abuse-related fatalities in Wichita from eight in 2008 to one in 2010.

“For our nation to think about child abuse and neglect prevention in a new way, communities and neighborhoods of all sizes across the country must realize that everyone has a role to play in increasing healthy outcomes for children and reducing child maltreatment,” said James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “Wichita served as a strong example of this and we are proud to honor them in this way.”

In response to a high number of child deaths in 2008, the Wichita Child Abuse Fatalities Community Response Team was formed and began working alongside the Visioneering Wichita Birth-K Alliance. Since that time, several new prevention initiatives have been implemented, including The Period of PURPLE Crying®, a Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention program through the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. The program is now being provided to parents of 41,000 of the 42,000 live births each year in Kansas, including births at the two birthing hospitals in Wichita – Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center. Working together, the team has also created a Strengthening Families Resource Map for parents and providers.

“As the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Kansas and the Kansas Children's Service League are honored to be coordinating the efforts of the Wichita Child Abuse Fatalities Community Response Team and honored to be a part of this important occasion. I am impressed, but not the least bit surprised that, Wichita has received this significant designation. This is a city that cares not just about children, but their families and the communities they live in,” said Vicky Roper, Director of Prevent Child Abuse Kansas.

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ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block for community development 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. Based in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 47 states and nearly 400 Healthy Families America sites in 34 states.

ABOUT PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION

Pinwheels for Prevention^® is a campaign introducing the pinwheel as a symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention nationwide. Through this effort, Prevent Child Abuse America is changing the way our nation thinks about prevention, focusing on community activities and public policies that prioritize healthy child development and child abuse prevention right from the start to make sure abuse and neglect never occur. For more information, please visit Pinwheels for Prevention.

ABOUT THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S SERVICE LEAGUE (KCSL)

KCSL is a statewide not-for-profit agency with a mission to protect and promote the well-being of children. Founded in 1893, KCSL provides a variety of child abuse and community based prevention programs including Healthy Families, Parent Education, the statewide Parent Helpline (1-800-CHILDREN) and the Community Resource Library. KCSL is the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America.

One Week to Go!

Be sure to tune in next Tuesday and Wednesday on the Society Against Child Abuse Causes page for the inaugural Tel-e-thon for America's Children, an electronic twist on traditional telethons to benefit Prevent Child Abuse America. From 12:00pm CT on Tuesday, April 26, to 6:00pm CT on Wednesday, April 27, enjoy interviews with special guests, discussion topics for all to participate in and the chance to make one-time or recurring donations to support healthy child development and child abuse prevention nationwide.

Learn about the growing national movement for America's children and how you can play a role. Hear from leading experts in the field like Dr. Robert Anda, co-author of the ground-breaking Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, and how the entertainment industry can make a difference with James Gray, director of films such as "Two Lovers" and "We Own the Night," and documentarian and survivor Alexandra Dickson Gray. Enjoy interviews with Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO James M. Hmurovich and Board Chair Christopher Greeley. Discuss how social media can impact real-world charities with Susan Gordon from Causes and Christa Laukevicz and Evan Kalish, founders of the Society Against Child Abuse cause. And so much more!

We'll see you next Tuesday. Be sure to tune-in, join the conversation and tell your friends!

Thank you.

Please join us for the first Twitter Live Chat on child maltreatment prevention this Wednesday, April 20th at 3:00pm EST.

Prevent Child Abuse America will be joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a panel of experts for the first Twitter Live Chat on child maltreatment prevention this Wednesday, April 20th at 3:00pm EST and we hope you will participate in this dialogue as well.

Chicagoans Support Local Children and Families Through 14th Annual Wrigley Start Early Run.

Proceeds Benefit Prevent Child Abuse America and Voices for Illinois Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO April 15, 2011 – On Saturday, April 23, thousands of people from all over Chicagoland will show their support for Child Abuse Prevention Month by participating in the 14th annual Wrigley Start Early Run in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field. The event will feature 5K and 10K runs, one-mile pledge walk and free kids dash for children eight and under.

Proceeds will benefit two leading children’s charities: Prevent Child Abuse America, which works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block for community development and economic development; and Voices for Illinois Children, which works with families, communities and policymakers to help the development of children in Illinois.

In addition, through a new financial partnership model that will broaden the base of beneficiaries, at least 16 other child-focused organizations throughout the Chicagoland area will also participate and benefit, making it a true community event.

“Wrigley is a proud sponsor of the Wrigley Start Early Run, bringing thousands of Chicagoans and Wrigley associates together to benefit organizations that contribute to the strength and vitality of our city” said John Webb, senior-vice president of people, learning and development at the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. “We are proud to continue our tradition of working with our local communities to make a difference.”

NBC Channel 5 Sports Anchor Paula Faris will emcee the event, which will bring more than 3,000 participants who will step out for children and families. The event will also offer a variety of family activities, including appearances from the Berenstain Bears and the Chicago Blackhawks mascot, and a kids’ area with bounce houses and games.

Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register on-line by noon April 20 here; walk-ins are also welcome on race day.

“Every one of us has a role in supporting healthy child development and preventing abuse and neglect,” said Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO Jim Hmurovich. “Participating in the Wrigley Start Early Run is an important step in the right direction, and we are thrilled that Chicagoans are committed to this cause, and are helping to raise awareness about the importance of prevention. We also greatly appreciate the Wrigley Company’s ongoing sense of corporate social responsibility.”

Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk Event Details

WHEN: Saturday, April 23rd

9:00a.m. – 1-mile pledge walk

9:10a.m. – 5K Run

9:15a.m. – 10K Run

Kids Dash starts after the runs are completed

WHERE: Hutchinson Field in Grant Park (Columbus at Balbo)

DETAILS:

Register here.

ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block for community development 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. Based in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 48 states and 385 Healthy Families America sites in 32 states.

ABOUT VOICES FOR ILLINOIS CHILDREN

Voices for Illinois Children works as a catalyst for change across issue areas to improve the lives of children throughout our state so they can grow up healthy, happy, safe, loved and well educated. For 20 years we have helped parents, business and community leaders and policy makers understand and respond to the issues facing children and families.

ABOUT WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY

Wrigley is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, and lollipops. The company has operations in more than 40 countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands - Wrigley's Spearmint®, Juicy Fruit®, and Altoids® - have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint®, Life Savers®, Skittles®, Big Red®, Winterfresh®, Extra®, Starburst®, Orbit®, Airwaves®, P.K.®, Cool Air® and 5™. Wrigley is headquartered in Chicago, IL and operates as a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, based in McLean, VA. Mars is a $27-billion, family-owned company that produces some of the world's leading confectionery, food and pet-care products and has growing beverage and health & nutrition businesses.

Love and support our work? Please share your positive comments and reviews with Great Nonprofits before April 30th.

If we can get ten people to write positive reviews of Prevent Child Abuse America on our Great Nonprofits profile page before April 30th we will be included on their top-rated Children and Families nonprofit list. Please consider helping us out and thank you in advance for not just your time, but for all you do for children, their healthy development and the communities they and their parents live in.

Tune In April 26-27th!

Be sure to visit the Society Against Child Abuse Cause from 12:00pm CDT on Tuesday, April 26, to 6:00pm CDT on Wednesday, April 27, to participate in the inaugural Tel-e-thon for America's Children. This unique event will offer you the chance to enjoy interviews with special guests and participate in live discussions every hour (with the exception of midnight to 6:00am) as we mark Child Abuse Prevention Month. And like traditional telethons, you will have the chance to make one-time or recurring donations. We hope you will help us reach our $10,000 goal!

Among our scheduled interviewees are major motion picture director James Gray (“Two Lovers,” “We Own the Night”); Principal Investigator of the ground-breaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, Dr. Robert Anda; documentarian and survivor Alexandra Dickson Gray; Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO James M. Hmurovich; Society Against Child Abuse Founders Christa Laukevicz and Evan Kalish; business leaders; board members; and recipients and providers of Prevent Child Abuse America direct program service. We'll announce even more interviewees and release the entire schedule soon!

We promise a rich discussion of why prevention matters and the roles each of us can play to ensure healthy child development and prevent child abuse. So please be sure to join us during those 30 hours, consider making a one-time or recurring gift to support our work, and tell your friends!

Presidential Proclamation - National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We want to share the link and a brief excerpt for this year's Presidential Proclamation proclaiming April 2011 National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"My Administration will continue to reinforce initiatives that enhance the efforts of child protective service agencies to prevent and treat child abuse. Last December, I was pleased to sign into law the CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment) Reauthorization Act of 2010, giving States and local authorities new tools to identify and address abuse and neglect. This Act will also bolster prevention efforts by addressing risk factors for mistreatment like substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. We are also supporting programs that expand coordination of early childhood services in order to improve outcomes for young children."

Announcing the Tel-e-thon for America's Children!

Prevent Child Abuse America would like to unveil the Tel-e-thon for America's Children, an inaugural 30-hour event to raise awareness of and funding for healthy child development and child abuse prevention nationwide. Scheduled for 12:00pm CT on April 26 to 6:00pm CT on April 27, the whole thing will take place via the Society Against Child Abuse page on Causes.

Similar to radio- or television-based telethons, our event will offer people the chance to make one-time or recurring donations, and every hour will offer something different, from interviews with special guests to discussion topics on which you're invited to comment. This will be fully interactive... follow along the live chat with our special guests, post questions, offer your thoughts on the discussion topics. We want to hear from you!

In the coming days and weeks we will reveal the roster of special guests and discussion topics. But know that you will be hearing from some of the biggest names in the child abuse prevention field, families who have received direct service and the staff who have provided it, child abuse survivors, business and social media leaders, and maybe even some folks who call Hollywood home. Stay tuned!

For now, please mark April 26-27 on your calendar, tell your friends to tune in, and be part of this first-of-its-kind event!

Thank you very much.

Please join us. Chicago House Party. April 5, 2011. Happy Hour. Bucca Di Beppo.

You're invited to Prevent Child Abuse America's Chicago House Party! Come out for a happy hour after work on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 and help raise money for child abuse prevention. See details below and R.S.V.P. here.

Where: Buca Di Beppo Downtown Chicago, 521 N. Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

When: 5:30-7:30 PM, Tuesday April 5, 2011

What: Come socialize and mingle with friends and acquaintances after work! Great networking opportunity and chance to kick back on a Tuesday. We'll say a few words about Prevent Child Abuse America around 6:30 PM, but otherwise it will be a causal and fun house party!

Free appetizers, coffee, tea, and soda.

Cost: $35 with R.S.V.P. and $40 at the door.

We're kicking off our House Party Weekend campaign with a Chicago House Party. To learn more about the campaign, please visit the House Party Weekend website.

Hope to see you there!

We are relaunching our e-newsletter.

Its true and we hope you will sign-up to receive it, which you can do on the upper right hand corner of our website. Thanks in advance. And thank you for all you do to further healthy child development, support the expansion of innovative programming and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Professor James Heckman talks about investing in early childhood development.

With Child Abuse Prevention Month upon us we wanted to take a moment to reflect on Professor James Heckman talking about the need for investing in early childhood development.