February 7, 2008
MEDIA RELEASE: Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia
West Virginia Lawmakers want to hear from WV Youth: YouTube Forum with Legislators to be held at Children’s Day at the Legislature 2008

The youth of West Virginia are invited to send their thoughts and questions to their West Virginia lawmakers as part of an innovative new project organized by Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia (PCAWV).

On February 13, 2008, there will be a session at the opening of the annual “Children’s Day at the Legislature,” featuring these YouTube videos, and Legislators have been invited to respond to questions.

“West Virginia’s youth have a lot to say,” Jim McKay, State Coordinator of PCAWV commented. “This event will give them an opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers who should be hearing, and acting on, their concerns.”

Even if an interested young person is unable to send in a video by the February 10 deadline for the event at “Children’s Day,” they are still invited to join the “PCAWV YouTube Group” and send in their submissions. These videos may be used at a later date.

The press is invited to cover the event which will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on February 13 in the State Cultural Center at the Capitol. The Forum will be moderated by Beth Vorhees, host of WV Public Broadcasting’s “The Legislature Today.”

Download the complete media release
Go to the PCAWV YouTube page

January 29, 2008
MEDIA RELEASE: Prevent Child Abuse America
Child Abuse and Neglect Costs Nation Over $100 Billion per Year; Most Federal Funds Unavailable for Prevention Services and Supports

WASHINGTON, DC – An economic impact analysis released today estimates the costs of child abuse and neglect to society were nearly $104 billion last year, and a companion report highlights the unavailability of federal child welfare funding for programs and services known to be effective at reducing incidences of child abuse and neglect. While the economic costs associated with child abuse and neglect rose to a staggering $103.8 billion in 2007, merely ten percent of federal money dedicated for child welfare, approximately $741.9 million, can currently be used to prevent child abuse and neglect from occurring by strengthening families.

Download the complete media release
Download the report

January 28, 2008
MEDIA RELEASE: Partners in Community Outreach
Report Shows In-Home Family Education is a Proven Strategy for Protecting Children, Reducing State’s Rising Costs by Saving $250 Million Per Year

Partners in Community Outreach recently released a report “A Call to Strengthen Families and Protect Children” that describes the long-term impact of negative childhood experiences in both human and financial costs. The report endorses In-Home Family Education, community-based programs that provide support and education to families of young children in their homes, as a proven method for protecting children and reducing costs, which are projected to continue to rise.

Download the complete media release

Listen to the Telephone Press Conference

Includes comments from:
- Sister Janet Peterworth, ABLE Families, Mingo County
- Jim McKay, Prevent Child Abuse WV
- Jennifer Pettit, Parent