This month, the CSC Family Support Team is highlighting National Child Abuse Prevention Month through the lens of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors. In this issue, we focus on how programs can move from awareness to action by offering practical strategies to embed prevention into everyday practice, strengthen families, and build supportive communities.
You’ll also find opportunities to engage with partners across the Commonwealth, along with upcoming events and resources to support your work. If you’re looking to deepen your learning, we invite you to join us at the Strengthening Families Conference this May, where these concepts come to life through shared learning and collaboration. Please contact the Family Support Team for more information if you are interested in registering.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect across Pennsylvania.
Be well,
The Family Support Team at Center for Schools and Communities
Elevating Protective Factors During National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize that building strong families is the heart of prevention. Across Pennsylvania, family support programs and their staff play a significant role in fostering the supports children need to succeed. This month provides programs the opportunity to highlight the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework through visible actions that demonstrate a commitment to families.
In addition to focusing on awareness, April can be the time to highlight the strategies that work, such as family-centered and relationship-focused services, early intervention, and community partnerships that strengthen family stability and reduce stress.
Meaningful engagement ideas for programs and their staff to implement
1. Promote the Protective Factors in everyday messaging
Spotlight a Protective Factor each week.
Post weekly social media graphics and tips.
Share short success stories.
2. Participate in pinwheel or blue-ribbon campaigns
Encourage staff to wear blue on designated awareness days.
Collaborate with community partners to host a pinwheel or blue-ribbon event.
3. Host a community conversation workshop
Host a “Building Resilience in Families” discussion with community partners.
4. Share support and resource guides
Creating or resharing a county-specific resource list.
Share information about referral pathways with early intervention and parent support services.
5. Engage with community partners
Hold community forums on strengthening families.
Co-host social media campaigns.
Joint proclamations recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
6. Elevate staff voices
Feature a “Day in the Life” spotlight on a staff member.
Share brief reflections on how relationship-based work strengthens families.
Awareness to Action
This month is not just about creating awareness; it is also about sharing the Protective Factors in meaningful ways. By promoting strengths, building partnerships, and spotlighting supports, all family support programs can reinforce the message about prevention. This prevention thrives in every neighborhood when families are consistently empowered and supported.
“National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Child Welfare Information Gateway, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Family Support Webinar
Cultivating Hope: Learning from the Bester Community of Hope in Maryland
Wednesday, April 15 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Keith Fanjoy, President and CEO of San Mar Family and Community Services
Join Keith Fanjoy, President and CEO of San Mar Family and Community Services, as he discusses the philosophy and history of the Bester Community of Hope, a successful family support and prevention program. Hear about how this place-based service strategy has grown over time and has been embraced by families in the South End neighborhood of Hagerstown, Maryland. Learn about their culture of unconditional care and how they are improving outcomes for children and families.
Recognize Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance
Beginning on April 1, 2026, the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) will hold events in recognition of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Check out PFSA's website to learn more about the Blue Ribbon Champions for Kids, the Spotlight Speaker Series, and how you are involved!
Join us at the CTF Grantee Annual Meeting
The CTF Grantee Annual Meeting will be held on May 5, 2026, in conjunction with the 2026 Pennsylvania Strengthening Families Conference. Current grantees should plan to attend. If you are a past grantee and are interested in attending, please contact Rijelle Kraft, rkraft@csc.csiu.org.
Parents as Teachers Place
April is the National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Several of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) outcomes include partnering with families to prevent child abuse and neglect and improve positive parenting practices. The Strengthening Families™ approach and protective factors framework is embedded in the (PAT) model, which helps home visitors support families and prevent child abuse and neglect throughout the year. During the month of April, family support professionals can plan events and prepare activities to help educate families about child abuse prevention.
Source:
Parents as Teachers National Center. (2025). 2025-2028 Strategic Framework.
Preteens and teens benefit both physically and mentally from participating in sports; however, it can be frustrating to be sidelined with an injury, especially if that injury could have been prevented. Here are a few tips to keep your kids safe, so they’re not away from the sports they love.
Top Safety Tips
Before playing organized sports, make sure your child receives a pre-participation physical exam, or PPE, performed by a doctor, or a nurse practitioner or qualified clinician under the supervision of a physician. Whoever performs the exam, the same practices should be followed, including the need for a medical history.
