Harrisburg, Pa.– Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state’s leader in child abuse prevention, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, today awarded Hailey Houk with the PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award. This award is given to four individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children.

Houk is a Detective with the New Castle Police Department in Lawrence County. She has been with the department for five years and has served in the Criminal Investigation Division since August 2024.

“Detective Houk’s passion for seeking justice for sexual assault survivors was ignited when she joined the Sexual Assault Task Force with the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office in 2022,” said Angela Liddle, PFSA President and CEO. “Shortly after, she became a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team in Lawrence County, which further fueled her drive for justice. Detective Houk is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of as many children as possible, and we are honored to recognize her as a PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids.”

In honor of this accomplishment, PFSA and Secretary Valerie Arkoosh of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recognized Houk in front of a packed audience of lawmakers, members of the media, child advocates, and students in the Capitol Rotunda today. Pictures and short b-roll clips from today’s ceremony can be found here.

Thanks to a generous donation from Lamar Advertising, a billboard showcasing Houk’s award will be located along Routes 224 and 422 in New Castle in April.

PFSA was joined by Secretary Arkoosh, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Attorney General Dave Sunday, and local and state elected officials during today’s ceremony, which kicks 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 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Annual Child Protective Services Report, there were 4,720 substantiated cases of child abuse, of which 57 were substantiated fatalities and 119 substantiated near fatalities.

###

About Pa Family Support Alliance

Pa Family Support Alliance, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 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.