Prevent Child Abuse New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was founded in 1980, as the Federation on Child Abuse and Neglect, by a network of county child abuse task forces with assistance from Cornell University's Family Life Development Center and start-up funding from the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation. In 1982 the agency became the New York chapter of National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The organization’s name was changed to Prevent Child Abuse New York in 1999, when the national name was changed to Prevent Child Abuse America.

• All children have the right to have their basic needs met.
• Prevention is the best way to keep children from harm.
• Child abuse prevention means strengthening families.
• Prevention is the responsibility of the individual, the family and the community.

Our vision is that all children live in families that love, nurture and protect them.

As the New York Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, we are united with similar organizations nationwide.

Why Prevent Child Abuse New York Exists

A statewide commitment to prevent child abuse in all its forms is our singular mission. We promote and initiate efforts to develop, improve and expand quality services and effective policies to prevent child abuse and neglect and to protect all children.

Child abuse stymies a child's normal growth and development, is costly for our society, and contributes to other significant social problems. Children who survive abuse suffer from a wide range of problems that emerge as mental disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and juvenile and adult crime. The consequences are wide-ranging and affect us all.

• More than 70,000 New York State children are abused and neglected every year.
• Nearly 100 of them die; most of these children are less than 5 years old.
• Child abuse and neglect stymie children’s normal growth and development and lead to life-long health and mental health problems.
• Child abuse and neglect lead to other social problems, like substance abuse, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, adult crime.
• The cost to our state exceeds $2 billion a year.

Prevent Child Abuse New York provides leadership for child abuse prevention activities in the state of New York.

We work with state and local officials to develop laws and programs that protect more children from abuse. We train thousands of volunteers and professionals to fight abuse. We offer guidance and information to communities and groups starting their own prevention programs. And, we help people in need find parenting courses, support groups, medical and legal aid and abuse treatment.

Through a network of affiliated partner organizations and individual volunteers, Prevent Child Abuse New York works in communities in all parts of the state, uniting local citizens to promote local prevention services.

• Increase understanding of the problem of child abuse and its solutions.
• Serve as a resource for families, individuals and organizations.
• Foster a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention.
• Advocate for expanded and improved prevention polices and programs.