Changing The Way We Think About Prevention

National Movement Weekly Update.

2012-01-27T12:32:00.000-06:00

One of the many themes that arose in the Town Hall meetings held by the Movement during the past summer and fall was the importance of brain development on the subsequent academic success of children as well as their transition to adulthood. We wanted to share this today after reading the recent Policy Statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding "Early Childhood Adversity, Toxic Stress, and the Role of the Pediatrician: Translating Developmental Science into Lifelong Health," and the statement that "AAP is committed to leveraging science to inform the development of innovative strategies to reduce...toxic stress in young children and to mitigate their negative effects on the course of development..." Reading this our questions for you include: What role can we play in reducing the toxic stress that children are exposed to in our neighborhoods and communities? What innovative strategies to reduce toxic stress are being implemented where you live? And what strategies might be added? Please come to the National Movement for America's Children site to share your thoughts with us and others members from your state and if you're not sure what role you, your neighborhood or the Movement can play, please let us know so we can talk about that as well. Have a great week.

Prevent Child Abuse America and Massachusetts Citizens for Children in the Boston Globe.

2012-01-26T12:49:00.001-06:00

We are excited to let you know that representatives from both Prevent Child Abuse America and Massachusetts Citizens for Children, the organization that houses Prevent Child Abuse Massachussets, were quoted in an article in the Boston Globe titled "After Penn State, states reconsider sex abuse laws." One reason we are especially excited, and appreciative, is that in the midst of an important discussion about the legal implications of cases like these, were we still given the opportunity to discuss how we need to prevent sex abuse before it even occurs in the first place.

Get Involved!

2012-01-23T17:12:00.002-06:00

Here at Prevent Child Abuse America, we work to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide because we recognize that child development is a building block for community development and economic development. We need your help to do our work well, and there are many ways to get involved:

Volunteer at a local state chapter here.

Make an online, one-time donation here to help us provide information, education, and services to families and children and educate policymakers on the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect from ever occurring in the first place.

Become informed on the importance of home visitation services like our signature prevention program, Healthy Families America here.

Host a house party here to raise awareness for child abuse prevention (and have some fun at the same time!)

Learn more on our website here, blog here, or Facebook page here and share with friends

We’re so excited you’re here – thank you for joining us in our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs.

National Movement Weekly Update.

2012-01-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

This past Friday, January 13th, was the 2012 National AMBER Alert Awareness Day and we wanted to highlight one line in particular from the Department of Justice's announcement recognizing the observance of the day and the impact of this initiative: "This unprecedented partnership between law enforcement, alert citizens, and the news media continues to be one of the most effective tools employed to protect children.” Reading this our questions for you include: Do you have examples that you can share of similar partnerships in your community? How can we make these kinds of partnerships the norm at both the Federal and local level? What role should the Movement play in achieving this? And what role might you play? Please come to the National Movement for America's Children site to share your thoughts with us and others members from your state and if you're not sure what role you or the Movement can play, please let us know so we can talk about that as well. Have a great week.

RE-ENERGIZE - RE-FOCUS - RECONNECT.

2012-01-13T11:58:00.000-06:00

Share your passion for healthy child development and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Join us at Awaken to Change - The National Conference for America’s Children, October 12 - 15, 2012, in beautiful Jacksonville, FL.

Top industry experts will present exceptional sessions on key topics:

Healthy Child Development

Moving the Movement - The National Movement for America’s Children

Advancing Public Policy

Message, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility

What’s Working and What We are Learning

For more information please go here.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2012 Wrigley Start Early Run. Grant Park. Chicago, Illinois. Saturday, April 21st. More details coming soon!

2012-01-12T12:21:00.002-06:00

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Advocate Rates Sandusky Media Coverage a “C.”

2012-01-10T22:11:00.001-06:00

In a Ms. Foundation funded study released today on the early media coverage of the Penn State child sexual abuse case, "Breaking News on child sexual abuse: Early coverage of Penn State," the Berkeley Media Studies Group found that the coverage not only missed an opportunity to focus on prevention, but on the potential solutions for preventing child sexual abuse before it ever occurs. We believe that all adults play a role in preventing child sexual abuse, and given this, we hope that you will not only revisit our initial post here regarding our thoughts on the case and how we can all become better educated about this issue, but that you will also consider contacting the Prevent Child Abuse America in your state here to see how you might support their prevention efforts as well.

National Movement Weekly Update.

2012-01-03T20:01:00.001-06:00

With the new year upon us, we want to share with you how excited we are for all the good work we plan to do as a Movement in the coming year around ensuring all children have happy and healthy childhoods. We also want to let you know that we plan to tailor these weekly messages going forward to focus on the various themes participants raised in the town hall meetings we held across the country in 2011. These themes include among many others, the responsibility of adults to promote an environment free of sexual abuse, bullying as peer-to-peer abuse and the importance of brain development on the subsequent academic success of children. Finally, we encourage you to not only stay active on the National Movement for America’s Children site, but to encourage your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to do so as well, so that we can keep building momentum and having an impact on the lives of children, their families and the neighborhoods they live in. Have a great week.

In the New Year.

2011-12-30T11:15:00.000-06:00

Your interest in Prevent Child Abuse America continues to positively impact the way our country enhances the lives of children, their families and the neighborhoods they live in.

By supporting Prevent Child Abuse America, you help to ensure every child has an equal opportunity for healthy growth and development.

I hope you will consider making a holiday donation here that will support healthy child development for all children.

We will use your support to strengthen our network of state chapters, expand our Healthy Families America prevention program, and work to educate policy makers on what makes sense for children.

Thanks again for your commitment to children. To give a tax-deductible donation in your name, or in honor of a friend or family member, please click here.

Together, in the new year, we can build upon the hopes we share for all children.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO

Sign Up Early. Awaken to Change - The National Conference for America’s Children. October 2012.

2011-12-21T11:37:00.000-06:00

It is our pleasure to invite you to join us atPrevent Child Abuse America’s 2012 National Conference - "Awaken to Change - The National Conferencefor America’s Children.” The Conference will be held in beautiful Jacksonville,FL, at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel October 12 – 15, 2012.

The Conference program provides front-lineworkers, managers, agency leaders, community organizers and researchers acomprehensive learning experience. Top industry experts will presentexceptional sessions on important educational tracks, which include:

Healthy Child Development
Moving the Movement - The National Movement for America’s Children
Advancing Public Policy
Message, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility
What’s Working and What We are Learning

In addition to world class education, we willoffer the opportunity to network with professionals from around the nation thatshare your passion for America’s children.

We hope you will join us in Jacksonville. Pleasetake the time to review the conference brochure. Sign up now to receive theearly registration discount by clicking here.

There is a New Year's Eve Party being held here in Chicago to benefit Prevent Child Abuse America and we would like you to come.

2011-12-19T16:23:00.000-06:00

Celebrate the new year with 3 live bands, great food, and an openbar at Yak-zies, a great place to meet, eat and drink.

Proceeds benefit Prevent Child Abuse America and will help uscontinue to build on the innovative work we’ve done during the past year,including the continued expansion of our signature prevention program, HealthyFamilies America, into more communities nationwide.

Come celebrate the new year, support a great cause and help ensureopportunities for the healthy development of all children.

Tickets here. Please re-post! Hope to see you there!

National Movement Weekly Update.

2011-12-16T15:34:00.003-06:00

As a nation we speak about how much we value children and how the futuregreatness of the country is inherently connected to the healthy development ofall children. Further, research has consistently shown that most of us, upwardsto 90% of the public, believe that child abuse and neglect is a serious issue.Yet, according to (fellow National Movement for America's Children founding partner) Voices for America's Children (and The Child and Family Policy Center),“children’s issues (have) commanded scarcely two percent of the attention inthe first 10 presidential candidate debates to date and less of that in totaldiscussion and debate time.” It is time that we as a nation, and as a Movement,demand that the candidates, the media and citizens everywhere focus onchildren’s issues, and how the country will ensure that the healthy developmentof all children is prioritized going forward. Please join us in seeking tochange this conversation and please share your thoughts with us on how we cando so at the NationalMovement for America’s Children website.

Happy Holidays from Prevent Child Abuse America.

2011-12-15T11:52:00.001-06:00

Thanks to your interest in Prevent Child Abuse America, this year we have been able to positively impact the healthy development of children, all children, across the nation. We have been actively engaged in the national dialogue surrounding the Penn State and Syracuse child sex abuse cases and how we can prevent such abuse from ever occurring in the first place.

We initiated the National Movement for America’s Children. And we expanded both our Healthy Families America program network and Chapter network, further ensuring we have the opportunity to prevent child abuse and neglect at the local level.We could not do the work we do without support from people like you.

We all have a role to play in the lives of children, whoever we are and whatever we do.We ask that you consider giving a gift - here - this holiday season to help us get a head start on all the work we plan to do in 2012. A tax-deductible donation - here - will help Prevent Child Abuse America provide communities with the information they need to promote healthy child development, support families, and prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs.Donations - here - can be given throughout the holiday season in your name, or in honor of a friend or family member.

Now is the time for our nation to awaken to how we can provide a healthier future for our children and communities. Give your gift - here - this holiday season, and together, we can continue to build upon the hopes we share for all children.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich

President & CEO

Prevent Child Abuse America's Letter to the Editor in response to The New York Times article "Programs That Tie Funds to Effectiveness Are at Risk" by Annie Lowrey.

2011-12-14T17:09:00.001-06:00

We wanted to share the Letter to the Editor we submitted to The New York Times in response to the article "Programs That Tie Funds to Effectiveness Are at Risk" by Annie Lowrey.

To the Editor,

Annie Lowrey is to be applaudedfor her article concerning threatened cuts to the federal program that fundsevidenced-based home visiting programs such as our signature program Healthy Families America. Home visitation services are a wise investment that balancesthe importance of early child development and the health, educational andfiscal challenges we face as a nation. Investing early allows us to shape thefuture and build human capital; investing later chains us to fixing the missedopportunities of the past, for which we pay dearly. Home visitation servicesdeserve the unwavering support of Congress, as an option to reduce the need formore expensive services that are necessary when healthy child developmentoptions are not chosen. But there’s even a better reason: it’s the rightthing to do if we would like to be our nation to be competitive and build uponthe potential every child has at birth.

Sincerely,

James M.Hmurovich, President & CEO

Prevent ChildAbuse America

Sign onto a letter to Members of Congress about babies in your state!

2011-12-09T15:52:00.001-06:00

From our partners at ZERO TO THREE:

Right now,infant-toddler professionals from across the country are gathering together inWashington DC for ZERO TO THREE's annual National Training Institute. NTIparticipants are raising their voices in support of better policies for ouryoungest children, and YOU CAN TOO! You can join NTI participants bysigning onto the state baby facts letter to Members of Congress here which ZERO TOTHREE will deliver to Capitol Hill on your behalf. A summary of the letter isbelow and a link to ZTT's factsheet can be found here.

"Theletter urges Senators and Representatives to bear in mind the importance ofyoung children as they address the serious issues facing our country. It givessome key facts about infants and toddlers in their states, describes the rapidearly brain development that makes them so vulnerable to adversity, andemphasizes the importance of federal programs in supporting the healthydevelopment of the many at-risk babies profiled in each State Baby Facts. Itcloses by urging them to Be a Big Voice for Little Kids™ in using theirposition to help young children succeed in school and in life."

Wecan make a big impact when we all join together!

National Movement Weekly Update.

2011-12-06T14:24:00.001-06:00

We want to be sure that we keep sharing the National Movement for America's Children Weekly Updates with you.

"With the memory of Thanksgiving still lingering in the air, we want to take a moment to give thanks for the strides the nation has made to ensure that all children have happy and healthy childhoods. We also want to take a moment to celebrate the strides already made by the Movement and share our thanks for the role you have played in making this happen.As we look to the future though we are reminded how much more there is to do and we encourage you to please stay active on the National Movement for America’s Children site - here - and keep sharing your ideas. We also hope that you will encourage your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to do so as well, so that we can keep building momentum and have that much more to celebrate down the road."

Help Prevent Child Abuse America win $25,000 in December in the Pepsi Refresh Project!

2011-12-01T17:46:00.001-06:00

Please vote for us once a day, every day in December here. Share this link with colleagues, friends, family, members of organizations to which you belong, and post to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Help us spread the word! Thanks!

Prevent Child Abuse America's response, including suggested next steps, to ESPN regarding their possession of a taped conversation pertaining to the Bernie Fine sexual abuse allegations for almost ten years before coming forward with it.

2011-11-30T15:56:00.001-06:00

November 30, 2011

George W. Bodenheimer, President

ESPN Inc.

935 Middle Street

Bristol, CT 06011

Dear Mr. Bodenheimer,

I am very concerned after reading yesterday’s story that ESPN possessed a taped conversation pertaining to the Bernie Fine sexual abuse allegations for almost ten years before coming forward with it. The mission of our organization is to prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs. This mission is helped when we engage individuals, organizations and “institutions” to recognize a collective responsibility to ensure our nation’s children have an opportunity for healthy child development.

When abuse is not prevented, or there is reason to believe that abuse is occurring, we all have a collective responsibility to report the abuse or suspicion of abuse, provide support to the child victim and develop protocols and strategies to decrease the likelihood of a subsequent incident to the child or other children.

We all play a role to ensure that these strategies exist in the communities and neighborhoods in which we live. The recent incidents at Penn State and Syracuse University indicate that there is some confusion about the appropriate response by individuals and organizations when allegations such as these arise. This confusion must be eliminated through deliberate actions by responsible adults who share a common vision that all children have the right to a happy and abuse-free childhood.

I believe the controversy around these cases and how they have been handled provides both of us with an opportunity to join forces and advance this cause and further educate the public that we not only all play a role in children’s lives, but that all adults are responsible for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Given this, I would like to propose that our respective organizations partner to:

Provide both sexual abuse prevention training to your staff and reporters;

Develop a special episode of Outside the Lines that provides parents and communities with vital sexual abuse prevention information and tips; and/or,

Create a series of public service announcements to advocate for public policies that support sexual abuse prevention programming.

I believe that together we have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. We will follow-up in the near future to explore the ways in which we may accomplish this. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at (312) 663-3520, extension 810.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich

President & CEO

shopkick campaign underway!

2011-11-29T22:43:00.001-06:00

Download the shopkick app - here - to your mobile phone and donate your initial 100 points (“kicks”) to Prevent Child Abuse America. Earn additional kicks you can donate or redeem for prizes by checking into the app when entering participating retailers, acting on special deals sent by shopkick or scanning items with your smart phone when shopping. Pass it on! Thanks!

An Update and Summary: Prevent Child Abuse America's response to the Penn State case.

2011-11-28T14:21:00.001-06:00

It has been three weeks since the story regardingthe Penn State case first broke and as we turn our focus towards not only thehealthy growth and development of all children, but healing the children whowere victims of this abuse, we must redouble our effort to make sure thisdoesn't happen again.

We all have a role to play in prevention andPrevent Child Abuse America has been actively engaged in the national dialogueabout this case starting with the release of “Talking Points, sexual abuse prevention tips andsigns to look for” on November 5th, the day the story was firstreported.

We worked with Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania to coordinate the PennState’s community response to the case at the Penn State football team’s firsthome game on Saturday, November 12th.

We have been in conversation with a number ofmedia outlets on a variety of topics related to the story including “mandatoryreporting laws” which led to an appearance by James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, PreventChild Abuse America on the NBC Nightly News.

Finally, Prevent Child Abuse America has looked tofocus on the larger themes of the story as well, including the specter of institutional failure and the promotion ofhealthy child development and distributed a Letter to the Editor analyzingthis theme in more depth.

Going forward, we intend to stay focused on theprevention of sexual abuse and the expansion of innovative programming andpolicies that ensure we can prevent sexual abuse before it ever occurs. We willkeep you apprised on what we are working on in this area. And we ask all of youto learn more, support this work and explores ways you can play a role in thehealthy development of all children.

We All Have A Role!

2011-11-23T20:37:00.001-06:00

Given the country’s current focus on children and the role of adults in children’slives, I would like to take a moment this Thanksgiving, to give thanks forpeople like you, who support Prevent Child Abuse America. Your support isessential in our efforts to promote equal opportunities for the healthy growthand development of all children. Only by working together will weawaken society to the fact that we CAN prevent child abuse and neglect.

Whether you are an employer enacting policies that impact the work lifebalance, a neighbor who offers parents time away from stress, or a member ofthe public advocating for the presence of innovative prevention programming inyour neighborhood, we all have a role to play in the lives of children. Duringthis holiday season, we ask for your continued support. A tax-deductible donation - here -will help Prevent Child Abuse America provide communities with the informationthey need to promote healthy child development, support families, and preventchild abuse and neglect before it ever occurs.

Donations can also be given throughout theholiday season in your name or in honor of a friend or family member byclicking here. Please take a moment to watch our"Awakening" video to learn more.

What are you thankful for? Give thanks this holiday season, and pleaseconsider giving a gift to support Prevent Child Abuse America. Children are ourgreatest gift, our greatest asset, and our greatest hope.

Now is the timefor our nation to awaken to how we can provide a healthier future for ourchildren and communities. Give your gift - here - this holiday season, and together we cancontinue to build upon the hopes we share for all children.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich

President & CEO

National Fundraising Campaign on Groupon Now Underway!

2011-11-21T13:55:00.001-06:00

From today through November 27th, Groupon subscribers will be given the chance to make $10, $25 or $50 donations to Prevent Child Abuse America. Funds raised from the campaign will support the purchase and distribution of parenting information to new and expectant parents enrolled in our hallmark direct service program Healthy Families America which you can learn more about here. Every $10 donation means another 15 booklets to be sent. The more we raise, the more we can send!

Participation is easy:

1. Visit here.

2. If not a Groupon subscriber, visit hereto join.

3. Or watch for us in Groupon emails and on Groupon’s site at various times throughout the week.

Groupon, launched in November 2008 in Chicago, features a dailydeal on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy in 45 countries around theworld. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer huge discounts and providea win-win for business and consumers, delivering more than 1,000 daily dealsglobally.

To subscribe for the best deals in your city, visit here.

To learn how to become a featuredbusiness, visit here.

Penn State, the Specter of Institutional Failure and the Promotion of Healthy Child Development.

2011-11-20T23:29:00.001-06:00

We wanted to take a moment and share a Letter to the Editor we wrote on Penn State, the specter of institutional failure and the promotion of healthy child development.

To the Editor,

Most of us want to live in a country that we can be proud of, where powerful institutions and people seek to ensure that all children have equal opportunities for healthy growth and development. The specter of institutional failure at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one reason why the unfolding scandal disturbs those of us who advocate on behalf of children. But the scandal should also serve as a wake-up call for everyone in the country that we all play a role in raising healthy children free of abuse and the long-term adverse impacts that can result when we don’t prevent it.

As a nation, we should demand to know what kind of organizational culture at Penn State exists that even allowed the university to be in this position? We as a community of people who care about children should demand to know why these allegations were not reported. And as interested individuals we must demand to know how other interests may have taken precedent over the best interests of a child. We should be morally outraged that subsequent allegations of abuse occurred because no one acted with a focus on fixing the situation. There is no conceivable justification that would support the apparent actions taken, and not taken, by the university that placed other interests over the best interests of children.

Prevent Child Abuse America applauds the Board of Trustees’ decision to fire the individuals who failed to act, including Coach Paterno and President Graham Spanier, and their efforts to improve the school’s obligations to the community and state. But as we turn our focus towards healing the children who were victims of this abuse we must redouble our effort to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Through advancing evidence-based prevention strategies, including child sexual abuse prevention services, Prevent Child Abuse America seeks to ensure access to prevention in every community in the United States. But that is only part of our mission.

I also believe that together we have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of all children and that's why Prevent Child Abuse America helped found the National Movement for America’s Children (movementforchildren.org). We call on the public to help us ensure that policies and programs that promote healthy child growth and development are put in place and maintained. Together we can ensure that the next Penn State incident is prevented from ever occurring in the first place.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich President & CEO,
Prevent Child Abuse America

Milwaukee Co-Sleeping Ads and Our Babies: Safe and Sound.

2011-11-18T14:39:00.000-06:00

With all of the discussion surrounding the Milwaukee Co-Sleeping Ads this week, we wanted to take a moment to remind you that there are alternatives to their approach and one such approach we recommend you take a look at is Our Babies: Safe and Sound, a project of TEAM for West Virginia Children, the organization which houses our chapter Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia.

Prevent Child Abuse America Legislative Alert!

2011-11-17T09:10:00.001-06:00

Please Call Your U.S. Senators Today

We’re 1 week away from the November 23rd deadline for Congress’s deficit reduction “super committee” to make decisions about how to reduce the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years.

This is our last chance to get the message to Congress that they must take balanced approach that includes meaningful revenue increases and recognizes the long term cost savings associated with investing in healthy childhood development.Home visiting, community-based child abuse prevention services, job training, child care, maternal and child health services, and nutrition programs are just a few of the services that could be cut if Congress does not take a balanced approach to reducing the deficit.

These are the very programs that set the foundation for healthy child development and help prevent child abuse and neglect. Any short-term budgetary gain made by cutting these programs will be dwarfed by long-term health, child welfare, special education, law enforcement costs that our nation incurs when we fail to promote healthy childhood development and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Call Your U.S. Senators Today at 888-907-1485*

Use this toll free number 888-907-1485 and follow the instructions to be connected to your Senator’s office. Please call twice so that you can reach both of your Senators.Message to Senators: Tell the Deficit Reduction Committee to reject cuts to essential services for children and families and to insist on a plan that includes substantial revenue increases.

*Thank you to AFSCME for providing the toll free number.

Any questions about this Legislative Update can be directed to Bridget Gavaghan at 312-663-3520, ext. 819 or at bgavaghan@preventchildabuse.org.

Announcing National Fundraising Campaign with Groupon Next Monday!

2011-11-15T12:53:00.001-06:00

Watch for the launch of a weeklong national fundraising campaign next Monday on Groupon! Funds raised will support the distribution of parenting information to families enrolled in our program, Healthy Families America.

The more we raise, the more we can send!If not a Groupon subscriber, visit here to join.

Watch for more details next Monday. Pass it on! Thanks!

A Movement Progress Report.

2011-11-14T12:12:00.001-06:00

The National Movement for America's Children has gained major momentum over the last few months - so much so that it became necessary to take a step back and evaluate all the progress that we have made working together to build a strategy for America's children. Substantial groundwork has been laid for us to build upon when crafting a national plan for America's children. To share our progress, the Movement's co-founders put a press release to accompany the release of a progress report, which details the themes that have continually surfaced during the Movement's listening sessions. To view the press release and report, click here.

James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America talks about Penn State and Mandatory Reporting laws on the NBC Nightly News.

2011-11-13T17:29:00.001-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

More here.

Talking points. Penn State Assistant Football Coach and the prevention of sexual abuse.

2011-11-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

Many of you may now be aware that a former Penn State Assistant Football Coach has been charged with multiple counts of alleged sexual abuse; and that a number of school administrators have also been charged with failing to properly report the allegations. Below please find the talking points we have developed in response to the case and our position on the prevention of sexual abuse.

This is a situation that should be discussed publicly, but one where we would like to raise some points that are not being discussed.

While the alleged perpetrator will be the focus of much of the discussion, we wish to change the focus to “what could have been done to prevent these children from being harmed”?

The right questions are now being asked by local authorities as to a) who had earlier suspicions and who received reports about the Assistant Coach’s behavior, b) did those in a position of authority meet both the letter and the spirit of the law when the reports came to their attention several years ago, and c) what changes in policy must be made.

REMINDER: About 90% of the sexual abuse cases involves a person close and known to a child; stranger danger is real, but is a much smaller percentage of sexual abuse cases.

This incident points to the facts that:

It is the not the responsibility of the child to keep themselves safe, it is an adults.

Abuse can happen to any child, regardless of wealth.

We all have a role to play in the development of our children and that includes becoming involved in situations where children’s well-being is or can be jeopardized.

Situations such as this in a child’s life could result in life-long adversities including a greater potential for mental health and health issues, substance abuse, delinquency and criminal behavior and that costs our nation $104 billion to remediate when abuse and neglect is not prevented.

The trial is the not the end of the story, we should ask many questions and share the lessons learned.

Once the trial and the Governor’s investigation are completed, we need to take action and the public should demand it.

Children Need Your Help to Stay Safe

Take an active role in children’s lives:

Both the activities children are involved in and the people in children’s lives.

Talking to children regularly about what they’re doing can help you stay alert for possible problems.

Know about sexual predators and sexual behavior problems and how they work.

Teach children important skills to help them protect themselves. Make sure they know they can talk to you about anything that’s bothering them or if they feel mixed-up or confused.

Be alert for signs of sexual abuse. If you suspect or are told abuse, report it right away.

Support community efforts, for example:

Volunteer your time to organizations that help protect children.

Getting involved in public education campaigns that help raise awareness.

Things parent should look for as possible symptoms of sexual abuse:

Physical signs include:

Stained or torn underwear.

Trouble walking, sitting or going to the bathroom.

Difficulty swallowing or eating.

Emotional signs include:

Depression, anxiety, anger or mood swings.

Fears of certain places, people or activities.

Nightmares or sudden fear of the dark.

Behavioral signs include - for example these children may:

Act out sexually or show knowledge of sex that’s not appropriate for their age.

Show self-destructive behavior, such as pulling their hair or cutting their skin.

Act younger that their age, such as wetting the bed or sucking their thumb.

All children are different; parents know when something is wrong and should trust their instincts.

What parents can do:

Believe the child - children usually don’t make up stories of sexual abuse.

Get help for the child.

Be careful with questions - try to find out as much as you can about what happened, but avoid leading questions.

Report it!

Further:

Depending on the age of the child, stay in the room during a physical.

Talk to their child prior to a medical visit and after the examination.

Point out to the medical staff any discomfort you as a parent have with an examination and or procedure.

All children should know that they can come to you or another adult if they feel mixed-up or confused, or if someone is not listening when they set limits about play or touch.

Teach children:

The right names of their body parts.

When they should talk to you - for example, when any behavior confuses them and when touching or other situations make them feel uncomfortable, mixed-up or confused.

When not to keep secrets - help children understand the difference between secrets and surprises.

That no one has the right to touch them if they don’t want to be touched.

YouTube Video Prompts National Conversation on Discipline

2011-11-03T21:17:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO,Ill., November 3, 2011- In watching the video of Judge William Adamscirculating around the internet this week we are reminded of several things.First, that we all have to take responsibility for our actions in relation tochildren. The Judge’s actions were wrong and he is no exception. Second, thatwe all play a role in the healthy development of all children and we need toask ourselves collectively what role we can play in preventing incidents likethis before they ever occur. Third,we understand why the judge’s daughter would keep this incident a secret for solong, but until further information is available, we are wondering how noadults in the community knew about this or were willing to take action; and howwe can ensure this isn't the case in the future. Finally, while the actions caught on this tape in no way reflect whatmost of us would define, or defend, as discipline, this incident does provideus with the opportunity to discuss the long term impacts of corporalpunishment.

PreventChild Abuse America’s policy position on corporal punishment is thatage-appropriate discipline may be necessary in school and institutionalsettings but that non corporal means of discipline, such as giving time-outs,explaining rules, or taking away privileges, have been shown to be moreeffective than corporal punishment.

“This videoshould cause us to pause and ask a series of questions that can both educateand inform the American public on this contentious issue,” said James M.Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America. “For example, whatis the long-term impact of corporal punishment on a child’s development? And dochildren translate the use of this type of punishment as an acceptable means tocontrol and manage others rather than providing more peaceful and moreeffective means of solving problems?”

We don’tknow yet exactly what happened in this case. We do know it’s being investigatedhowever, and that even though we expect adults to take responsibility for theiractions, all parents areexposed to stressful situations. The question is what is in place to supportparents in these situations and how can we ensure what’s needed is available?

The factis, we all play a role in ensuring that innovative prevention strategies existin the communities and neighborhoods in which we live. We also all play a rolein children’s development and we know that teaching children violent disciplineteaches them violence. More importantly, we know that it is not effective.Child development is the core of community development and community developmentis what drives economic development. We look forward to being able to discussthese issues as well.

###

ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA

PreventChild Abuse America, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy developmentof children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a buildingblock for community development and economic development. We believe thatcommunities across the country are doing innovative things with great resultsto prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring, and what we need to do as anation is commit to bringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere.Based in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 48 states and 387Healthy Families America sites in 36 states.

Please participate in the SAVE for All campaign media day today.

2011-11-01T13:43:00.005-05:00

As you might know, today, November 1st is the second public hearingbeing held by the Congressional “super committee” for deficit reduction and the SAVE for All campaign which was founded by the Coalition on Human Needs - find out more here - and which Prevent Child Abuse America supports and has signed on to, istrying to make sure that the upcoming deadlines for the “super committee” areon people’s minds, particularly since the committee must agree onrecommendations by November 23rd. Instead of doing a call-in day oranother email campaign, the Coalition has decided to start a conversation using social mediaand the hashtag #SAVE4All. Most people will be using Twitter but some will beposting on Facebook and others will be blogging and commenting on online newssources. So, please participate in the social media day of action today by either tweeting with the Coalition - you can visit the Coalition's Twitter feed here - using #SAVE4All, updatingyour Facebook status, blogging or commenting on online media sources.

Check it out - National Movement Weekly Update.

2011-10-28T18:58:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse Virginia.

Below please find this week's edition of the National Movement Weekly Update. If you haven't signed-up for the National Movement for America's Children or signed the pledge, please do so here. If you have, thank you, and please consider asking your friends, family and colleagues to do so as well. Also, please consider re-posting this post to your blogs and Facebook page and Tweeting this link on Twitter. And finally, thank you for all you do.

Welcome

Welcome to the National Movement for America’s Children weekly update where we reflect on Movement activities, including listening tour stops and local events, media coverage, ideas for crafting the National Strategy and roles you can play in furthering this effort.

Listening Tour Stops

Listening Tour stops involve representatives from National Movement’s founding members and community partners meeting with local citizens, including college students, grandparents; service organizations and policymakers to discuss the development of the National Strategy.

Listening tour events this coming week are happening across the state of New Hampshire including: (1) November 1st - Common Man Inn and Salem High School; (2) November 2nd - Exeter Town Hall and UNH MUB; and (3) November 3rd - Common Man Restaurant and Dartmouth College.

For more information please visit the NH Children’s Trust, Inc. here.

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you would like to participate in any of the upcoming tour stops or discuss how you can participate in bringing a tour stop to your state or hometown.

Media

The National Movement continues to receive coverage in the media including a recent story in the Daily Sun which you can find here; and representatives of the Movement will be participating in several media opportunities while in New Hampshire including a live appearance on The Exchange show on New Hampshire Public Radio next Thursday, November 3rd at 9:00am EST.

Please keep a look out for the broadcast dates and please let us know if you have any media outlets in your community that would be interested in talking to representatives of the Movement about our work so far and where we plan to go in the future.

Survey

We are interested in your thoughts on the National Movement for America’s Children website and we hope you will consider taking a survey about it. A link to the survey can be found at the bottom of the home page here.

Your Role

What you can do? You can encourage people to sign the pledge and answer “The Big Question.” You can participate in listening tour stops in your home state or play a role in bringing a tour stop or local organizing activities to your neighborhoods. You can also be a voice in your community for the Movement and for the healthy development of all children. And, you can volunteer at a community service agency, provide pro bono professional skills to not-for-profits that serve children and families, or you can spend quality time with your child.

Disclaimer: The content in this Update does not necessarily represent the views of all of the National Movement's founding partners.

The National Movement for America's Children is coming to New Hampshire November 1st - 3rd.

2011-10-25T20:39:00.003-05:00

For more information please go here or call the New Hampshire Children's Trust at (603) 224-1279.

Check it out - A message to all members of National Movement for America's Children.

2011-10-21T16:19:00.001-05:00

We wanted to let you know that the National Movement for America's Children has started sending out a weekly update on Movement activities and we wanted to share it with you. We hope you will visit the Movement website here, sign the pledge and get involved if you haven't already. We also hope you will consider re-posting this post to your blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts.

Welcome

Welcome to the National Movement for America’s Children inaugural weeklyupdate where we reflect on Movement activities, including listening tour stopsand local events, media coverage, ideas for crafting the National Strategy androles you can play in furthering this effort.

Listening Tour Stops

Listening Tour stops involve representatives from National Movement’sfounding members and community partners meeting with local citizens, includingcollege students, grandparents; service organizations and policymakers todiscuss the development of the National Strategy.

Listening tour events have been held in a variety of locations during thelast several weeks including Indianapolis, IN; Denver, CO; Grand Junction, CO;Lady Lake, FL; Schenectady NY; Albany, NY; Richmond, VA; Nashville, TN;Chicago, IL; and Palatine, IL.

Upcoming stops include cities across VT and NH.

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you would like to participate in anyof the upcoming tour stops or discuss how you can participate in bringing atour stop to your state or hometown.

Media

The National Movement has been fortunate to receive coverage in AdAge, TheChicago Tribune and NJToday.net among other places and representatives ofthe Movement will soon be appearing on Public Radio shows in Vermont and NewHampshire.

Please keep a look out for the broadcast dates and please let us know if youhave any media outlets in your community that would be interested in talking torepresentatives of the Movement about our work so far and where we plan to goin the future.

Ideas

Ideas to potentially be included in crafting the National Strategy have comevia listening tour stops and the Movement Pledge site and they include amongothers:

(1) “Ensure community partners work together."

(2) "More community crisis nurseries.”

(3) “Equal access to education.”

(4) "Affordable, quality and accessible healthcare."

(5) "Improve aid for childcare."

(6) “Healthier food options in schools.”

(7) "Adequate food, clothing and shelter for all families."

(8) "More deliberate planning for neighborhoods, includingneighborhood, (not just community) parks, and sidewalks for childrensafety."

(9) "Support for more adults to mentor children."

(10) "Adults reading to children every day."

Your Role

What you can do? You can encourage people tosign the pledge and answer “The Big Question.” You can participate in listeningtour stops in your home state or play a role in bringing a tour stop or localorganizing activities to your neighborhoods. You can also be a voice in yourcommunity for the Movement and for the healthy development of all children.And, you can volunteer at a community service agency, provide pro bonoprofessional skills to not-for-profits that serve children and families, or youcan spend quality time with your child.

Prevent Child Abuse America adds five new national board members

2011-10-20T13:04:00.000-05:00

Seeks to expand its impact on the lives of allchildren and the future of the country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL, (October20, 2011) — Prevent Child Abuse America is pleased to announce thatit has added five new members to its national board, expanding the knowledge,experience and reach of the organization in its efforts to impact the lives ofall children.

“We are reallyexcited about these new additions to the board,” said Dr. Christopher Greeley,Board Chair, Prevent Child Abuse America. “While, we are doing great things asa board and as an organization, we can always do more and be smarter about whatwe do. Our focus is to continue to think 5, 10, and 20 years ahead. Toaccomplish our goals, we need to continue to bring big thinkers into the fold.We need people who understand that a healthy family remains the focus of ahealthy child, and that we all play a role in the prevention of child abuse andneglect. Our new board members will come not only with great ideas, but anability to translate these ideas into action.”

The five new boardmembers, who represent a dynamic array of background and experiences, are:

Reverend Darrell L.Armstrong, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ. He is the formerDirector of the Division of Prevention & Community Partnerships for theState of New Jersey.

Thomas A. Curatolo, Treasurerat Hometown America Holdings. He is a member of Financial ExecutivesInternational, Finance Leadership Exchange and AICPA.

Yolanda Harris, Presidentand Founder of the Keynote Group. She is a board member for the YoungEntrepreneurs Council at the Wayne Huizenga School of Business, NovaSoutheastern University.

Andrea Robertson, formerGroup Executive, Corporate Treasurer at MasterCard Worldwide. She is a currentboard member for Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.

David Rudd, VicePresident at The Axis Agency/Weber Shandwick. He is a former Press Secretaryfor the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and Education Writer for the ChicagoTribune.

“These new boardmembers bring a wealth of experience to the organization,” added James M. Hmurovich,President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America. “As we continue to play arole in implementing the National Movement for America’s Children, they alsobring a significant corporate presence. These new members will allow PreventChild Abuse America to further engagethe business community in the healthy growth and development of all children.”

###

ABOUTPREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of childrennationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block forcommunity development and economic development. We believe that communitiesacross the country are doing innovative things with great results to preventabuse and neglect from ever occurring, and what we need to do as a nation iscommit to bringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere. Based inChicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 47 states and 387 HealthyFamilies America sites in 36 states.

A Focus on Innovative Programs that Intervene Early on in Children’s Lives Must Continue

2011-10-19T17:04:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO,IL., October 19, 2011- In response to areport this week by BBC World News America titled America’s “Child Death Shame”and comparisons between child abuse and neglect and American soldiers lost inIraq, Jim Hmurovich, President and CEO, of Prevent Child Abuse America,released the following statement:

"This report calls attention to theconsequences of our failure to ensure that all children have an equalopportunity for healthy growth and development. Fortunately, we know how to dobetter. Because a third of children reported as abused or neglected arechildren under four years of age, we are focusing on innovative programs thatintervene early on. It may be accurate as the BBC reports that ‘More kidskilled in their own homes in the US than soldiers in Iraq,’ but using thisapproach to prevention, we are confident we can reduce that numbersignificantly.

“The challenge of investing in innovativeprogramming focused on services such as home visiting and Shaken Baby Syndromeprevention is even more apparent and necessary in these difficult economictimes. It's easy during tough times to minimize the importance of such services– however its times like these that it’s more important than ever with theadditional stress on parents, teachers and other members of the community whoplay a role in child development.

"Further, this report demonstrates thatcontinued investment in prevention services is absolutely necessary. These programs helplay strong foundations for children’s later growth and development, which willreduce the possibility of more serious, and expensive, problems from developinglater, resulting in lifelong effects on physical and mental health.

“Parents, teachers and community membersdepend on the support of these services and that's why Prevent Child AbuseAmerica helped found the National Movement for America's Children. We're working to create a National Strategy forAmerica's Children, to ensure that policies and programs are put in place andmaintained to provide every child in America with an equal opportunity for ahealthy childhood and development.

"The BBC report raises many importantpoints, yet, absent from the discussion is the question of how we, as a nationand a society, prioritize the critical economic importance of healthy childdevelopment for all children."

###

ABOUT PREVENTCHILD ABUSE AMERICA

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972,works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide whilerecognizing that child development is a building block for communitydevelopment and economic development. We believe that communities across thecountry are doing innovative things with great results to prevent abuse andneglect from everoccurring, and what we need to do as a nation is commit tobringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere. Based in Chicago,Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 47 states and 387 Healthy FamiliesAmerica sites in 36 states.

A terrific and very public plug for Healthy Families America on CBS News.

2011-10-19T11:19:00.004-05:00

In reporting on a story that only further challenges our need to expand innovative prevention programming and highlights the consequences when we fail as a society to focus on enhancing the healthy growth and development of all children, the Healthy Families America home visiting program received a terrific plug at the 5:12 mark of the embedded CBS News spot above.

National Movement for America's Children listening tour stop in Albany, NY.

2011-10-18T13:05:00.002-05:00

The National Movement for America's Children, Prevent Child Abuse New York, State University of New York School of Social Welfare, Prevent Child Abuse America and a number of local partners held a Movement Listening Tour stop in Albany, NY this week to discuss the Movement's efforts to develop a national strategy that ensures the healthy growth and development for all children and we wanted to share the local media coverage with you, which you can find here. For more information on the Movement please go here.

Dance to make a statement against bullying! PACER's Unity Dance Day. October 26th.

2011-10-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

Do you want to be part of something innovative and cool? Then, please dance, unite—and make a statement against bullying—by joining PACER’s Unity Dance Day on October 26th. Join schools, students, and community organizations around the world to unite with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in music and dance to bring awareness to bullying prevention.

The song selected for the event is “You Can’t Take That Away From Me,” which was created by Nashville songwriters Tim Akers and Libby Weaver. Akers, the father of a child with a disability, has seen firsthand the struggles and frustrations that some children deal with because they are viewed as “different.”

The song speaks about the importance of teaching children to recognize that personality and character are more important than popularity and outward appearances. The song is performed by 11-year-old Nashville singer Tristan McIntosh, and choreographed by local teens.

“The culture of bullying won’t end until people across the country take action and show children and teens that they care,” says Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “Unity Dance Day celebrates the influence of music and dance as a powerful avenue to reach kids and teens about the bullying prevention message.”

More information here.

Prevent Child Abuse America Legislative Alert!

2011-10-13T22:01:00.001-05:00

Please Sign Letters in Support of theMaternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
Deadline: Wednesday, October 19

Please consider adding your organization to letters (here and here) urging the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reductionand the Members of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees tomaintain funding for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home VisitingProgram (MIECHVP) at the current authorized levels.

We are seeking sign-ons from national, state, and local organizations todemonstrate that there is broad support for MIECHVP throughout the country.

TAKE ACTION

To sign onto the letters, please email the name of your organization as itshould be listed on the letter and your contact information to bgavaghan@preventchildabuse.org.

The deadline for signatures is Wednesday, October 19th.

Letter to the Joint Selection Committee on Deficit Reduction

Letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees

Background

The MIECHVP is making a difference in the lives of at-risk children andfamilies by helping to reduce prematurity and low birthweight; child abuse,neglect and injuries, language delays and cognitive disabilities, anddependence on public assistance. It enjoys broad support nationally,with 49 States, 6 Territories, and numerous Tribes and Tribal organizationsparticipating in this program. In addition, states have investedsignificant resources in developing and expanding evidence-based home visitingand in meeting the requirements of the MIECHVP, which has strong accountabilitymeasures requiring States and Territories to make real progress in improvingthe health and well-being of children.

Any questions about this Legislative Update can be directed to BridgetGavaghan at 312-663-3520, ext. 819 or at bgavaghan@preventchildabuse.org.

Join us for House Party Weekend 2011!

2011-10-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a healthy future forall children.

And one role you can play is joining us for House Party Weekend 2011!

Remember, we're partying until October 16, 2011 at midnight. Whilesupporters across the nation are holding live parties, Prevent Child AbuseAmerica is holding an online party here so anyone can attend, no matter where youlive.

Please donate here to our party, invite your friends, and checkback for updates on the work we're doing. You can even create your own virtual house party here to raise funds for Prevent Child AbuseAmerica.

Feel like this is too virtual and you'd like to be more involved? Please go here to get all the tools you need tohost a live house party.

Please help us achieve our fundraising goal by the end of the weekend here! We hope to raise funds, but more importantly, wehope to increase awareness throughout the nation that everyone has a role toplay in the healthy development of all children.

Prevent Child Abuse America receives its 2010 Suncoast Emmy Award.

2011-10-11T18:25:00.000-05:00

Prevent Child Abuse America is honored to have received its 2010 Emmy Award in the category of Community/Public Service from the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its work on three 30-second ads created in collaboration with The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and Ron Sachs Communications. For more information about the award and the development of the ads, as well as, the opportunity to view the ads themselves, please visit The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida's website here.

How would you answer "The Big Question?"

2011-10-07T02:35:00.000-05:00

People are starting to answer the National Movement for America's Children's "The Big Question." "The Big Question" is "How can we ensure that every child has an equal opportunity for healthy growth and development?" Rhian from Kansas said, "Ensure community partners work together." How would you answer that? And why don't you come tell us here?

The Time is Now.

2011-09-27T21:56:00.001-05:00

The time is now to create equal opportunities for the healthy growth and development of all children.Please join in our House Party Weekend campaign - here - to raise awareness and fundsfor healthy child development and innovative prevention programming, such asthat focused on home visiting and Shaken Baby Syndrome.

With only 20 days left to participate, please help us by hosting a house party - here - or coming to our online virtual party - here. Funds raised will allow preventionservices to reach more communities nationwide.

Please celebratewith us - more here. Prevention is possible with effective policies, programs, and commitmentto children.

Thanks to individuals like you, we are taking the steps to change the wayour country supports children and families. The time is now to double ourefforts to create positive change and transform communities. I hope you willjoin us.

Prevent Child Abuse America Announces National Partnership with MainStreetChamber™

2011-09-27T14:20:00.001-05:00

National child abuse prevention non-profit joins with leading membership organization for small business owners to positively impact communities nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (September 27, 2011) – Prevent Child Abuse America and MainStreetChamber™, a national membership organization for small business owners that provides networking opportunities to help advance growth and profitability, announced the formation of a new partnership today.

Recognizing Prevent Child Abuse America’s emphasis on community development and the critical role small businesses often play in communities nationwide, this is a natural and strategic fit for both organizations to positively impact cities and towns across the country.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to ensuring the healthy development of our nation’s children, particularly the business community as future employers of today’s youth,” said Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO, James M. Hmurovich. “Small businesses offer a great opportunity to promote and help employees achieve healthy work-family balance. Recognizing that more than half of our nation’s employment opportunities are made possible by small businesses, our partnership with MainStreetChamber is good for the economy, good for children and ultimately good for our nation.”

At the onset, the partnership will focus on generating awareness of and funding for Prevent Child Abuse America through MainStreetChambers’ donation of a portion of proceeds from the sale of its VIP cards to members, providing discounts to thousands of businesses nationwide, and other fundraising efforts.

In addition, the organizations will work together to avail MainStreetChamber members of the opportunity to participate in the National Movement for America’s Children, a pledge, listening tour and crowd-sourcing initiative, launched by Prevent Child Abuse America and 13 other organizations, designed to develop a national strategy for the healthy growth and development of every child. As the partnership grows, the organizations will look to align their respective chapters to implement local-level activities as well.

"Prevent Child Abuse America is committed to promoting legislation, policies and programs that help to prevent child abuse and neglect. We support healthy childhood development and the strengthening of families," said Mr. Larry Kozin, Founder of MainStreetChamber. “MainStreetChamber has a crusade to carry this message to our members that will help in any way they can."

###

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 nearly 400 Healthy Families America sites in 34 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada. For more information, please visit Prevent Child Abuse America here and Healthy Families America here.

###

ABOUT MAINSTREET CHAMBER MainStreetChamber™ is a rapidly expanding, National Membership Organization dedicated to helping small business grow and become more profitable. As a preferred small business networking organization, they are focused on small business professionals, creating fresh opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and to make important business contacts at local, state and national levels. For more information or to join, please visit here.

You're invited!

2011-09-22T18:26:00.000-05:00

We would liketo invite you to Prevent Child Abuse America's Virtual House Party - here!

When? Fromnow until October 16, 2011 at midnight.

Where? Online- here - it's virtual! (Yes, that means you can attend in your pj's.)

Why? Toraise awareness and funds for healthy child development and innovativeprevention programming.

What shouldyou bring? Just yourself, your commitment to children, and donation at a levelthat is comfortable for you.

Please helpus spread the word by sending an eCard to your friends and family - here!

Thanks againfor supporting Prevent Child Abuse America. I know that without supporters likeyou, the work we do to ensure healthy child development for all children, toprevent child abuse and neglect and to expand the availability of innovativeprevention programming, would not get done. Hope to see you at the party - here.

Investment in child-focused services must continue.

2011-09-21T15:38:00.004-05:00

For immediate release

CHICAGO, Ill., September 21, 2011- In response to a study published in PediatricsMonday, which revealed an increase in child abuse since the start of theeconomic recession in the U.S. in 2007, Jim Hmurovich, President of PreventChild Abuse America, released the following statement:

"During thesecontinuing difficult economic times, it would be easy to forget thatinvestments in innovative programming focused on services such as home visitingand Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention must continue, despite financialconstraints. It's also easy during tough times to minimize the importance ofsuch services, which places additional stress on parents, teachers and othermembers of the community who play a role in child development.

"However, this studydemonstrates that continued investment in prevention services is absolutelynecessary. Parents, teachers and community members depend on the support ofthese services and that's why Prevent Child Abuse America helped found theNational Movement for America's Children. We're working to create a NationalStrategy for America's Children, to ensure that policies and programs are putin place and maintained to provide every child in America with an equalopportunity for a healthy childhood and development.

"Spending vs. cuttingis a debate we've held in our country many times. Yet, absent from thediscussion is the question of how we, as a nation and a society, ensureour economic stability, while also recognizing the critical economic importanceof healthy child development."

###

ABOUT PREVENTCHILD ABUSE AMERICA

Prevent Child AbuseAmerica, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of childrennationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block forcommunity development and economic development. We believe that communitiesacross the country are doing innovative things with great results to preventabuse and neglect from ever occurring, and what we need to do as a nation iscommit to bringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere. Based inChicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 47 states and 387 HealthyFamilies America sites in 36 states.

Building the Brain's "Air Traffic Control" System.

2011-09-16T12:58:00.001-05:00

We wanted to draw your attention to a new working paper from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University titled Building the Brain's "Air Traffic Control" System: How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function. You can find it here and we hope you find it interesting.

The countdown begins!

2011-09-14T16:14:00.002-05:00

It's exactly one month until House Party Weekend, October 14-16, learn more here, where supporters across the nation will hold parties toraise awareness and funds for healthy child development. What does this mean?It means you have one month to organize your party, here, finalize your guest list, and send out theinvitations. You have one month to decide to join this unique celebration.

The same goes for us, here at Prevent Child Abuse America. And we're gettingthe party started a little early. As a national organization with supportersacross the country, we're holding a virtual house party, learn more here, that anyone can attend. If youaren't throwing your own party, stop by ours. Please bring your friends, familyand neighbors as well! Come one, come all.

We're sending out official invites next week. But for now, this isjust a quick reminder. Remember, every child deserves equal opportunities forhealthy growth and development. Prevent Child Abuse America works to promote ahealthy future for all children every single day. We'd like to celebrate thefact that prevention is possible and that innovative prevention programminglike home visiting is happening in communities everywhere. Help us celebrate byhosting a party, or joining ours, here.

Thank you for supporting the work we do. Thankyou for helping to make children a national priority.

Work, community, happiness, Brains on Fire and movements.

2011-09-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

We were quite take with a blog post we read today from Brains on Fire a leading marketing and communications shop out of South Carolina. They were discussing a new report by Jane McGonigal on the Engaged Economy and though they were talking more about customers than advocates we were struck by how much of what they said could be applied to our work generally and building a movement more specifically.

We hope you will take a look at the post and for some flavor of what they were writing about we have pasted an excerpt below.

We all want to believe that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

We want to create meaningful, positive change in world. We want to collaborate. It makes us happier. It triggers positive emotions. It’s in our DNA.

Finding the shared passion, the cause, the calling that stirs your employees and your advocates can change lives. And create sustainable communities that can ignite movements.

Do you have an idea for how to shape the National Strategy for America's Children?

2011-09-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

If so, please share it here.

Have you signed the pledge?

2011-09-01T16:33:00.005-05:00

The National Movement for America's Children has collected more than 2400 signatures so far. If you haven't signed it yet, please do so here. And please help us help the movement reach 3000 signatures by Friday by re-posting this message and forwarding it to your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. Thanks in advance for your help and all you do to support equal opportunities for the healthy growth and development of all children.

One Week Left!

2011-08-30T19:09:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota

Only one week left! Please provide communities with the most innovative prevention programming possible by helping us reach our fundraising goal of $2,500. Please make a donation on our Causes page here that will directly benefit children and families nationwide.

Our basic obligation is to support the healthy development of our nation's children. Our responsibility is to be stewards of the next generation and, in doing so, be stewards of our entire future.

Now is the time for our nation to awaken to how we can provide every child with an equal opportunity for healthy growth and development. Everyone has a role to play in making children a priority. You can help by making a donation here. Remember, there is only one week left to help us reach our goal of raising $2,500!

Check it out. CWLA Analyzes How Budget Cuts Will Affect Children Through "These Cuts Won't Heal" Campaign.

2011-08-30T12:18:00.006-05:00

FY 2011 federal budget negotiations compelled fellow National Movement for America's Children Founding Partner CWLA to launch a campaign to protect funding for programs serving vulnerable children and families. We invite you to learn more here about the way these programs are threatened and how weakened programs would undermine healthy child development and harm children and families. Visit the "These Cuts Won't Heal" website here to access program specific analysis and summaries of the recent budget battles.

Dr. Phil, Jessica Beagley, Healthy Child Development and the "Sniff Test."

2011-08-26T10:25:00.005-05:00

Jessica Beagley from Anchorage, Alaska was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and neglect this week for her appearance on the Dr. Phil Show and the videotape she prepared that showed her disciplining her son with hot sauce. While we have commented on the use of hot sauce for discipline previously, and you can read that here, the case has taken a new twist this week because Jessica Beagley was not charged based on the form of discipline, but for preparing the video itself. We think this raises significant questions about the role and responsibility of media in the healthy development of children and in this vein, James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, not only commented on this aspect of the case in an interview with KTVA Alaska, which you can read here, but Prevent Child Abuse America also sent the below letter to the Dr. Phil Show. We are currently awaiting a response and will provide with an update when we receive one.

Dr. Phil Show
5482 Wilshire Boulevard #1902
Los Angeles, CA 90036

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to personally commend the important work the Dr. Phil Show seeks to do on behalf of children and their families. It is clear to me that Dr. Phil enjoys a respected following who listens and seeks to learn from his guests and his personal insights.

My appreciation however does not extend to the show involving Jessica Beagley. The conviction of Jessica Beagley this week in Anchorage for misdemeanor child abuse even more strongly makes me want to ask how a segment like that could have made it to an audience. The form of discipline involved does not have a basis in research, the apparent parental motivation appears to be self-serving and does not consider the best interest of the child and quite frankly lacks any semblance of passing a “sniff test” for what should be approved as effective programming regarding children.

At Prevent Child Abuse America our position is that all people play some role in the healthy development of children. Research indicates that when adverse experiences happen in a child’s life they can result in life-long consequences, including chronic health problems, academic under-achieving, delinquent behavior, mental illness and substance abuse.

As a respected media program entrepreneur, I applaud your show’s overall education value; in this situation, I have to ask, what are the guidelines used by your producers that would allow such a video; why would a corporate sponsor be supportive of this type of show and what kind of oversight is provided to the producers to ensure this type of segment is not allowed again? Needless to say, I wonder why people would ever want to see something like this.

Finally, in light of the behavior displayed in this video we recommend that you review the mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements for the state of California to make sure you are in compliance and train relevant staff

I look forward to speaking further with you about this story and the role you can play in positively impacting the lives of nation’s children. Thank you for your time and someone from Prevent Child Abuse America will follow-up with you next Friday, September 2, if I have not connected with you by then.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO

Prevent Child Abuse America

National Lieutenant Governors' Association Resolution on Home Visiting.

2011-08-25T19:13:00.004-05:00

We applaud the National Lieutenant Governors Association for their support of evidence-based early childhood home visiting services. At their annual meeting in July, the NLGA approved the bipartisan Resolution in Support of Improving the Quality of and Expanding Access to Voluntary State Home Visiting Programs. The full resolution is available here. We thank the sponsors of the Resolution, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown (MD) and Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy (NE), as well as co-sponsors Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts (RI), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Lt. Governor Matt Michels (SD), Lt. Governor Gregory Francis (USVI), and Lt. Governor Greg Bell (UT). We would add, that we think this is great for kids, we are very excited about it, and we hope you will repost this wherever you repost things.

Save the Date: Awaken to Change - The National Conference for America's Children. Jacksonville, Florida. October 12-15, 2012.

2011-08-25T12:25:00.008-05:00

We just want to be sure you Save the Date for the 2012 Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference: Awaken to Change - The National Conference for America's Children, which will be held in Jacksonville, Florida, October 12-15, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there, for more information please feel to read our conference press release here, and details regarding registration are coming soon. Thanks.

Help us serve families better!

2011-08-24T11:42:00.006-05:00

Healthy Families America, our signature prevention program, provides a healthy start for families and their children from the prenatal period to the early years of life. As a federally recognized program, Healthy Families America is expanding faster than ever into communities nationwide. In order to provide families with the best services possible, we need your help. Through our Causes page we are asking you to help us raise $2,500 by Labor Day Weekend to keep our staff well-trained, well-informed, and ready to accommodate the needs of families seeking services. We believe we all have a responsibility for the children in our country and therefore, our country’s future. With the support of this caring community, we can ensure families have access to the support they need to provide children with nurturing care essential to leading a healthy and productive life. So, please do visit our Causes page here, and please consider re-posting this message on your blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter streams.

Verizon Strives To End The Cycle Of Violence With Prevent Child Abuse America

2011-08-23T11:27:00.024-05:00

Prevent Child Abuse America receives $20,000 Verizon Foundation Grant to Support Agency's Programs, Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL (August 22, 2011) — Abuse survivors in the Chicago area will benefit from a $20,000 donation made by Verizon Wireless to Prevent Child Abuse America. The Verizon Foundation grant will help fund vital services to prevent child abuse, and stop the cycle of violence in the Chicago area.

"Verizon is dedicated to supporting organizations like Prevent Child Abuse America that help stop violence at home," said T.J. Fox, President, Wisconsin/Illinois Region, Verizon Wireless. "We applaud Prevent Child Abuse America's important contribution to our community to raise awareness of this pervasive problem and to end the cycle of violence."

The grant was made possible through the Verizon Foundation, which uses financial, human and technological resources to improve communities and address social issues such as education, domestic violence prevention and family safety. Since 2004, the Foundation has invested nearly $490 million back into communities nationwide.

"We truly value Verizon Wireless' dedication and long time commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place,” said Jim Hmurovich, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “This donation will help us continue our mission to not only prevent child abuse and neglect but hopefully decrease one of the contributing causes that leads to domestic violence".

Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine Program

Verizon also puts the nation’s most reliable wireless network to work in the community through its award-winning HopeLine program. Through this program, Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. These phones are then refurbished and sold, with the proceeds going to support local domestic violence shelters and programs. The program also provides domestic violence agencies with wireless phones and airtime for use by domestic violence victims to use as a lifeline. Phones that cannot be refurbished are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero-landfill policy.

Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 8 million phones; awarded more than $10 million in cash grants to prevention and awareness programs nationwide; and donated more than 106,000 HopeLine phones with 319 million minutes of airtime to victims, survivors and domestic violence organizations. Last year in Illinois alone, more than 36,000 phones were donated to the program, and more than $100,000 in cash grants helped survivors of domestic violence across the state.

For more information on HopeLine from Verizon and to learn how to donate a wireless phone, please visit here.

###

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit here. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library here.

For Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in the Illinois/Wisconsin Region follow @VZWCarolyn on Twitter here. For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades, follow @VZWNetwork on Twitter here.

Save the Date. 2011 Kick-Off For Kids. September 16, 2011.

2011-08-19T16:16:00.003-05:00

Ticket information here.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation annual KIDS COUNT Data Book and economic well-being for low income children and families.

2011-08-18T23:30:00.007-05:00

According to data released by The Annie E. Casey Foundation in its annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, over the last decade there has been a significant decline in economic well-being for low income children and families. The official child poverty rate, which is a conservative measure of economic hardship, increased 18 percent between 2000 and 2009, essentially returning to the same level as the early 1990s. This increase means that 2.4 million more children are living below the federal poverty line. Data also reveals the impact of the job and foreclosure crisis on children. In 2010, 11 percent of children had at least one unemployed parent and 4 percent have been affected by foreclosure since 2007. To learn more about the 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book please go here.

2011 Working Mother Best Companies for Kids and the National Strategy for America's Children.

2011-08-16T20:25:00.005-05:00

Prevent Child Abuse America wants to take a moment to salute the ten companies identified by Working Mother as the best companies for kids. The list of companies can be found below, and have been included for offering a variety of family and kid friendly policies ranging from child care to college coaching. We are interested in whether this will challenge others to identify similar business policies that help children, their families and the communities they live in achieve equal opportunities for healthy growth and development; and over at the National Movement for America's Children site, click here, we are wondering what types of policies you would recommend we look at including in the National Strategy for America's Children? Please visit the site, if you haven't signed-up, please do and please let us know what you think.

(1) Abbott

(2) Bank of America

(3) Citi

(4) Discovery Communications

(5) HCA Virginia Health-System Richmond Market

(6) Mastercard Worldwide

(7) Prudential Financial

(8) SC Johnson

(9) University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics

(10) WellStar Healthy System

Prevent Child Abuse America, the National Movement for America's Children and MSNBC's "A Stronger America: Making the Grade."

2011-08-16T13:59:00.007-05:00

Prevent Child Abuse America and the Movement for America's Children were excited to participate in MSNBC's national conversation on education and child development as part of the "A Stronger America" series this past Sunday. To learn more please take a look here, then here.

Thank you for joining with thousands of other American’s to sign the pledge supporting the Movement for America’s Children!

2011-08-04T09:47:00.004-05:00

Now that you are part of the Movement, we need your input into the national strategy we are developing to provide every child with the opportunity for healthy growth and development.

You can join the discussion here about the policies, actions and innovative ideas that will be included the national strategy we will be launching in November. We all benefit from the healthy development of our children, so we all should have a voice in the strategy to provide that healthy development. You can also promote the Movement on your website, Facebook or other social media pages by using Movement banners and badges, available here.

Or you can email friends, family and your entire network, encouraging them to go here and sign the pledge!

Help us awaken the nation! The time is now!

Thank you.

Have you joined the Movement for America’s Children?

2011-08-03T16:57:00.006-05:00

Sign the pledge and help us shape a national children’s strategy.

Thousands of Americans have already joined the Movement for America’s Children here, but we need every American to join the Movement! Have you signed the pledge? The pledge calls for citizens, businesses, government, faith leaders and communities across the country to join together in developing and delivering a national strategy to provide every child an opportunity for healthy growth and development.

Prevent Child Abuse America is a founding partner in the Movement, along with more than a dozen other child advocacy organizations. Together we are collecting the input of everyone with an interest in healthy child development so we can launch a true national strategy that reflects the entire nation’s hopes for our children. Check out Prevent Child Abuse America President & CEO Jim Hmurovich's column in Advertising Age here, which outlines this innovative approach to developing a national policy and action plan.

Sign the Pledge here and then join the discussion here about the policies, actions and innovative ideas that will be included the national strategy. We all benefit from the healthy development of our children, so we all should have a voice in the strategy to provide that healthy development.

Click here to sign the pledge today!

Save the Date. 2011 Kick-Off For Kids. September 16, 2011.

2011-08-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

Ticket information here.

Take Today's Movement Survey: How Can Businesses Support Our Children?

2011-07-28T17:33:00.002-05:00

And you can do so here. Also, If you haven't already, please be sure to become a member of the National Movement for America's Children and please Sign the Pledge.

"What Do WV Kids Really Need? 'Movement For Children' Aims to Find Out." National Movement for America's Children in Public News Service - WV.

2011-07-26T22:40:00.004-05:00

James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America talks National Movement for America's Children with Public News Service - West Virginia here.

"New Promises to Children: Campaign Kicks Off in Idaho." National Movement for America's Children in Public News Service - Idaho.

2011-07-26T10:33:00.005-05:00

Roger Sherman, Executive Director, Idaho Children's Trust Fund/Prevent Child Abuse Idaho talks National Movement for America's Children with Public News Service - Idaho here.

"Crowdsourcing for America's Children." National Movement for America's Children at AdAge.

2011-07-25T16:48:00.009-05:00

James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America talks National Movement for America's Children and crowdsourcing at AdAge here.

The National Movement for America's Children in the Huffington Post.

2011-07-22T13:21:00.002-05:00

Here.

"Children's well-being is one of the civil rights issues of our time." Bill Bentley, President and CEO, Voices for America's Children

2011-07-22T09:53:00.006-05:00

"Children's well-being is one of the civil rights issues of our time. The purpose of this movement is to give people who care about children a way to make their voices heard – we hope to make citizens care as much about all of America's children as they care about their own. There are millions of us who believe that investing in children today is an investment in their future – and ours." Bill Bentley, President and CEO, Voices for America's Children

Movement Day One.

2011-07-21T21:33:00.004-05:00

Almost 1,000 pledges signed, 200+ likes on Facebook, 100-strong in advocates signed on from across 24 states, 239 media outlets picking up the news. The Awakening has begun! Thank you America!

NATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN AWAKENS THE NATION!

2011-07-21T10:12:00.009-05:00

More here. And here. Have you awakened?

Want a sneak preview of something that will AWAKEN the nation on Thursday?

2011-07-19T11:40:00.004-05:00

Check out the AWAKEN website and leave your info to find out.

Have you heard about the movement to AWAKEN the nation?

2011-07-18T22:13:00.002-05:00

Check out the video for more.

Summer Barbeques and Kids; More Than Ketchup Stains.

2011-07-18T11:25:00.009-05:00

Summer barbeques and kids go hand in hand. Why not turn a barbeque you're already having into a house party that raises awareness and funds for healthy child development? We’ve designated October 14-16 as the weekend for people across the country to host parties supporting children. However, parties can happen anywhere, anytime. You'll be helping to change the way our country values children while having a good time. We just can't promise to get rid of the ketchup stains. We have a goal to raise $30,000 by the end of the weekend, and the great news is, through game watches, brunches, and dinner parties, we’re already a quarter of the way there! Please help us reach our goal by hosting a party, attending a party, or holding a virtual party online. Visit the House Party Weekend website here for more details. Our toolkit, which you can find here, will help you decide on a party idea, fundraising goal, and more. Everyone has a role to play in creating a healthy future for children. Help support Prevent Child Abuse America in a fun and creative way. We want to celebrate children every day of the year.

Healthy Families America Chosen by 33 states for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program

2011-07-08T10:21:00.014-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL (July 8, 2011) - Prevent Child Abuse America is pleased that Healthy Families Amercica, Prevent Child Abuse America’s signature, evidence-based home visiting program has been chosen by a total of 33 states and all five US Territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, America Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) as one, if not their only model, to fund with federals dollars via the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, a component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

“We couldn’t be more excited, or humbled, to learn about the interest in Healthy Families America,” said James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America, “but we also believe that what’s truly important is that home visiting is available to all children and their families. This is about the future of this country and ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity for healthy growth and development.”

Healthy Families America is an evidence-based, nationally recognized home visiting program model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences, including child maltreatment. It is the primary home visiting model best equipped to work with families who may have histories of trauma, intimate partner violence, mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Healthy Families America services begin prenatally, or right after the birth of a baby, and are offered voluntarily, intensively and over the long-term, three to five years after the birth of the baby.

“This news represents the strength of this community-based partnership between parents, providers and the places they live,” added Hmurovich, “and to further the reach and impact of a program such as Healthy Families America is not just an accomplishment for Prevent Child Abuse America, but the right thing to do.”

Prevent Child Abuse America would also like to take a moment to recognize the hard work of the Healthy Families America staff, Cydney M. Wessel, National Director of Healthy Families America; Phyllis Medrano, Healthy Families America Network Coordinator; Lisa Sutter, National Director of Training; and Kate Whitaker, Kathleen Strader and Lynn Kosanovich, Regional Directors for the West-Southeast, Central and Northeast respectively, because without them this level of interest and support for the program would not be possible.

“Ultimately, we know that the success of evidence based models like Healthy Families America are enhanced by the commitment and skills of the staff that administer it, train on it and develop the implementation strategies that allow it to expand its presence in communities across the nation,” said Hmurovich.

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 387 Healthy Families America sites in 36 states.

Saving Everyone's Baby. The Casey Anthony verdict. And Esse Diem.

2011-07-06T17:01:00.017-05:00

It is very hard to know what to feel or say in the wake of the Casey Anthony verdict. What we we do know and do feel though, is that the future of the nation depends on our thinking about all children as our children. It is time we awaken to a national dialogue on how to ensure the healthy growth and development of all children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs. We plan to have this dialogue in communities across the country, and we will share more on that soon, but for now please know that we, and you, are not alone in feeling this way. There is Prevent Child Abuse America's Chapter network and Healthy Families America program network. There are also the thoughtful words on Caylee Anthony's life and potential legacy posted on the Esse Diem blog which you can read here.

Some thoughts on NPR's "Rethinking Shaken Baby Syndrome" story.

2011-06-29T17:02:00.006-05:00

Today NPR ran a story titled "Rethinking Shaken Baby Syndrome" which was reminiscent of February's New York Times Magazine article "Has a Flawed Diagnosis Put Innocent People Behind Bars?" Given this, we thought we would re-run our post from February 17th where we shared our thoughts on that article.

###

In response to the recent New York Times Magazine article regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome by Emily Bazelon, “Has a Flawed Diagnosis Put Innocent People Behind Bars?”, Prevent Child Abuse America would like to offer the following thoughts.

Prevent Child Abuse America advocates for promoting a shared societal responsibility for the healthy development of children and providing all families with the support and resources they need.

Any time there is evidence a child has been injured, the cause of the injury should be evaluated appropriately by a medical professional.

When evidence of shaken baby syndrome is present, we believe the following questions should be asked:

What role did stress or other emotional issues like frustration play in this situation and how do we as a community and as a nation ensure that adequate services, information and help are available to parents and/or caregivers when they are needed and as long as they are needed?

What opportunities exist to change the culture and norms of our nation to reflect the real value we all should place on children having loving, healthy and stable experiences?

By having a discussion about shaken baby syndrome or other child abuse or neglect topics, we are taking a positive step towards prioritizing prevention so that child abuse and neglect never occur in the first place.

Brain Hero. Digging this.

2011-06-29T10:21:00.006-05:00

Quite digging this video and hope you will take a look. Brain Hero is the result of a collaboration between the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University and the Interactive Media Division of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. For more information on this effort and this partnership please go here.

Calls to the White House Needed This Week!

2011-06-28T11:00:00.010-05:00

Deficit reduction deals should take cuts to programs for low- and moderate-income people off the table. President Obama is scheduled to meet with Senate leaders today to move a deal forward - please call the White House NOW! Call 1-888-245-0215 toll-free, so they know there is strong support for fair revenues to prevent slashing low-income services.

You've probably heard: Negotiations on reducing the deficit have hit a roadblock, and President Obama is taking a more active role. He is meeting with Senate leadership today. Vice President Biden had been working with a small group from Congress to get an agreement by July 1.

They've been stalled because Republicans in the group want trillions of dollars in service cuts and are staking out a position opposed to replacing some of those cuts with increased revenues. The Administration is playing a critical role, and does support including increased revenues to protect low and moderate-income people. We need them to hold firm!

Call 1-888-245-0215 toll-free, and you'll be connected to the White House Comment Line. Call NOW and tell them:

"Please tell the President and the Vice President to hold firm and prevent harmful cuts or caps to low-income programs in the negotiations to reduce the deficit. Please insist on fair increases in revenues to prevent reckless cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and other essential services.”

Major national organizations are also urging decision-makers to protect low-income people in deficit reduction plans. This morning a letter was circulated from organizations including United Way Worldwide, National Council of La Raza, Feeding America, Sojourners, Families USA and many more, including the Coalition on Human Needs.

Click here to see the letter and press statement.

The President and Vice President need your call now. Dial 1-888-245-0215 toll-free, and you'll be connected to the White House Comment Line.

THANKS!

ALSO, PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES AND URGE THEM TO ASK OTHERS TO DO THE SAME!

National Board Lifetime Member SuEllen Fried talks bullying with The Kansas City Star.

2011-06-14T12:06:00.011-05:00

We are thrilled to let you know about this recent interview with National Board Lifetime Member SuEllen Fried where she talks bullying with The Kansas City Star. SuEllen is one of the country's true leaders on the topic of bullying through her work with BullySafeUSA and we hope you will take a moment to look at not only this interview, but at the vast resources available at BullySafeUSA as well. Congratulations SuEllen and thank you for all you do to ensure the healthy development of children everywhere.

Prevent Child Abuse America in West Virginia.

2011-06-10T13:57:00.010-05:00

Jim McKay, PCA West Virginia; Ben Tanzer and Bryan Specht

Prevent Child Abuse America National Board Member Bryan Specht and Senior Director of Strategic Communications Ben Tanzer had the opportunity to both speak at the Leadership Institute on Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in Charleston, West Virginia this week, as well as, speak to Dan Heyman from Public News Service - West Virginia about healthy child development and preventing child abuse and neglect.

"America spends $104 billion a year on child abuse and neglect cases, Specht says, adding that the nation could save that money by continuing to prevent many of these cases - and doing so would be beneficial in other ways as well. 'The science is really saying to us, 'This is the right thing to do, for the capacity of our children to learn, for our economy - the kind of society that we could live in, if we provided that healthy opportunity to every child.'"

It's not over yet. Only 712 to go!

2011-06-03T15:35:00.005-05:00

Only 712 to go to achieve our full $5,000 goal! To help us get there, simply click "Like" on the Atlanta Bread fan page and Atlanta Bread will donate $1.00 to Prevent Child Abuse America, up to $5,000. It’s that easy and there’s no cost to you. Please take a minute to “click for kids” and pass this on!

It's the final weekend... help Prevent Child Abuse America win $5,000 from Atlanta Bread with just one click!

2011-05-20T17:09:00.002-05:00

It's the final weekend... help Prevent Child Abuse America win $5,000 from Atlanta Bread with just one click! Simply visit Atlanta Bread's Facebook fan page and click "Like" and Atlanta Bread will donate $1.00 to Prevent Child Abuse America, up to $5,000, through May 22. It's that easy and there's no cost to you!

Help us reach our goal and bring healthy child development and child abuse prevention to more communities nationwide.

Ms. Foundation Awards Funds to End Child Sexual Abuse

2011-05-17T23:15:00.028-05:00

Grantees include Prevent Child Abuse America and members of Prevent Child Abuse America's chapter network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL (May 17, 2011) — The Ms. Foundation for Women has announced $600,000 in grants as part of a groundbreaking partnership with the NoVo Foundation and individual donors to end child sexual abuse in the United States.

“The Ms. Foundation for Women is proud to announce this new round of grants to prevent child sexual abuse,” says Senior Program Officer Monique Hoeflinger. “From working within Native American and religious communities, to advocating for new federal policies, to using art as a catalyst for social change, each group is pursuing innovative strategies to engage families, communities and policymakers to end child sexual abuse once and for all.”

“We not only want to celebrate the Ms. Foundation’s generosity,” says Jim Hmurovich, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, “but also their focused leadership on supporting an issue that has been silent far too long. I believe that people are awakening to the fact that healthy child development is better for children and our communities than experiencing child abuse and neglect. I am hopeful that this generosity and leadership will contribute to a grassroots movement for America’s children in communities across the nation to prevent sexual abuse and other forms of abuse from ever occurring. We all have a role to play in developing our next generation of adults, and the Ms. Foundation certainly is doing their part.”

A total of 15 organizations were selected from over 250 submissions. The awardees—representing local, state and national groups working in 14 states across the country— are faith-based, arts, domestic violence and survivor-led groups as well as sexual assault coalitions and child abuse prevention organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse America working in partnership with three members of its chapter network Prevent Child Abuse Maryland which is housed at The Family Tree, Prevent Child Abuse Massachusetts which is housed at Massachusetts Citizens for Children and Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey; and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina which received its own individual grant.

In its selection of grantees, the Ms. Foundation prioritized organizations that advocate for policy reform and long-term culture change. Together, these grantees will foster a groundswell of new thinking, discussion and collective action on child sexual abuse prevention.

In addition to delivering funds, the Ms. Foundation will offer critical non-monetary support that will enable awardees to share strategies and ideas and strengthen the movement overall.

“Child sexual abuse is a complex social problem that requires more than one organization or approach,” says Hoeflinger. “As reflected in this diverse group of grantees, ending child sexual abuse will take local, state and national organizations working together in a collaborative, strategic way.”

ABOUT MS. FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

The Ms. Foundation for Women is the leading national social justice foundation committed to building women’s power to ignite change. Every day, it helps over 150 grassroots organizations across the U.S. fight for changes like good paying jobs, reproductive health, ending violence against women and girls, and the inclusion of women at decision-making tables. By investing in social justice trailblazers—especially women from low-income communities and communities of color most affected by injustice—it works for a nation in which power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, or any other factor. The Ms. Foundation delivers funding, builds skills and connects activists with allies to create change that benefits women, families and communities. Since 1972, the Ms. Foundation has invested over $50 million and influenced other funders to support solutions from the ground up.

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.

Help Prevent Child Abuse America win $5,000 from Atlanta Bread!

2011-05-16T11:22:00.006-05:00

Please click "Like" on the Atlanta Bread fan page and Atlanta Bread will donate $1.00 to Prevent Child Abuse America (up to $5,000) for every person who joins its fan page through May 22nd. Share this and help raise funds for healthy child development and child abuse prevention nationwide.

"Nonprofit strives to prevent child abuse and help families flourish." Nice piece on Healthy Families America in The Kansas City Star.

2011-05-11T14:41:00.021-05:00

We wanted to let you know that The Kansas City Star has done a nice piece on Healthy Families America and we hope you will take a look. We also wanted to share a brief excerpt below.

"Workers with a nonprofit program called Healthy Families America are active on both sides of the state line and nationwide. They charge nothing to help parents and babies prosper for three years.

The national group started 17 years ago with the idea that "if parents do well, children do well," said Tracie Lansing, policy director for Healthy Families in Lenexa. When families do well, it helps reduce child abuse and infant mortality, she said.

A big part of Healthy Families' work is helping people fight stress to ward off child maltreatment, Lansing said.

"If I wake up with a flat tire and my lights have been shut off and I've had a fight with my boyfriend and my baby is crying, I'm more likely to lash out at my baby," she said."

Support Families with Just a Click!

2011-05-10T12:33:00.007-05:00

Atlanta Bread, a fast-casual restaurant serving fresh baked goods, sandwiches, salads and soups in more than 80 locations in 20 states, and Prevent Child Abuse America are proud to launch a new campaign to help support the development of healthy communities nationwide! Starting today and through May 22, Atlanta Bread will donate $1.00 to Prevent Child Abuse America for every person who joins the Atlanta Bread Facebook fan page, up to $5,000. Participation is easy, and there’s no cost to you!

Simply:

(1) Click this link to the Atlanta Bread Facebook fan page.
(2) Click the “Like” button.
(3) And that’s it!

Pass this along to friends and help raise funds for Prevent Child Abuse America! Thank you very much.