Covington, Louisiana—Since 2022, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Louisiana has worked to promote healthy child development and provide crucial support to children and families throughout the state. This week, Prevent Child Abuse America announced that the PCA Louisiana (PCAL) chapter under the umbrella of VIA LINK successfully completed the national chartering process.
During the chartering site visit, formally titled the “Building Capacity Chartering Process,” Prevent Child Abuse America state chapters undergo an in-depth assessment based on the national office’s comprehensive framework for preventing child abuse and neglect at the national and state levels. The purpose of this process is to maintain the integrity and quality of PCA America’s state chapter network.
“We are grateful to the leaders of PCA Louisiana and their partners across the state for their dedication to PCA America’s prevention framework and making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Louisiana,” said Melissa T. Merrick, PhD, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “Through their efforts in advocacy, public awareness and programs, PCA Louisiana is leading the effort to create the conditions in communities where all children and families have what they need, when they need it. We are honored to have such passionate people carrying out this important work.”
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) operates under the VIA LINK umbrella, a statewide non-profit organization committed to linking the general public to available resources and providing 24/7 support. PCAL is dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. The chapter participates in many statewide task forces and coalitions. With strong partnerships with DCFS, LDH, LCTF, CASA and private foundations, their work includes, but is not limited to mental health support, prevention of ACEs, parental and kinship care needs, advocacy, and training and education. The chapter provides an outstanding leadership role in statewide data gathering, analysis, and dissemination.
“We are honored to serve and support Louisiana families and youth by housing the Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana office at VIA LINK,” noted LaVondra Dobbs, CEO of VIA LINK. “The mission of PCAL is to provide 24/7 emotional support for families, connection to parenting resources, advocacy for children and families, and education for those who care for Louisiana’s children. Please engage with us and learn more about us on our website www.PreventChildAbuseLA.org”
About Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) is the Louisiana affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America. PCAL is housed under VIA LINK, a local 501(C)3 non-profit which serves the state of Louisiana. PCAL programs aim at supporting families and those who care for Louisiana’s children through primary prevention of child abuse. Our programs include: Louisiana Parentline, a 24/7 emotional support and parenting resource line available statewide by dialing 833-LA-CHILD or texting 225-424-1533; Training and Education for parents, schools, and local agencies on topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, crisis intervention, suicide education and response, bullying awareness, and grief; advocacy for children and families, and collaboration and partnership with Louisiana agencies who provide services for children and families. Visit www.PreventChildAbuseLA.org to learn more.
About Prevent Child Abuse America
Founded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America is a national organization with chapters in all 50 states and nearly 600 Healthy Families America home visitation sites throughout the country. It promotes services that improve child well-being and develops programs that help to prevent all types of abuse and neglect. Ninety-four cents of every dollar spent goes directly into programs and services, which is why it is rated as one of the top charities for children by Consumer Reports and charity oversight organizations, including: Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits and GuideStar. Visit www.preventchildabuse.org to learn more.