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March 30, 2005
Rendell Administration Designates April as Child Abuse Prevention Month; April 4 Breakfast to Focus on `Domestic Violence and the Connection to Child Abuse'
March 30, 2005
Press Release Source: Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
HARRISBURG, Pa., March 30 /PRNewswire -- In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Pennsylvania, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman said that the best way to protect children from physical, mental and sexual abuse is to nurture and support them as they face the many challenges of life.
"Each year many children in the Commonwealth suffer from abuse and neglect, permanently disabling and psychologically affecting them," Secretary Richman said. "Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that it is imperative to nurture our children if we are to improve the quality of life in our society. Insuring the safety of children helps to insure the future for us all."
On April 4, Parents Anonymous of Pennsylvania will observe Child Abuse Prevention Month by holding its annual Blue Ribbon Breakfast at the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers. The breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. and is being co-sponsored by Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund, Pennsylvania Children and Youth Administrators Association, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and DPW.
The theme of this year's breakfast is "Domestic Violence and the Connection to Child Abuse." The keynote speaker will be Sandra L. Bloom, M.D., psychiatrist and author of "Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies." Karen Maddocks, from Berks County, will speak on behalf of parents.
Parents Anonymous will also unveil a new brochure on parenting when domestic violence is an issue. Blue ribbon pins and blue ribbon car magnets stating: "Building Strong Family Ties," will also be distributed.
DPW, which oversees the Children's Trust Fund, is funding 13 new mini-grants intended to develop new and innovative child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Funding is specifically aimed at programs that focus on preventing abuse before it occurs. Grant recipients are listed below.
In Pennsylvania, more than 23,000 reports of suspected child abuse were made in 2004, with more than 4,000 of the reports substantiated. Last year, 44 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.
To report suspected child abuse, call ChildLine toll free, anytime, at 1-800-932-0313.
For more information on child abuse prevention visit http://www.dpw.state.pa.us, keyword Office of Children, Youth and Families.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a list by county of the Children's Trust Fund mini-grant recipients. Each grantee is receiving the funds over a three-year grant period running through Oct. 31, 2007
Cumberland County
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
$150,000
Columbia County
Columbia County Commissioners
$87,500
Erie County
SafeNet - A Domestic Violence Safety Network
$96,922
Indiana County
ARIN Intermediate Unit #28
$112,954
McKean County
The Guidance Center
$150,000
Mifflin County
Mifflin County Children and Youth Services/Communities That Care
$150,000
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia Society for Services to Children
$150,000
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
$150,000
Institute for Safe Families Inc.
$150,000
Joseph S. Peters Institute
$150,000
Somerset County
Tableland Services, Inc./Salisbury Area Family Center
$150,000
Washington County
Community Action Southwest
$150,000
Wyoming County
Wyoming County Human Services
$150,000
CONTACT: Schenley Kent, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, +1-717-787-4592
Posted by Nancy at March 30, 2005 08:27 PM