(SARASOTA, FL, 05/092023) The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) was selected as the recipient of a $10,000 grant by the Harold & Jacqueline Bladel Charitable Trust. This funding will support the nonprofit’s Personal Safety & Community Awareness Program (PSCA).
PSCA provides primary prevention and educational programs on child abuse and maltreatment throughout Sarasota County with an upcoming expansion into DeSoto County. During these workshops, children learn strategies to effectively respond to threats of physical or sexual abuse, abduction, bullying, or dangers online. In addition to prevention education for children, PSCA educators provide training for professionals in the school system, healthcare, and childcare on a variety of personal safety topics. Trainings cover Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse, Indicators and Impacts of Child Sexual Abuse, Responses to a Disclosure, Bullying Prevention, and Internet Safety. “These programs educate professionals and community members who interact with children about reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect, fulfilling the legal and moral responsibilities all Florida citizens to report suspicions and ultimately reduce risk to our children,” explained Doug Staley, CPC’s Executive Director.
This grant is a continuation of generous support from the Charitable Trust, which in recent years enabled PSCA to adapt services and continue educating the community throughout COVID-19. The Personal Safety Team successfully reaches over 50,000 individuals with prevention education on a yearly basis.
The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & Treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida, and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.