New award program highlights PA’s “everyday heroes” who protect children from abuse and neglect

(Harrisburg, PA) – Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the commonwealth’s leading child abuse prevention organization, and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Credit Union (PSECU), headquartered in Harrisburg, seek nominations for the first-ever “PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Kids” awards to be announced in April during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Professionals, volunteers, and residents of Pennsylvania who have made a significant impact in protecting children are eligible for the recognition.

Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the commonwealth’s leading child abuse prevention organization, and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Credit Union (PSECU), headquartered in Harrisburg, seek nominations for the first-ever “PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Kids” awards to be announced in April during Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Professionals, volunteers, and residents of Pennsylvania who have made a significant impact in protecting children are eligible for the recognition. 

“A key to preventing child abuse is to ensure that every single Pennsylvanian is committed to the cause of keeping kids safe,” said Angela Liddle, president and CEO of PFSA. “We want to shine a spotlight on our everyday heroes who look out for the best interests of our children.” 

“Our communities, businesses, schools, and families thrive when the safety and well-being of children are everyone’s priority.  PSECU is committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us, helping to build stronger communities and brighter futures across Pennsylvania,” said Karen Roland, PSECU Assistant Vice President of Marketing and member of PFSA’s Board of Directors.  “That’s why we are proud to sponsor the PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Kids awards, so the amazing efforts of those who protect children every day are recognized. We truly are all in this together.”

The full details of the award criteria and the nomination form can be downloaded at www.pablueribbonchampion.org/nominate. The deadline for submission is February 27, 2017. The PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Kids award evaluation panel members are:    Terry Clark, director, York County Children, Youth and Families; Cynthia Figueroa, DHS Commissioner, City of Philadelphia; Brenda Lawrence, program administrator, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN); Kristina Taylor-Porter, executive director, Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County; and, Ira Weiss, solicitor, Pittsburgh Public Schools. 

The winners will be recognized by PFSA and PSECU at an awards ceremony and “Rally for Kids” on April 5, 2017 at the State Capitol. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, in 2015, 34 children in the commonwealth died of child abuse-related causes and an additional 4,203 children were victims of abuse. “Child abuse is an epidemic in our society but it is preventable,” noted Liddle.  “We can teach everyone how to recognize, report, and prevent abuse with proven intervention strategies, family-strengthening programs, heightened professional training, and better community awareness.”

PFSA has a network of nearly 50 affiliates across the state providing direct services and prevention information to families and individuals. To donate in support of its work, please visit www.pa-fsa.org/donate.