PITTSBURGH, April 2, 2009 – State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) today joined representatives of Allegheny County’s Child Advocacy Center – A Child’s Place – to announce the launch of a new website to assist individuals working with child abuse victims, both caregivers and advocates.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Pennsylvania and we use this opportunity to recognize those who work to treat and prevent child abuse in Pennsylvania, but also urge all Pennsylvanians to do their part in preventing the tragedy of child abuse,” Fontana said. “The launch of this website provides an important tool for individuals who work with children who are victims of child abuse and to caregivers who believe that there may be abuse in a child’s life.”
Fontana said the website will provide parents, mandated reporters, law enforcement and first responders, child protective services staff, and foster families with access to information, answers to questions about the process, and support, details on the exam and interview process at the Center, and training materials. The site – www.achildsplaceatmercy.org – is live now.
“It’s my hope – and that of A Child’s Place – that this resource will reduce parents’ fears, minimize the anxiety that spills over to their children, and provide them with the information that they need to address the fear of their children,” Fontana said.
The site will serve individuals in Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio in a non-threatening, friendly, and informative manner.