History
1979
Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey (PCA-NJ) was incorporated and chartered in 1979 as part of a nationwide network dedicated to the prevention of child abuse in all of its forms. PCA-NJ is a private, non-profit organization which seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect by raising public awareness of the incidence, cause and consequences of child abuse, conducting advocacy efforts, building cooperative networks, and through the implementation of prevention programs and policies throughout the state.
1980
Since 1980, Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey has worked to identify populations at high risk for child abuse and neglect. Based on its research, PCA-NJ has developed, implemented, replicated and advocated for programs that intervene before abuse occurs with support mechanisms that encourage a positive parenting approach.
Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey Chapter, Inc. developed the Parent Linking Project (PLP) to offer educational and supportive services to urban adolescent parents through groups and newsletters in 1980. The purpose of providing these services initially was to prevent neglect and abuse of the children of teenage parents, recognizing that teenage parents are at an increased risk of abuse and/or neglect due to their lack of economic resources, immaturity, and often a lack of knowledge about parenting and child development. The first two phases of PLP provided parenting education and supportive services to approximately 1,200 urban teen parents in Newark over a period of four years.
1984
After working with teen parents for several years, it became apparent that their complex need required a comprehensive response. In 1984, the Parent Linking Program III (PLP-III) was developed. Since child care is a major factor in the teen mother’s ability to complete high school, Prevent Child Abuse – NJ contracted with a childcare center in Newark to provide childcare services to teen mothers who agreed via formal contract to complete high school. In exchange for free child care, the program participants were required to attend weekly workshops on parenting, parent-child interaction, and life skills training. Additionally, individual counseling, crisis intervention, and information and referral were provided to the teen mothers on an as needed basis.
1989
In 1989, PCA–NJ entered into a contract with the NJ Department of Children and Families to continue implementation and expansion of the PLP. The services include school-based child care, parenting education and parent-child interaction groups, life skills training, individual counseling, crisis intervention, and case management. Over the years, the PLP has enhanced its program approach and target population to support expectant and parenting teen mothers and fathers using evidence based and best practice approaches that take into account the developmental phase of a young parent.