MACA
Massachusetts Children's Alliance Newsletter
Fall 2012  
With kids returning to schools across Massachusetts, it is an important time to learn the signs of abuse. Caregivers should be aware of the signs of abuse as children enter new schools and activities.  Educators are mandated by law to report suspected abuse, and should be aware of signs that a child may have been abused or neglected over the summer.

Learn the signs, and if you suspect a child has been abused, contact the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. 

The Children's Trust Fund of Massachusetts released an updated manual to all schools in the Commonwealth. Read more here.
Newsflash Newsflash
> Pennsylvania District Attorneys requested that a portion of the $60 million in fines Penn State has been ordered to pay by the NCAA should go to Children's Advocacy Centers.  More on the story here. 

> National Children's Alliance (NCA) Executive Director, Teresa Huizar, writes about trends in federal expenditure on child services and how to "Fund the Future."  Read the full text here.

> Olympic gold medalist in judo Kayla Harrison was featured in the Boston Globe.  She spoke out about sexual abuse by a previous coach: "Hopefully someday, somewhere, I can make a difference if I can talk one girl into coming out or into saying something." Read more here.
CAChighlights CAC Highlights
> Berkshire County Kids' Place raised $25k with recent Jimmy Ride Fundraiser, and launches new website: www.kidsplaceonline.org 
 
> Essex CAC achieved public charity status, continues with development, and will conduct community trainings and outreach.

> Norfolk Advocates for Children will participate in the 2012 Rodman Ride for Kids, on Saturday, September 29. For more info, click here.  
 
> CAC of Plymouth County held a successful golf tournament, is planning their biannual training on child abuse and mandated reporting, and welcomes new forensic interviewer, Wendy Craffey!   
 
> Polaris Project named Massachusetts "Most Improved" for efforts to address human trafficking and recognized MA as one of only 11 states with a Safe Harbor law to protect minors. Congratulations to the CAC of Suffolk County and the SEEN Coalition for all their work to help child victims of commercial sexual exploitation.  Read more here.

> Children's Cove: The Cape & Islands CAC, held their 12th Annual Children's Cove Conference on Child Sexual Abuse!

MACA is privileged to have 11 Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in our membership. 
EventsFall events: Save the Date
> October 18: CAC of Bristol County Grand Opening. 9AM-6PM.
Fall River, MA. More information here. 

>  November 16: Hope Blooms Event for the CAC of Suffolk County. Boston, MA. More information here.   
OneWithCourage One With Courage
One with Courage Static Logo
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Only 1 in 10 will tell.
 MACA One With Courage (English)

In April, MACA launched the One With Courage campaign across Massachusetts. The national campaign focuses on the courage it takes to talk about child sexual abuse, and asks the Commonwealth:
Are you One With Courage?

Learn more here or
read our press release.      

Did you catch the PSA or see a billboard? Tell us on Facebook! 
In This Issue
Newsflash
Save the Date
One With Courage
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Our Mission
The mission of the Massachusetts Children's Alliance is a membership organization that promotes an integrated, multidisciplinary team response to child abuse. We are committed to strengthening collaboration and fostering systemic and societal change to protect children. Through support of member organizations, the Chapter ensures that children and their families have access to high quality, comprehensive, specialized and culturally competent services of a Children's Advocacy Center.