Child Abuse Prevention Program (C.A.P.P.)
The Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) protects abused and neglected children by helping non-parental caregivers obtain guardianship of at-risk children.
Guardianships assist at-risk children with:
- Physical & emotional abuse
- Homelessness
- Parental abandonment
- Truancy
- Lack of medical care
- Exposure to substance abuse
Actual Stories of How CAPP Helps Save Children
In Adam’s Story…
Adam is 2 years old. On July 4, Adam’s mother called her friend Susan and said, “I am going to fill up the bath tub and drown this child if you do not come and get him!” She also confessed to beating Adam regularly, to the point that strangers had reprimanded her in the street.
On July 5, Susan retrieved Adam. On July 7, Adam’s mother demanded him back. Unable to get help from C.P.S., Susan came to Legal Aid for help. Within 48 hours, she had an emergency guardianship in place. She now has permanent guardianship of Adam. That guardianship saved Adam’s life.
Adam used to throw tantrums where he pinched and bit himself. The tantrums have ceased. When he first came to Susan, Adam was undernourished and underweight; he has gained over 5 pounds. Adam was in constant pain due to an untreated ear condition. This was also preventing him from learning to speak.
Because of the guardianship, Susan was able to have Adam’s ear operated on. His pain has ceased, and now Adam is able to speak like other 2-year-olds. Most important of all, Adam is now safe; he will not be beaten or drowned.
Impact of the CAPP Program
This program serves over 100 families and 150 at risk children each year.
CAPP helps caregivers obtain guardianships which give them them legal rights. These rights enable them to:
- House an at-risk child
- Limit contact with an abusive parent
- Make legal decisions for the child
- Obtain certain benefits on their behalf