Prevention

Iowa’s future depends on the safety and well-being of its children. Together, community members and organizations can help ensure safe and nurturing childhoods for youth, leading to a more prosperous society tomorrow..

Below you will find detailed information on the various programs and initiatives where we are currently focused, including how they align with the protective factors framework.

If there is an area you don’t see here, we encourage you to contact us or one of our local partners using the link at the bottom of this page.

If you suspect child abuse is happening to someone you know, call the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1.800.362.2178. You don’t have to wait for abuse to occur to involve DHS—they provide resources for parental support.

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Areas of Focus

  • Child Abuse Prevention

    Learn why it is important for families to bond with their children, gain parenting skills and manage stress.

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  • Sexual Abuse Prevention

    Learn how to recognize and prevent sexual abuse, how to report it or where to seek treatment for victims.

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  • Responsible Fatherhood

    Read about programming that proactively engages fathers in their children's lives.

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  • Infant and Children’s Mental Health

    Learn how cultivating children’s social and emotional development is critical to overall well-bring.

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  • Connections Matter

    Trauma-informed practices prevent toxic stress from affecting health later in life. See how Iowa is putting them into action.

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  • Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAPP)

    APP is an evidence-based pregnancy prevention curriculum for schools and organizations. Learn how it operates.

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  • Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program (ICAPP)

    ICAPP funds a broad set of local abuse prevention initiatives. Learn about prevention services and your local partners.

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Join Local Prevention Efforts

PCA Iowa partners with local organizations that offer parent resources such as education and young-parent support groups, abuse prevention classes, and crisis and respite child care in communities across the state. Use our list of partners to find resources and contacts for abuse prevention resources in your community.

How to Prevent Abuse

  • Contact a Legislator

    Our representatives are here to listen to us. Let yours know that strengthening our community against child abuse is important to you.

    Reach Out
  • Learn About Prevention

    Effective prevention is a community effort. Educate yourself on ways to prevent abuse and support healthy childhoods.

    Attend a Training
  • Make a Donation

    Support our prevention work through a financial contribution. Help make a child, family, school or community stronger.

    Donate