Being a parent today is an awesome responsibility. The lives of many parents are pressure-filled, due to the effects of the economy, social isolation, marital challenges, domestic violence, chemical dependency, and last but not least, by the lack of parenting skills and tools needed to raise a child. All of these factors increase the potential for a child to be maltreated.
The mission of the public education program of The Vincent J. Fontana Center is to empower concerned families and parents, local communities and the general public to help us in our work of protecting children from abuse and neglect.
There are practical measures and effective programs that can help ease the multiple challenges that can lead to child abuse. Keeping children safe is a community responsibility, and prevention should be a community task. Every segment of society must be involved—including parents themselves. Parents need to ask for help in controlling violent behavior; communities must be willing to fund programs and services to protect children from abuse by helping their parents; and the media needs to raise public awareness of the availability of programs and services in the community that will ensure the health and well being of our families.
Interested in receiving updated information about The Vincent J. Fontana Center programs and activities?
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Can you spot the warning signs of child abuse? Download our brochure and help us keep our children safe.
The Fontana Center offers public tours of the Education Exhibit on Child Abuse Prevention. The 45-minute guided tour contains:
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Statistics and information about the prevention of child abuse and neglect
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An extensive art exhibit from children throughout New York State who have suffered abuse, neglect or maltreatment
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A multi-faceted approach to understanding child abuse and the effects it has on children and families
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A detailed timeline of child welfare policy and legislation
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Overview of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect
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An historic look at how The New York Foundling has been keeping children and families safe since 1869
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A comprehensive Q&A period with an expert in the field
A conference hall is available for lunch (prior notice is required.) Lesson plans and activities can also be provided upon request to prepare student groups prior to the visit as well as assist teachers with follow-up discussions.
Contact us to book your tour today! Call 212-660-1323.
The Fontana Center is looking for volunteer docents to facilitate public tours. Click here for the full job description and contact information.
The Fontana Center offers opportunities for the public to participate in free community education programs on a regular basis. Please call 212-660-1318 for information on upcoming programs.
Each year, the Fontana Center hosts Child Safety Workshops for children and youth in foster care, ages 5-12, and foster parents. The workshops are conducted by the Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP), a non-profit organization located in New York City. The program uses life-sized puppets to talk to youth about issues of safety and physical and sexual abuse. Concurrent programs for foster parents are scheduled during the day-long event.
The day includes lunch and a group debriefing. Clinical staff is available to address any issues that may arise. For more information, call 212-660-1323
The following organizations share in The Foundling’s mission to protect children:
New York Children’s Services (also known as ACS)
www.nyc.gov/acs
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services protects New York City’s children from abuse and neglect. Along with our community partners, Children’s Services provides neighborhood-based services to help ensure children grow up in safe, permanent homes with strong families.
Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA)
www.cofcca.org
212-929-2626
The Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies is the principal representative for nearly all the voluntary, not-for-profit organizations providing foster care, adoption, family preservation, and special education services in New York State. With 110 member organizations, ranging in size from storefront operations to some of the nation's largest multi-service agencies, COFCCA works with its members and government to ensure quality services for our most vulnerable children - children who have suffered abuse and abandonment and children at-risk
Citizens’ Committee for Children (CCC)
www.cccnewyork.org
212-673-1800
Since 1944, Citizens' Committee for Children of New York, Inc. (CCC) has convened, informed and mobilized New Yorkers to make the city a better place for children. CCC's approach to child advocacy is fact-based and combines the best features of public policy advocacy with a tradition of citizen activism. Casting light on the issues, engaging allies, fueling civic discourse, identifying improvements and envisioning alternatives has helped CCC make children a priority in New York City.
Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
www.cwla.org
703-412-2400
The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. We are committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families, and protecting every child from harm.
Prevent Child Abuse New York
www.preventchildabuseny.org
1-800-CHILDREN
Prevent Child Abuse New York was founded in 1980, as the Federation on Child Abuse and Neglect, by a network of county child abuse task forces. 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.
