The PA Family Support Alliance (PFSA), in partnership with the state's Department of Human Services, awarded Hailey Houk the PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award.

The award is given to four individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania's children.

Houk has been a detective with the New Castle Police Department in Lawrence County for five years and has served in the Criminal Investigation Unit since August 2024.

"Detective Houk's passion for seeking justice for sexual assault survivors was ignited when she joined the Sexual Assault Task Force with the Lawrence County District Attorney's Office in 2022," said Angela Liddle, PFSA President and CEO.

She continues, "Shortly after, she became a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team in Lawrence County, which further fueled her drive for justice. Detective Houk is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of as many children as possible, and we are honored to recognize her as a PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids."

PFSA and Secretary Valerie Arkoosh of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recognized Houk of this accomplishment with a ceremony.

Due to a generous donation from Lamar Advertising, a billboard showcasing Houk's award will be located along Routes 224 and 422 in New Castle in April.

PFSA was joined by Secretary Arkoosh, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Attorney General Dave Sunday and local and state elected officials during the ceremony, which kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' Annual Child Protective Services Report, there were 4,720 substantiated cases of child abuse, of which 57 were substantiated fatalities and 119 substantiated near fatalities.