A Child's Place Child Advocacy Center

Yesterday, we were pleased to host state legislators Senator Pat Stefano and Rep. John Inglis — and staff from the offices of PA State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, Rep. Abigail Salisbury and Senator Devlin Robinson — for a tour of A Child's Place Child Advocacy Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

During their visit, they learned how CACs support child abuse investigations and provide essential healing services like medical exams and trauma therapy.

We encouraged them to support H.B. 2443, which would create a Child Victim Recovery Fund to ensure young survivors receive the coordinated care and healing they deserve.

Thank you to the incredible, dedicated staff of A Child's Place for offering the tour and the Allegheny CYF professionals who also attended!

As National Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to a close, it’s important to remember that protecting children does not end with April. Prevention happens in everyday moments.

For parents and caregivers, small actions can make a meaningful difference. Experts recommend several ways families can strengthen protective environments for children:

1️⃣ Encourage open conversations about bodies. Use correct names for body parts and remove shame so children feel comfortable asking questions and speaking up.

2️⃣ Teach personal safety skills. Help children practice saying “no,” stepping away, or speaking up when something feels uncomfortable—even with adults.

3️⃣ Support bodily autonomy. Children should know their body belongs to them, including choosing when they want to give hugs or other affection.

4️⃣ Stay aware of your child’s environment. Pay attention to the adults, caregivers, and online spaces in your child’s life, and reinforce that safety secrets are never okay.

These ongoing conversations help build trust and confidence which are two powerful tools that help children seek help when something does not feel right.

Children’s Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania work every day to support children and families impacted by abuse. Healing happens here, and prevention begins with informed, supportive communities.

For a deeper look at expert guidance for families, read the full article from Parents:
https://bit.ly/48UsSmr

Take a moment out of your day to practice box breathing! Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. 📦

Dance away the worries this Music Monday! Make a joint playlist with your loved ones and have a dance party! 💙🎵

https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/betherenow/

It's Child Abuse Prevention Month-In Pennsylvania call Childline to report suspected abuse.

Let's practice breathing for Wind Down Wednesday.

What is a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)?

A CAC is both a place and a process: a child-friendly space where professionals work together to respond to allegations of child abuse in a coordinated, trauma-informed way.

Instead of asking a child to repeat their story to multiple agencies, the CAC model brings the response together. Law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals, prosecutors, and victim advocates collaborate to support the child and their family.

The goal is simple but powerful: protect children, reduce trauma, and support healing.

Each year, CACs across Pennsylvania help more than 15,000 children and families access safety, support, and services.

Learn more about how we support CACs: https://penncac.org/we-support-cacs/

Happy Easter from your friends at A Child's Place, PA! 🌷🐰🐣