The award is given to individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect children

HARRISBURG, Pa.– PA Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state’s leader in child abuse prevention, today awarded Christina Roland of South Middleton Township with the Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award, which is given annually to four individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children.

Roland is currently the Director of Intake Services at the Cumberland County Office of Children and Youth Services. Since 1990, she has worked for the county in this department in various roles, including as a caseworker, intake screener, and supervisor.

“Cumberland County children and families are safer because of Christina’s tireless commitment,” PFSA President and CEO Angela Liddle said. “For more than three decades, Christina has made it her mission to ensure that children are protected. She has been on the front lines, often navigating through very difficult situations that many people couldn’t handle. Christina should serve as a role model for all of us. She is the embodiment of what county children and youth service agencies do best.” 

During her 32-year career, Roland would assess families and children who are at risk for abuse and neglect and ensure they receive the appropriate supportive services. Throughout her tenure, Roland has been an integral part of the agency’s use of multi-disciplinary teams, child fatality and near fatality reviews, and the implementation of new practices regarding child victims of human trafficking.    

In honor of this accomplishment, PFSA and Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Valerie Arkoosh recognized Roland in front of a packed audience of lawmakers, media, child advocates, and students in the Capitol Rotunda.

A few pictures and short b-roll clips from today’s ceremony can be found by CLICKING HERE.

PFSA was joined by members of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee and the House Children and Youth Committee, among others, including Reps. Patty Kim and Sheryl Delozier, who both represent portions of Cumberland County.

The ceremony kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, PFSA hosts activities and events throughout the Commonwealth to increase awareness about the need for individuals to learn about the warning signs of abuse and neglect.

According to the department’s Child Protective Services 2021 Annual Report, there were 5,036 substantiated cases of child abuse, 58 substantiated fatalities, and 136 substantiated near fatalities.

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About Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance

PA Family Support Alliance prevents child abuse and protects children from harm by helping parents learn positive parenting techniques, educating professionals and volunteers who work with children to recognize and report child abuse, and helping community members learn how they can play a positive role in keeping children safe. To learn more about our programs, schedule a training, or donate, please visit pafsa.org, or call 800-448-4906.