Department of Public Welfare Awards Nearly $1 Million to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) today announced it has awarded $940,450 in Children's Trust Fund grants to eight Pennsylvania organizations. The grants are aimed at creating better outcomes for Pennsylvania children through programs preventing child abuse and neglect.

Administered by DPW's Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Children's Trust Fund grants focus on prevention as the best solution for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families.

"The Corbett Administration's deep commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect was exemplified in the 20 new child protection laws signed this year, including the increase in funding to the Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund," DPW Secretary Beverly Mackereth said. "The impacts of maltreatment are profound and can last a lifetime. Children are our most precious resource and we need to treat them as such."

Grantees will use evidence-based or evidence-informed programs or practices to provide comprehensive support services that will strengthen families and protective factors to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Upon notification to the awardees, Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund Board Chair Bruce R. Clash said, "The Board members congratulate the successful applicants and are pleased to partner with them in the fight against child abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania. The grantees strongly demonstrated their ability to provide high-quality support services to families where circumstances exist that place children at greater risk of maltreatment. The various programs the grantees will utilize are shown to build knowledge of parenting and child development, improve parental social connections and access to support, as well as boost the social and emotional competence of their children."

Since the Children's Trust Fund was established in 1988, Pennsylvania has awarded more than $35 million in grants to 280 organizations across the state to keep children safe. The Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund is funded through revenue generated from a $10 surcharge on all marriage and divorce applications filed in the state.

For more information, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us or call 1-800-692-7462.

Media contact: Kait Gillis, 717-425-7606

Editor's Note: A list of grant recipients is attached. The grants cover the period of Nov. 1, 2014, through Oct. 31, 2017.  

1.     Lackawanna County – Employment Opportunity & Training Center, $150,000

2.     Philadelphia County – Jewish Family and Children's Service, $150,000

3.     Clarion County – Clarion County's Promise, $55,645

4.     Lancaster County – Lancaster General Hospital, $65,000

5.     Montgomery County – Carson Valley Children's Aid, $150,000

6.     Philadelphia County – Turning Points for Children, $150,000

7.     Cumberland County – Pressley Ridge, $69,805

8.     Wyoming County – H.A.N.D.S. of Wyoming, $150,000

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare