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Messiah has been, and continues to be proud supporters of the Parker County Child Protective Services Board. PCCPSB is a non-profit organization that coordinates resources, programing, and volunteers to support the immediate and ongoing needs of children taken into CPS care in Parker County. 

We join PCCPSB in recognizing  April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Prevention month activities are implemented in partnership with our National Child Abuse Prevention Partner Organizations, the Federal Inter-Agency Work Group on Child Abuse and Neglect and families with lived expertise

NCAPM and other Federal child abuse-related activities are authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). CAPTA provides funding to States to support prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. It also provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including American Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, for demonstration programs and projects. About CAPTA: A Legislative History provides more information about this important legislation.

Each of us can take part in the work of prevention by noticing and reporting signs of neglect and abuse. Visit the Texas Department of Family Services website for information on how to spot signs of neglect and abuse, and, in the case of suspected abuse, contact the hotline 1-800-252-5400. 

At Messiah, and within the ELCA, we acknowledge that congregations and denominations in the U.S. have been slow or negligent in addressing abuse and misconduct within our own institutions. The church should be a place where all people, especially children, are protected from abuse and violence. At Messiah, it is our policy that adult leaders working with children undergo background checks and training through Safe Gatherings. Furthermore, the ELCA expects all lay leaders and clergy to act as mandated reporters regardless of state exemptions. Messiah members are encouraged to learn the signs of abuse and to report suspected abuse immediately in all contexts, including within our own congregation or any other ELCA-related ministry. In addition to reporting suspected abuse or misconduct within the church to civil authorities, you can find information on the ELCA website about how to report misconduct to our ecclesiastical authorities.  
Through awareness, education, and vigilance, we can work together to safeguard God’s beloved children.