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Child Abuse Prevention

Little Boy The Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) has been committed to improving the quality of life for California's children and families since 1977. To prevent child abuse and neglect, OCAP funds and coordinates local services that help strengthen and preserve families. OCAP also develops and distributes information to individuals and organizations. OCAP administers state and federal grants and the California State Children's Trust Fund

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

For Whom

Families and their children who need help are eligible for services. OCAP funds and administers approximately 200 child abuse and juvenile crime prevention, intervention and treatment programs though grants to counties, community-based organizations, schools, evaluation entities and institutions of higher education. These programs provide a range of services and collaborative planning that strengthen and support families and communities. Each of the 200 programs works with existing public and private service providers to form a council (consisting of community leaders) to ensure that services are community-based. Make a difference to children in your community:

  • Listen to your children; talk with them.
  • Stay informed -- talk to parents, teachers and others who work with kids.
  • Help your children with their homework.
  • Read a book to a child--your own child, or a niece, nephew, grandchild or neighborhood friend.
  • Make your home safe for children by removing any hazards in your home, yard or garage.
  • Start a neighborhood reading group.
  • Offer to babysit.
  • Donate money or services to children's groups.
  • Talk to the media about how important children are: call in to radio and TV talk shows, voice your support for children's issues.
  • Volunteer as a teacher's aide or tutor. Help out in a school, lunchroom, gym or on a playground.
  • Donate materials to your local school--books, art supplies, sports equipment, computers.
  • Keep an eye out for kids in your neighborhood--start a neighborhood watch program.
  • Remember children during the holidays with donations of food, toys and clothing.
  • Organize a meeting to discuss children's needs in your neighborhood or workplace.
  • Encourage your workplace to adopt a school, health clinic or youth sports team--help with supplies or volunteers.
  • Volunteer your expertise at a career exploration day--motivate students to find productive careers.
  • Hire local youth after school or for summer employment.

WHERE TO GET HELP

For more information or a list of free publications and videos write to or telephone:

OCAP
744 P Street, M.S. 11-82
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 651-6960
FAX (916) 651-6328

The World of Children

Viist the Children and Family Services Division website.

Highlights

You can make a difference by giving one hour a week to a child in your community!