Imagine a child starting their school day exhausted, not because of a late-night study session but because they spent the night in a car. For tens of thousands of children, this is not just a bad day; it’s their everyday reality. Tens of thousands of children in Pennsylvania are unhoused, which not only disrupts their […]
Looking Back on 2024: Advocacy, Awareness, and Action
Every child deserves a safe, supportive environment to grow and thrive. At Pa Family Support Alliance, this commitment drives our work every day. From honoring exceptional advocates at our Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards to raising awareness about online safety and nurturing children’s emotional growth, we’re proud to collaborate with communities across the […]
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Talking to Your Child About the 2024 Election: A Guide for Parents
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 […]
Good Day PA: Family Digital Wellness
For more than 40 years, the PA Family Support Alliance has been a leader in child abuse prevention and education. Over those 40 years, the internet has become a significant threat to the safety of children. The PA Family Support Alliance recognizes that and has launched a new “Family Digital Wellness Online Cohort” Justin Donofrio […]
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, […]