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Leaning In
by Claire Louge
A month ago, I decided to join a self-defense workshop at the Healthy Families Institute that we produced in partnership with the DCS Office of Prevention. I know very little about physical self-defense, but I’ve always admired the discipline of those who practice martial arts. At the workshop, we learned a simple technique on how to free ourselves from an aggressor. We practiced (gently) on each other.
It was fun, but it wasn’t intuitive. Our instructor Scott explained that if someone is grabbing you, your first impulse is typically to pull away, but that pulling away actually gives the aggressor more leverage. The way to throw off the aggressor is actually to first lean in. Leaning in gives you the leverage to free yourself.
I couldn’t help but see a broader metaphor . . .
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People who work with families need support to do their jobs well. That’s why, every June, Strong Families AZ, in collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, the DCS Office of Prevention, and First Things First, produce a Home Visiting Supervisors Institute to give home visiting leaders the tools to best support their teams.
This year, 60 early childhood home visiting program supervisors attended a two-day intensive institute on the SLII Experience™, a program by leadership development organization Blanchard. SLII® equips leaders to build critical skills faster and develop meaningful connection with coworkers and clients that create exponential impact. It also teaches how to adapt their leadership style to meet the supervisee's development level for maximum effectiveness.
“There isn't just one leadership style. We need to adjust our leadership style to meet the needs of our employees,” said one participant.
“I better understand how to lead in a way that meets staff where they are so they get the most out of my support,” said another.
Leadership matters in the system of family support. With the right tools, supervisors can uplift their teams so that their teams can best strengthen Arizona’s families.
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Arizona family support leaders Jennifer Argyros (AZFRN), Claire Louge (PCA Arizona), and Mollie Bailey (First Things First) spent time on Capitol Hill in May 2025 speaking to legislators about the impact of Family Resource Centers, which help strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever happens. | | |
Cutting Medicaid and SNAP harms children.
When policymakers invest in Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), rates of child abuse and neglect fall. When policymakers cut Medicaid and SNAP, we can expect to see rates of child abuse and neglect increase.
PCA Arizona, along with 26 other chapters of Prevent Child Abuse America, signed onto a letter urging the United States Senate to protect children by rejecting cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
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H.R. 1 Implications
Curious how the passing of H.R. 1 could impact child welfare? The Children’s Welfare League of America breaks it down in a clear and timely analysis. Their summary outlines what the bill means for the field—and what updates to expect in the weeks ahead.
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Arizona State Budget Wins for Children
On June 27, Arizona’s Governor and a bipartisan group of legislators came together to pass the state budget, which went into effect July 1.
Our friends at Children’s Action Alliance put together a great synopsis on the budget’s wins for children and families – including the biggest investment in childcare in 15 years - and what we need to focus on moving forward.
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Resilient Hearts Symposium
Join Free Arts for their annual Resilient Hearts Symposium, bringing together partners, mentors, volunteers, artists, educators, and youth-serving agencies. This unique one-day event features plenary learning sessions, breakout sessions, and expressive art experiences. The symposium is Saturday, August 16, 2025, with tickets at $159.
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Power of Prevention
National Conference is in Portland this August
Registration for the 2025 Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference is open!
Convening in Portland, Oregon from August 12-14, 2025, this year’s conference, themed "Power of Prevention," promises to inspire, connect, and empower everyone dedicated to creating brighter futures for children and families! Register now to join changemakers from across the country for three powerful days of sharing strategies, sparking connections, and strengthening the future of prevention—together.
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See you at the Arizona CAP Conference!
In a few weeks, 1,000 child well-being professionals, parents and caregivers will convene for Arizona’s largest Child Abuse Prevention Conference to date!
All registration and exhibitor spots are officially sold out — a testament to the power of prevention and community.
An event of this scale simply wouldn't be possible without the support of our sponsors:
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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
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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.
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