Championing Child Safety: The Unsung Heroes of Pennsylvania’s Children’s Advocacy Centers

Mike Pennington, PCCD Executive DirectorCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

YORK, PA — In the solemn season of Child Abuse Prevention Month, a spotlight is being cast on the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect children across Pennsylvania. Mike Pennington, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), this week visited the York Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) to commend their work in combating child abuse and providing essential resources to impacted families.

Pennington reiterated that safeguarding the state’s youngsters remains a pivotal priority for the Shapiro-Davis Administration. The PCCD’s support to CACs over the past decade emphasizes this mission. The unwavering commitment of these establishments is demonstrated in their provision of sanctuary where young victims feel safe and heard on their road to recovery.

Children’s Advocacy Centers worldwide follow a nationally accredited, trauma-informed, and cooperative approach to child sexual and physical abuse. This multifaceted response involves initial investigations, medical care, treatment, and essential social services—creating a comprehensive support system for child abuse victims.

As per state law, interdisciplinary investigative teams adeptly perform forensic interviews while gathering irrefutable evidence. The cooperation of specialized medical professionals, social workers, prosecutors, and police under one roof only cements the CACs’ effectiveness in delivering justice to the affected children.

Deborah Harrison, Executive Director of the York CAC, stressed the significance of daily reminders about the importance of child abuse prevention. Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a rallying point for communities to express their collective commitment to children’s safety and well-being.

Catering to children between the ages of 3 and 17, the York CAC addresses cases of physical and sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, drug endangerment, and children witnessing violent crimes. Since its inauguration in 2006, the center has extended its professional services to over 9,000 children and their families.

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Pennsylvania’s Child Maltreatment Solutions Network and PCCD lend their support to the York CAC’s preventive education programming. A unique curriculum called Safe Touches leverages an interactive puppet show to educate children about personal safety. The curriculum enables children to identify uncomfortable situations and ensures they know who to turn to for help.

In this valiant fight against child abuse, the York CAC doesn’t overlook the indispensable role of parents and caregivers. The Smarter Parents workshop educates parents about healthy sexual development in children aged 2 to 13. It imparts vital communication skills and strategies to create safe environments for children.

Last year, CACs rendered their service to a staggering 14,922 children across the state. These figures reflect the magnitude of the issue and the compelling necessity for CACs’ commendable contribution.

In Pennsylvania, the fight against child abuse escalated following the 2014 Sandusky scandal. The event sparked significant reform of the Child Protective Services Law, leading to the establishment of the Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Committee (CACAC) under PCCD. Chaired by former legislator David Heckler, the CACAC advises on the development, promotion, and funding of CAC-related programs and projects.

While the road to eradicating child abuse is still fraught, the state’s CACs continue their tireless efforts to ensure every child in Pennsylvania can live a life free from fear of abuse. For those familiar with these centers, Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a stark reminder that the fight continues. For those less informed, this moment offers an opportunity to learn, to contribute, and, most importantly, to be part of the solution.

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