In 2019, data showing the child abuse rate in Florida steadily declining proved that local and state-wide efforts to prevent and respond to abuse are working. While the trend is encouraging, community partners want that number to be zero. A major investment from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and support from other donors will provide the Child Protection Center (CPC) an opportunity to strengthen the system of care for abused children and increase prevention and education programming. The longest running program of its kind in the state, CPC’s Personal Safety and Community Awareness Program (PSCA) includes age-appropriate safety workshops for children that cover topics such as sexual abuse prevention, internet safety, and abduction prevention training. The program also targets parents, caregivers and teachers on positive parenting techniques, identifying abuse, indicators and impacts of sexual abuse, and safe internet practices. Currently, the program serves students from preschool to high school at 34 schools in Sarasota County. $300,000 over two years in funds from Barancik Foundation will be used to expand workshops to other youth-serving organizations, childcare professionals, and the greater community at-large. The organization plans to produce more educational materials to distribute at the workshops and community presentations. New curriculum will also focus on the ever-changing world of technology, including social media safety, cyber-stalking, and online bullying. For more information on the Child Protection Center, Inc. and the Personal Safety Program, contact Sheila Miller, VP of Philanthropy, at 941-365-1277 x111.

For more information on the Barancik Foundation