As we reflect on the impact of our programs in 2017, it’s an important time for us to gather new data about children and families in our communities. One of our favorite resources for statistics is Voices for Virginia’s Children, especially their links to the Kids Count Data Center, a project of the Annie E. Casey […]
This past week, SCAN’s Allies in Prevention Coalition hosted a Darkness to Light supplemental training and panel discussion at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library in Alexandria. More than 40 service providers came from around Northern Virginia for the meeting. What subject drew so many people? The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. The short video training from Darkness […]
A recent report by The Children’s Advocacy Institute and First Star entitled “Shame on U.S.” puts the blame equally on all three branches of the U.S. government when it comes to failing to protect children from abuse and neglect: “Each branch of our federal government plays an integral role in the child welfare system, and […]
The newest data from Kids Count, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is nothing short of staggering. There are so many factors to consider when service providers are trying to use best practices to help children grow up in safe, stable, nurturing homes. Or, when granting organizations and foundations are trying to determine […]
The research on child abuse and neglect continues to develop every year. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC) recently released an update to a 1993 report on the state of child welfare research. The new report, New Directions in Child Abuse and Neglect Research, focuses on child abuse and neglect as […]
Imagine a preschool child who has great fun on the school playground but every time he hears the teacher say it is time to go back inside, he tends to go the other direction. He’s hard to “corral” back into the building and then has trouble concentrating or focusing on the next activity. His teachers […]
This is the third post in a series of three from SCAN’s CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program, written by Lindsay Warner Ferrer. Lindsay is a CASA Case Supervisor and was previously a trained volunteer with the program. One of the best ways to prevent abuse and neglect is through home visiting programs for new […]
Today’s guest blogger is Kim Fiske, a longtime supporter and current Board Member of SCAN. Kim’s perspective on SCAN’s change and growth over the years is valuable, but it’s her personal connections and networking that we find especially uplifting. She is an individual who has put her heart into her commitment to SCAN on many levels, […]
This is the first post in a series of three from SCAN’s CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program, written by Lindsay Warner Ferrer. Lindsay is a CASA Case Supervisor and was previously a trained volunteer with the program. What do you envision when you think of an abused or neglected child? A school-aged child with […]
Our guest blogger today is Ana Lucia Lico, a member of SCAN’s Board whose story with SCAN actually begins in a parenting class more than five years ago, as a mother searching for support and resources to raise her young children. In addition to her role on the Board, Ana is a member of SCAN’s 25th Anniversary Planning […]
Today’s guest blogger is Christine Calpin, a member of SCAN’s Board of Directors and Chair of its Legislative & Advocacy Committee. With SCAN’s most ambitious year of advocacy ahead of us, she shares valuable updates on our policy agenda as well as ways SCAN supporters can learn more and stay involved in 2013. It’s nice to know these […]
While we know that sexual abuse is a widespread problem, we also know that certain factors put particular children at risk. The risk of sexual abuse increases when children live with step-parents, a single parent and for those children who live with a single parent who has a live-in partner. Children who witness or are […]
This week’s guest blogger is Mary Kudless, a longtime member of SCAN’s Board of Directors and new Board President: After several years of serving as an active Board member, I was elected by my peers to serve as President of the SCAN Board through June 30, 2013. This is a great honor and—more importantly—a responsibility to […]
As the school year comes to an end and summer approaches, children will begin to adjust to new schedules and different people in their daily lives. The structured classroom setting will give way to the new challenges and experiences that summer often offers. Older youth may get jobs, attend overnight camps or spend more time […]
Do you know who is required to report child abuse? Do you know how quickly it must be reported? In Virginia, beginning on July 1, 2012, the law is changing regarding mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. A mandated reporter is one who meets the following requirements: Any person, 18 years of age or […]
A report — on the road — from SCAN’s Community Educator Sharon Crilly: In the last full week of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, SCAN participated in a Prevent-a-thon and held its first Darkness to Light class at a faith-based site in Loudoun County! The class provided an opportunity for 9 church staff members to become educated about […]
This week’s guest blogger is SCAN Board Member Nancy Hall. Nancy attended last week’s Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon, and reflects on the inspiring words — and actions — of Keynote Speaker Judge Stephen Rideout. “Each of you has an idea of how to prevent child abuse and improve outcomes for families.” Judge Stephen Rideout, formerly […]
This week’s post is straight from the desk of our Development Director, Karen Price. She’s been busy in recent weeks working with local businesses who’ve signed up to be Pinwheel Partners. Interested in where she’s been and why she’s carrying all of those blue pinwheels? Read on! Watching the Amazing Race contestants this week carting […]
If you’ve ever been involved with SCAN, chances are you know who Dave Cleary is. More than 20 years ago, Dave founded SCAN in the basement (yes, the basement) of his home in Old Town Alexandria. But his connection with the issues of child abuse and neglect as well as its cost to the community […]
You’ve probably listened to the voice of Lori Brooks while sitting in morning traffic or driving the kids to school. One half of the popular Loo & Lori morning show on WASH-FM, Lori has now also offered her voice to support SCAN’s work to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community. Lori recently taped 3 […]
He’s a local celebrity. He’s a dad. And he just happens to be a friend of SCAN, too. We’ve watched him on the ABC7 evening news for years, but we didn’t meet him in person until he emceed our Child Abuse Prevention Month kick-off event last year where he–literally–gave out his email address to all 200 […]
Navigating the ins and outs of the court system, families, teachers, doctors and all the people involved in a child’s life can be daunting, but we recently had the opportunity to celebrate someone who makes it look easy – Ann Caulkins, one of our CASA Program staff members. Ann volunteered with SCAN’s CASA Program for 5 […]