Every April, the Pa Family Support Alliance team, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, observes and promotes National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We are committed to creating an environment where Pennsylvania’s children can live and thrive free from abuse and neglect. One of our priorities is to call attention to the problem of child abuse and how to prevent it – because if we know better, we can do better. And knowing how to do better starts with education and awareness.

For the week of April 1, the Capitol was lit up in blue — the official color of National Child Abuse Prevention Month — as were the Walnut and Market Street bridges in downtown Harrisburg.

On April 1, with the state Capitol dome overlooking us, we gathered with volunteers, local and state lawmakers and officials, and child advocates for our annual blue flag planting and Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids award ceremony. We planted 4,756 blue flags — each representing one substantiated case of child abuse in 2024 — and 60 black flags to signify every child who died due to abuse in that year.

Joining us at the flag planting and awards ceremony were Deputy Secretary Laval Miller-Wilson, Chief Deputy Attorney General Angela Sperrazza, local and state elected officials, and community members.

Four Pennsylvanians were honored as Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids during a ceremony emceed by Mark Holman, a PFSA board member. This award recognizes individuals who make exceptional contributions to the fight against child abuse and neglect throughout Pennsylvania. The 2026 Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids winners were:

Jane Kim, Director of Client Engagement and Initiatives, Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center

Jane is the Director of Client Engagement and Initiatives for Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, bringing more than 16 years of experience across education, prosecution, civil advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Driven by a commitment to protecting child victims, Jane previously served as a staff attorney at the Support Center for Child Advocates in Philadelphia, representing children in dependency hearings, criminal trials, and appellate proceedings. She later led the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center and co-chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Committee. Skilled in trauma-informed practice and multidisciplinary collaboration, Jane is deeply committed to improving outcomes for children and families.

Detective Ernie Morris, Limerick Township Police Department

Detective Morris currently serves as the Limerick Township Police Department’s Special Victims Investigator, leading investigations involving child abuse, juvenile offenses, and sexual assaults. Ernie is also a Task Force Officer with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, assigned to the Child Exploitation Unit in the Philadelphia Field Office. Throughout his career, Detective Morris has been deeply committed to trauma-informed, victim-centered practices and interagency collaboration. As an original multidisciplinary team member with Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, he has helped strengthen coordinated responses to child abuse while reducing additional trauma to child victims.

Shana Orlic, ParentWISE Program Supervisor, Wesley Family Services

Shana is the ParentWISE Program Supervisor for Wesley Family Services and has worked in the human services field for more than 25 years, supporting parents, children, and families across Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. Since 2012, she has facilitated parenting education programs focused on strengthening families, preventing abuse, and promoting safe, nurturing environments for children. Shana also brings her expertise into the justice system, teaching parenting classes within the Westmoreland County Prison and serving families involved with Westmoreland County Family Court. Trained in numerous evidence-based parenting curricula, she is widely recognized for her ability to connect with families, empower caregivers, and create lasting positive change for children and communities.

Kristen C. Streightiff, M.Ed., Director of Student Services, Mount Union Area School District

Kristen is the Director of Student Services for the Mount Union Area School District, where she oversees special education, pupil services, behavioral health programming, threat assessment, and district-wide equity initiatives. With 28 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, assistant high school principal, and district-level administrator. Kristen is also the co-founder of the Huntingdon County Endangered and At-Risk Youth Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.), a collaborative initiative that strengthens communication and coordinated responses among schools, law enforcement, and human services to better protect vulnerable youth. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to trauma-informed practices, interagency collaboration, and building systems of support for students and families.

While the month of April helps us spark a conversation around preventing child abuse, the work to keep children safe from abuse and neglect requires each of us to remain vigilant every day. There is a lot of work to be done, and we must continue to do it together. We strive to empower every Pennsylvanian to take an active role in preventing abuse and strengthening our communities and families through learning about child abuse prevention.

If you suspect that a child in your life is being abused or neglected, please report it. You can remain anonymous. To make a confidential report, call ChildLine, Pennsylvania’s 24/7 reporting hotline at 800-932-0313. For more information on recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect, click here.