PA Department of Public Welfare Marks April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to recognize the importance of protecting Pennsylvania's children from abuse and neglect, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander, Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, child welfare workers, advocates, and members of the General Assembly joined today to commemorate April as child abuse prevention month.

During today's kick-off event, "Protecting PA Kids, Preventing Abuse," various stakeholders gathered to increase their knowledge of strategies in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. A proclamation from Governor Tom Corbett was presented.

"Pennsylvania is invested in protecting our children, we have a strong network of state and local officials who are proactively working with families and communities to prevent abuse and neglect," said Governor Corbett's proclamation. "Even as we highlight April as prevention month, we should focus our efforts everyday on child abuse prevention."

"We must join together as a community and invest in educating parents, teaching prevention and raising community awareness to ensure that all children can grow up in safe, happy and healthy homes," said Alexander. "Prevention is key to our ongoing efforts to decrease, and hopefully eliminate child abuse in Pennsylvania."

Blue ribbons will be used to signify the importance of child abuse prevention and DPW encourages all Pennsylvanians to wear or display a blue ribbon during this month. During "Painting for Prevention" activities several murals will be painted by families, children, child welfare staff, advocates and interested citizens and will be on display at three Pennsylvania locations.

"Together we can make a difference year-round, to strengthen our families and protect our children," said Alexander. "As a community, we need to be vigilant in recognizing and reporting suspected abuse. Anyone can report, anytime."

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, DPW offers an around-the-clock, toll-free hotline, Childline, 1-800-932-0313.  

Visit the Department of Public Welfare online at www.dpw.state.pa.us.

Media contacts: Carey Miller or Anne Bale, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

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