August Newsletter: We are the Architects of Our Future

August 2025 Newsletter

We Are the Architects of Our Future

by Claire Louge

Being together at our Child Abuse Prevention Conference last month filled me with so much hope and determination – feelings that are particularly necessary to cultivate in these times.

I felt the power of being around so many people who care about children and families, and who understand that caring for one another is the only way we can collectively thrive. Although change, uncertainty, and conflict are ever-present in our world, being together affirmed something that buoys my grit:

People who care are wildly adaptable and courageous. And that adaptability and courage will design our future.

IMPACT

Prevention Made Possible is Belonging:

Nearly 1,000 Attendees Connect and Collaborate at

the 31st AZ Child Abuse Prevention Conference

The 31st annual Arizona Child Abuse Prevention Conference on July 29 and 30 featured a record-breaking turnout, with nearly 1,000 participants coming together for an event centered on belonging.

For two days, attendees were asked to lean into the idea that Prevention Made Possible is Belonging. In big and small ways, participants explored the idea of belongingness – from making meaningful connections with other attendees to contributing to the event’s photo mosaic wall, which served as a beautiful reminder that each participant has a place here.

TODAY IN PREVENTION

Check out the summer edition of the Family Justice Journal!

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when families are truly supported, the Family Justice Journal is for you. This powerful publication challenges harmful policies and practices, uplifts bold ideas, and paints a vision of a future in which communities – not systems – are the foundation of support.

Born out of years of listening to families, youth, and caregivers across the country, the journal continues the work that began at the U.S. Children’s Bureau under the leadership of David Kelly and Jerry Milner. Today, it brings together community voices, public institutions, and changemakers to reimagine how we invest in families – starting with trust, culture, and care.

Read the summer edition of the Family Justice Journal here.

ADVOCACY

Got 30 seconds?

Stand for prevention!

Right now, Congress is making big decisions about funding programs that impact children and families—and we need your voice. With just a few clicks, you can urge your legislators to prioritize investments in child abuse prevention.

These investments – like Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants and efforts to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and child sexual abuse – are proven to strengthen families and communities before a crisis happens. Prevention works. But it only works if we fund it.

Tell Congress Prevention is Essential

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.