Igniting Change
Across our neighborhoods, our nation, and our world, Mission Kids is fostering research, advocacy and action for children’s safety and justice.
The External Affairs Department at Mission Kids takes our mission to protect and heal child abuse victims to the global stage. We dive deep into international research studies, seeking out the best ways to heal and safeguard these young survivors. As subject matter experts, we’re not just about collecting data – we’re about sharing our findings far and wide, through presentations and publications that shed light on what works best.
But we don’t stop there.
We’re also on the front lines closer to home, sitting on committees at the local, statewide, and national levels. Why? Because we’re determined to help shape laws that better protect children and bring justice to those who have suffered abuse. At Mission Kids, we’re not just about making a difference – we’re about making sure it counts, wherever and whenever it’s needed most.
Abbie Newman, RN, JD
CEO, External and Global Affairs
Research Revolution: Sharing Discoveries, Healing Children Worldwide
At Mission Kids, we dive headfirst into international research studies, searching for the most effective ways to heal and protect child abuse victims. Our discoveries aren’t just tucked away – they’re proudly shared in top-tier journals, spreading knowledge far and wide. As subject matter experts, we’re honored to be sought after, invited to share our findings and program models across the region, state, nation, and even the globe. Passion fuels our mission for change and safety for every child.
published research
- Adapting a selective parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention curriculum for a universal audience: A pilot study (May 2024)
- Not a happy story. A love story: Professional perceptions of love in families with child sexual abuse in two US mid-Atlantic Child Advocacy Centers (January 2023)
- Comparison of children's advocacy center responses to harmful sexual behavior among siblings: An international perspective (October 2021)
- How does COVID-19 impact intrafamilial child sexual abuse? Comparison analysis of reports by practitioners in Israel and the US (October 2020)
- Child Advocacy Center intervention with sibling sexual abuse cases: Cross-cultural comparison of professionals’ perspectives and experiences (November 2019)
Policy Powerhouse: Advocating for Children's Safety and Justice
Mission Kids plays a crucial role in public policy by actively participating in committees at the local, regional, state, and national levels of governance. Through our involvement, we contribute expertise and insights to shape recommendations for improving existing laws or crafting new ones aimed at safeguarding children from abuse and ensuring justice for victims. This engagement allows us to advocate for meaningful changes that can positively impact the lives of vulnerable children across different jurisdictions.
In 2023, we served on 10 Statewide Advisory Committees & Task forces:
- Transition Team of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
- Transition Team of Philadelphia Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker
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Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency:
• Pennsylvania Victims Services Advisory Committee Services and Standards Sub-Committee
• Pennsylvania Child Advocacy Center Advisory Committee -
Children's Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania:
• Board of Directors
• Executive Committee
• External Affairs Committee -
Heal PA:
• Policy and Legislation Action Team
• Physical and Behavioral Health Action Team - Advisory Committee on the Review of Pennsylvania Policies Affecting Adverse Childhood Experiences
Learn about other services available through Mission Kids
Forensic Interviews
Collaborative Services
Family Advocacy
Medical Services
Mental Health Services
