Listen "Ep 108: Child Abuse Prevention"
Episode Synopsis
What would it look like if we built a society that prevents child abuse and neglect—before it ever begins? In this episode, Ginger and Julie sit down with Dr. Melissa T. Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, to explore the evolving landscape of child well-being and what it takes to move from awareness to true prevention.Dr. Merrick shares powerful insights from her 20+ years of work in clinical research and public health leadership, including her time as the lead scientist for the CDC’s ACEs study and as a principal architect of Thriving Families, Safer Children—a national initiative reimagining child welfare through the lens of equity, collaboration, and hope.This is a conversation about what’s possible when we center families, build supportive communities, and focus on healing—not punishment.In This Episode, We Explore:What the latest data on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is telling us todayWhy prevention is possible—and how we shift from reacting to preventingThe vision and impact of Thriving Families, Safer ChildrenHow systems-level change must include equity, community voice, and upstream investmentsThe intersection of science, advocacy, and hopeHow leaders, educators, and caregivers can support family well-being at every level"We can’t punish our way into prevention. Real change begins when we center families, build supportive systems, and believe in the power of thriving communities." — Dr. Melissa MerrickResources & Links:Learn more about Prevent Child Abuse America: preventchildabuse.org
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