We can prevent child abuse by supporting parents. This project will fund a new initiative for parent graduates of Healthy Families America. The group will help train graduates to serve as mentors to new parents and to advocate for family friendly policies in their communities. Healthy Families America reduces child abuse and domestic violence, improves child and maternal health and education outcomes. We serve 70K families annually across the U.S., and this project will expand that impact.
Child abuse and neglect occurs across the country, regardless of income and education, race and region. Every year in the U.S. at least 1 in 7 children experience child abuse or neglect. Exposure to violence early in life is linked to problems later, including increased risk of behavior problems in school, depression, and suicide; and can lead to conditions like heart disease and lung cancer, and a greater chance of homelessness, addiction, and unemployment.
PCA America's signature home visiting program, Healthy Families America, has been found to reduce family violence & crime, increase positive parenting practices, and reduce child maltreatment. The program also improves child health, development & school readiness, and strengthen family economic self-sufficiency. Through this project, we will equip parents with the skills and knowledge to help expand this work, allowing us to reach and help more parents and their children.
Backed by decades of scientific research, HFA delivers a positive return on investment to society and taxpayers through improved health, education, and employment outcomes. HFA reduces mental health, special education and criminal justice costs, as well as dependence on welfare and involvement with child protective services. Taxpayers don't have to pay for expensive long-term interventions, and children and families across the nation get what they need to succeed and thrive.
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