Barry receives state award for fighting child abuse

Frank Barry, a senior extension associate and director of the ACT for Youth Upstate Center of Excellence in Cornell's Family Life Development Center (FLDC), is the recipient the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from Prevent Child Abuse New York.

Barry was cited for a career of strengthening community and fighting child abuse by addressing environmental conditions that make it difficult for families to raise children effectively.

Founded in 1980, Prevent Child Abuse New York is the only not-for-profit agency in New York state dedicated to preventing child abuse in all its forms. Serving the entire state, the agency works in partnership with a statewide network of member organizations and individuals.

In 1975, Barry joined FLDC, which helps guide New York state and local communities in responding to child abuse and neglect. During his tenure he directed the Region II Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, which provided training, technical assistance and information throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He also served a four-year term on the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, advising the federal government on a response to child abuse and neglect. He is the co-author of a number of publications, including the advisory board's 1993 report, "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," which recommends examining the environments of families with a history of child abuse or neglect; and the 1994 book, Protecting Children from Child Abuse and Neglect, which incorporates studies done for the federal advisory board.

As current director of the Upstate Center of Excellence, Barry helps develop stronger communities in New York state for raising young people. This is part of Assets Coming Together (ACT) for Youth, a New York State Department of Health initiative that integrates prevention strategies and builds youth developmental assets for young people, ages 10 to 19.