Harrisburg, Pa. (April 1, 2026) — Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state’s leader in child abuse prevention, today awarded Shana Orlic of Westmoreland County 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. Pictures, videos, interviews and short b-roll clips from today’s flag planting and award ceremony can be found here.

Orlic is the ParentWISE Program Supervisor for Wesley Family Services and has worked in the human services field for more than 25 years, supporting parents, children, and families across Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. Since 2012, she has facilitated parenting education programs focused on strengthening families, preventing abuse, and promoting safe, nurturing environments for children. Orlic also brings her expertise into the justice system, teaching parenting classes within the Westmoreland County Prison and serving families involved with Westmoreland County Family Court. Trained in numerous evidence-based parenting curricula, she is widely recognized for her ability to connect with families, empower caregivers, and create lasting positive change for children and communities.

“Shana’s work exemplifies the heart of prevention,” said Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PFSA. “Through her compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to parents and caregivers, she strengthens families and helps create safer, healthier environments for children. Shana’s impact is felt not only by the families she serves, but across the entire community, and we are proud to honor her as a Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids.”

In honor of this accomplishment, PFSA and Laval Miller-Wilson, Deputy Secretary, Office of Children, Youth & Families for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recognized Orlic in front of a packed audience of lawmakers, members of the media, child advocates, and students in the Capitol Rotunda. Pictures and short b-roll clips from today’s ceremony can be found here.

PFSA was joined by Deputy Secretary Miller-Wilson, Chief Deputy Attorney General Angela Sperrazza, and local and state elected officials during today’s ceremony, which kicks off National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, PFSA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 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.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ most recent Annual Child Protective Services Report shows there were 4,756 confirmed cases of child abuse statewide, including 60 fatalities and 82 near-fatalities.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call Childline at 1-800-832-0313 or visit https://dhs.pa.gov/reportabuse.

Media Contact: Thom Casey, [email protected], (717) 514-5759

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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.