October Newsletter: A New Theory of Change for Primary Prevention

October Newsletter

The Prevent Child Abuse Arizona team would like to express gratitude for our board of directors and introduce the members who have joined this year. Board members are volunteers who protect the ability of the nonprofits they serve to do good. They work behind the scenes, making sure the organization has a meaningful and needed mission, enough money to work toward that mission, and the right leader to rally people around that mission. We’re grateful for our board of directors, who are not only individually extraordinary people, but are also supportive thought leaders who deeply care about preventing abuse and neglect by strengthening families. Thank you to our board – and to all the people who give of their time, treasure, and energy to support something bigger than themselves!

Learn More about our Board

PCAAZ Board Members Who Joined this Year

Trevor Umphress

Executive Director

Arizona Child and Family Advocacy Network

Ashely Dickerson

Senior Program Manager

National Center for Youth Law - FosterEd Arizona

Stephanie Chavez

Program Coordinator

Court Appointed Special Advocates

Richard Weiss

Retired Judicial Officer

Byron Jackson

Founder

Jackson's Youth & Family Services

Michael Powell

Deputy County Attorney

Cochise County

IMPACT

Reflective Leadership in Action: Empathy Can Shift Perspectives

In prevention, we frequently reflect on the Maya Angelou quote, “When you know better, you do better.” This phrase is meant to dispel shame and inspire families and organizations. Self-reflection is essential to identifying opportunities to improve, all while having compassion for ourselves and others when we learn our previous methods weren’t working.

One of our valuable partners in our work experienced this shift in perspective herself. Quinci Castleberry of Yavapai County is instrumental in the Infant-Toddler Court Team implementation program Best for Babies, as well as the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. After reading PCAAZ's August Director’s Corner, “To Force is to Break,” she shared her own epiphany that came with deeper understanding . . .

If you’d like to share a lightbulb moment that changed how you serve families, please email molly@pcaaz.org.

ADVOCACY

Read the White House Statement

Child Poverty Rising as Child Tax Credit Expansion Efforts Lag

September's US Census report shows a historic increase in poverty in 2022 driven by the expiration of pandemic assistance, including the American Rescue Plan’s Child Tax Credit expansion, according to the Census’ Supplemental Poverty Measure. Overall poverty and child poverty rose in 2022 by the largest amount on record. This dramatic increase in child poverty, by 7.2 percentage points, contrasts sharply with the historic reduction from previous Child Tax Credit expansions.

TODAY IN PREVENTION

A Theory of Change for Prevention

Our vision is a world in which all children and families live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future. How do we achieve that vision? Prevent Child Abuse America captures its strategy in a Theory of Change.

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

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.