The 2024 election is over. As Americans prepare for the next four years and sort out their feelings, we can’t forget about how our kids might be feeling about this. The election cycle slammed us with ads, messages and coverage — especially in battleground Pennsylvania. Our kids also saw this play out, as they too […]
Pa, Youth Mental Health Crisis: Social Media a Key Factor, Parents Urged to Get Involved
New Legislation Limits Phones in Schools, PA Family Support Alliance Offers Resources HARRISBURG — The U.S. youth mental health crisis continues to affect Pennsylvania’s children, with social media playing a leading role in exacerbating the problem. “According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 95% of our youth ages 13 to 17 are on social media […]
Trick-or-Treat: Safety Tips to #ProtectPAKids
Halloween is an exciting time for kids. For parents, it’s about ensuring that our kids stay safe during trick-or-treat. With dark streets, strangers, and the temptation to share every moment online, it’s crucial to take steps to protect both their physical and digital safety. Here are some helpful tips to make this Halloween fun and […]
PennLive: Parents should restrict their children’s use of cellphones for both academic success and mental health/Opinion
Back-to-school season is here, bringing excitement for new classes, teachers, and supplies. However, it also brings the challenge of managing digital devices. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of U.S. high school teachers consider cellphone distraction a major classroom problem. In response, schools in Pennsylvania have implemented strict “no cellphone” policies, requiring […]
CBS21: DHS emphasizes need for preventative measures to reduce child deaths
According to the most recent Department of Human Services (DHS) 2023 Child Protective Services report, the number of fatalities and near fatalities have trended downward since 2022. However, director of bureau programs, policy and operation within the Department, Amanda Dorris said the numbers are still too high. According to the recent report, there were 57 […]
Child Abuse & Neglect: Insights on the 2023 Pa. DHS Child Protective Services Report
The Child Protective Services 2023 Annual Report from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) “provides a picture of the challenges we face in eradicating child abuse,” as Gov. Josh Shapiro and DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh, MD, MPH wrote in the report’s welcome letter. And while the 2023 report shows that there are still complicated challenges, […]
Child abuse reports rise in 2023, but still below pre-pandemic levels, DHS says
Each year, the Department of Human Services (DHS) releases an annual report highlighting the trends of the child welfare system. According to the 2023 Annual Child Protective Services report, there were a total of 40,301 reports of child abuse in 2023. That’s 1,208 more total cases than in 2022. The recent report reads that the […]
PennWatch: PA Family Support Alliance Seeks Nominations to Honor Child Advocates with Awards
Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), a nonprofit organization and the state leader in child abuse prevention, is accepting nominations for its 2025 Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards. The nomination period ends at 5 p.m., November 13, and awards will be given next year to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the prevention […]
Pa Family Support Alliance Seeks Nominations to Honor Child Advocates with Awards
Nomination period open through November 13 HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), a nonprofit organization and the state leader in child abuse prevention, is accepting nominations for its 2025 Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards. The nomination period ends at 5 p.m., November 13, and awards will be given next year to […]
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: With Pa. child mistreatment reports on the rise, advocates call for community action, policy reform
Child abuse cases are on the rise, and advocates say better community support and training could make the difference in ensuring those numbers don’t continue to climb. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released its latest data on child abuse and neglect in its annual Child Protective Services Report. After a notable drop in reports […]
