April Newsletter: You Belong

April Newsletter

Executive Director's Corner

by Claire Louge

You Belong

Over the last several years, the team at PCAAZ has been working to define what the prevention of child abuse and neglect really means – what it looks like, how it happens, and how you can tell it’s working.

At last year’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Conference, we focused on joy – our theme was prevention made visible is joy – in that you can tell prevention is happening when people feel a sense of joy. As I listened to our four amazing keynote speakers, and heard the reflections on the conference experience from our participants, another theme started to take shape. Joy happens when prevention happens, but what makes prevention happen? What makes prevention possible?

Belonging. It came up everywhere. Prevention made visible is joy, but prevention is only possible through belonging. Prevention made possible is belonging.

IMPACT

Pictured: DCS Youth Advocates who truly made the event special with their engagement with the young parents who attended.

Young Parent University: Campfire Conversations & S'More Support

On March 29, Young Parent University (YPU) 2025 gathered 25 teen and young adult parents at the Kroc Center in Phoenix for a day of learning, connection, and encouragement. Inspired by the warmth and camaraderie of a campsite, the event embraced the idea that parenting is its own kind of adventure—full of challenges, surprises, and moments of pure joy. And just like any great camping trip, it’s a whole lot easier (and way more fun) with a strong support team.

The impact was undeniable! Every single survey respondent said they are “Very Likely” to attend Young Parent University in the future. Attendees also shared powerful reflections, including:

“I learned how empathy is key to understanding growing babies.”
“All topics were vital for young parents.”
“I am very thankful for the event. I wish we had something like this for community members in my area.”

Many thanks to the Department of Child Safety Office of Prevention, which helps fund and plan this event each year.

ADVOCACY

State & Federal Policy Briefing Webinar

Children's Action Alliance and Prevent Child Abuse Arizona hosted a state and federal policy briefing to provide updates to our community of partners and supporters.

You can watch the recording to learn more about state legislation and federal proposals impacting children and families, including AHCCCS, SNAP, and more.

This webinar included special guests Edwin Park, Research Professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy’s Center for Children and Families, and Ann-Marie Alameddin, President & CEO at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.

To watch the recording, click the link below and enter the passcode: 6f@a%Cwf

Watch the Recording

Read About the Issue

Digital Action Day

In celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Prevent Child Abuse America chapters across the nation are participating in Digital Action Day on Wednesday, April 9.

This is a great time to use email and social media to contact your legislator about how reducing SNAP and Medicaid will hurt Arizona's economy and families. Leverage the Children's Action Alliance article for persuasive data points to inform legislators.

TODAY IN PREVENTION

Celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month with Us!

Child abuse is not a "bad parent problem." It's a public issue that is solvable and preventable.

How to Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month

Throughout April, we will be sharing tips and reflections on how, together, we can prevent child abuse and neglect. Follow along and share on social media:

Facebook

Read more about what Prevent Child Abuse America has planned for this meaningful month.

As a 501(c)3 organization, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is eligible to receive bequests. Please contact Molly Peterson at molly@pcaaz.org if you would like to discuss including Prevent Child Abuse Arizona in your legacy.

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona can only accept donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations located in the State of Arizona.

Tax ID #86-0832901

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children through collaboration, education, and advocacy. The organization provides research-based prevention services, education and training to help promote strong families and safe, healthy children. For more information, visit pcaaz.org.