April is CAP Month!

It is April! In the CASA world, it is CAP Month! This month, in our blog, I would like to discuss CAP Month, what it represents, who honors it, and what you can do. 

First! CAP stands for Child Abuse Prevention. This acronym is used to denote any prevention work or efforts regarding child abuse and neglect. A quick history lesson! April has been CAP Month since 1983, when the White House designated it for recognition in April. April is used to bring a spotlight to the abuse and neglect prevention efforts in every community.

Along with CAP Month, the US signed into law CAPTA, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. This law did a lot of essential things for child abuse and neglect prevention. It brought federal dollars to child abuse and neglect prevention. CAPTA established the Federal Office of Child Abuse and Neglect, which is in charge of tracking trends in reported cases, substantiated cases, and the number of children in the foster care system. This law also established an advisory committee that reports to the head of DHHS in Washington DC as well as Congressional committees with recommendations to address the needs of children and families in the child welfare system. 

How does all of this good work tie into CASA for Kids’ work? CASA’s work is closely aligned with prevention efforts. We work with families to address barriers, ensuring they do not return to the foster care system. Statistics have shown that families and children who have worked with a CASA Advocate are half as likely to come back into the foster care system. Our CASA Advocates collaborate with various community resources to support families and ensure that previously existing barriers are no longer present, in addition to meeting the family's basic needs, such as mental health needs, food security, and childcare, among others. 

The way our communities observe CAP Month depends on the community's location. We will discuss the general activities that occur during April. The first way is through blue and silver pinwheels! These are used to symbolize the magic of childhood and the hopes of all children to grow up in an environment that is supportive and safe. These are placed throughout the community. At libraries, doctors’ offices, law enforcement agencies, and other similar institutions. Pinwheels are visible, allowing everyone to see that the community wants to support families and children. People acknowledge that child abuse and neglect occur in all neighborhoods and all communities. Another way is CAP rallies. Here in Michigan, we have a statewide one in Lansing on the Capitol Building’s lawn. There is a statewide invitation to everyone to come and learn more about child abuse and neglect prevention.  

So what can you do? There are various ways for you, as a community member, to engage with Child Abuse Prevention efforts. Many nonprofits, charities, and agencies maintain an online presence through social media, websites, or email blasts. Like their pages on social media, sign up for their emails, or go on their websites to find out more! Find a group or agency that you like and donate to them. This does not have to be monetary. Child Advocacy Centers could benefit from having more toys or board games. Children’s hospitals could use more toys and stuffed animals. Foster Care Agencies could use more luggage or backpacks to help children transport their belongings or move. Another way is to advocate for legislation that you are passionate about. You can email your legislators or call them if you prefer to speak with them on the phone. Another option is to volunteer for the same organizations. There are numerous CASA programs, for example. 

Stay tuned to our Facebook Page to see when the next CAP Rally is in Lansing! 

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