Promising Practices for Child Abuse Prevention Councils in California

• NCJ Number: 214631
• Author(s): Kris Schell Murphey
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 140 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: California Dept of Social Services
• Corporate Author: California Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Ctr
• Sale Source: California Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Ctr
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded June 21, 2006.

Annotation

This publication discusses the purpose, origins, characteristics, policies and procedures, and tools of California's local Child Abuse Prevention Councils (CAPCs), whose primary purpose is to coordinate the community's efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse.

Abstract

The concept of and funding for CAPCs stemmed from California's Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council Act of 1985. The act authorizes the allocation of Federal grants to county child abuse prevention programs. The statute also specifies that each county create a CAPC to coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse. In addition to coordinating child abuse prevention services, CAPCs train professionals in effective strategies and procedures for preventing and responding to child abuse, raise public awareness of child abuse issues, advocate improvements in legislation and policies for addressing child abuse, and develop resources. CAPC membership should include representatives from the community, civic organizations, and religious groups. Membership is encouraged for representatives of Multi-Disciplinary Interview Teams/Centers, regional centers, and a cross-section of racial and ethnic groups in the community. Having a dedicated staff member, at least part-time, with a desk and a phone, is essential for a CAPCs success. Another important component is a board of directors. Board and staffing patterns for CAPCs in the State are described. A section of the publication describes policies and procedures of a CAPC. Issues addressed are ethical and legal considerations, stakeholder diversity, interagency coordination protocol, cultural competence, community involvement, marketing, accounting, facility management, and evaluation. Among the tools described for CAPCs are strategic action planning, Web-based technology, funding and financial planning, grant writing, and levels of collaboration. 11 appendixes that include CAPC listings by county, sample personnel materials, sample forms, marketing materials, evaluation materials, and funding information