Harrisburg, Pa.– Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state’s leader in child abuse prevention, in partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, today awarded Joanne Godfrey with the PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids (BRCSK) 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.

Godfrey is a Family Advocate at the Children’s Aid Society – The Lehman Center and has worked at the agency for the past 37 years. She will retire from her position in June.

“I am grateful that we get to send Joanne off toward retirement by recognizing her as a PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids,” said Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PFSA. “Her career has led to an immeasurable impact on more families in York County than can be counted, and we are forever grateful to her for the unique way she has cared for others in her community.”

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

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.

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About Pa Family Support Alliance

Pa Family Support Alliance, in partnership with 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.