July 7, 2023 PA DHS Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting applications for the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants to promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings in order to address child and family well-being and prevent abuse and neglect of children in the Commonwealth. The maximum CTF grant award is $50,000 per year. About the Children’s Trust Fund Grants The mission of the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) is to prevent child abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania. To do this, the CTF Board of Directors funds community-based primary and secondary prevention programs that support families. The CTF was established in December 1988 by Act 1988-151. It operates under the administration of the CTF Board and is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a dual deputate of the Department of Human Services (DHS) the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Funds for the CTF are generated from a $10 surcharge on all applications for marriage licenses and divorce complaints. These surcharges are paid into a special non-lapsing fund. Interest, donations and federal funds also contribute to the CTF. The CTF is dedicated to funding community-based programs to prevent child abuse and neglect. Since its inception, the CTF has invested more than $37 million through 295 grants. See the list of current grantees. The CTF also supports the work of the Pennsylvania Strengthening Families Leadership Team. How to Apply Application details and forms are available at the eMarketPlace website. Each Applicant must submit one complete copy of the Submittal via email to ra-pwrfaquestions@pa.gov. The subject line of the email must indicate “RFA 13-23 Application”. Applications are due by 10 a.m. on July 31, 2023. Please refer to the eMarketplace listing for any changes regarding the deadline. Organizations can view the bid online. Awarded contracts are posted to eMarketplace after they become fully executed. Questions? If you have a question, send an email to Robin Lease at RAPWRFAQUESTIONS@PA.GOV. All emails should include the subject line “RFA #13-23 Question” and must be submitted by July 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. Written answers will be posted on the eMarketPlace website on July 21, 2023.
April 7, 2020 Attending to Risks for Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19 Pandemic Families caring for young children during this time with little outside social support or respite can be at risk for an increase in harsh disciplinary practices, abuse, or neglect. If you are an early learning professional, join Zero to Three on April 29 for their webinar, “Attending to Risks of Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Early Childhood Educators.” About Recent protocols around social distancing and sheltering in place have created substantial changes in family lifestyles and professional practice. For some families, staying home together has had positive impacts on their quality of time together, strengthening relationships. For many families, this social isolation is also coupled with anxiety around health concerns and financial security. Objectives During this webinar, early childhood educators will learn the following: how to assess and address risks and signs of abuse and neglect in an early childhood education setting while simultaneously adjusting protocols specific to COVID-19 in these settings; how to maintain relationships through virtual contacts when programs are closed and assess risk through virtual interactions; the importance of reflective practice for early childhood educators who are often facing many of their own individual and family challenges during this time; and about resources specific to early childhood education. Register To register, visit the event webpage.
