Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state leader in child abuse prevention, and its leading sponsors, including Pennsylvania’s largest credit union, PSECU, launched the nomination period for the 2019 PA Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards yesterday. Recipients will be announced in April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, at ceremonies in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Annual Child Protective Services Report, 40 children in the commonwealth died of child abuse in 2017. A total of 4,693 children were victims of abuse, including 88 children who suffered near-fatal injuries.
“Our vision is for all children to grow and thrive free from abuse and neglect. To make that vision a reality, we need everyone to become a Champion for Safe Kids,” said Angela M. Liddle, MPA, PFSA President and CEO. “If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to put the safety of children first, please nominate them for our prestigious PA Blue Ribbon Champions Awards. It’s a free application, and the nomination process is easy to complete.”
As in years past, PFSA will honor five statewide individuals for their efforts to protect the well-being of children, including two child welfare professionals, two community volunteers, and one media professional. Any individual who has worked or volunteered to protect Pennsylvania children from abuse and neglect is eligible. Media nominees must have covered Pennsylvania child abuse-related issues in 2018. Award recipients will be announced and celebrated at a ceremony on April 3 in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda.
New for 2019, PFSA also will honor one Allegheny County Champion for Safe Kids. Eligible nominees include any professional, volunteer, press member, or media entity whose work focused on children affected by abuse in Allegheny County. A ceremony will be held in Pittsburgh on April 10 to honor both the award recipient and the child victims of abuse.
2019 PFSA PA Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards nomination forms, criteria, and instructions are available at pablueribbonchampion.org/
“At PSECU, we’re committed to helping build a community that is safe, healthy, and vibrant for everyone to enjoy. That’s why we’re so proud to be a sponsor of Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance’s PA Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “By honoring these local heroes, we’re raising awareness of a serious issue and showing everyone across the state that there are many ways they can contribute to protecting the welfare and well-being of our children.”
Additionally, during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, PFSA will plant small flags bearing the blue child abuse awareness ribbon in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh in remembrance of victims of child abuse.