CAPS
In 2021, there were 1,089 reports of child abuse or neglect investigated in Saline County by the Department of Children and Families, a 21.27% increase over the last year.
Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS) wants to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and neglect throughout April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. CAPS presents numerous opportunities for the month of April for advocates to engage in.
To begin with, we want to thank the community for coming together to support the 33rd Annual Benefit Auction which had 649 participants for the online event and 47 sponsors last weekend. The auction raised $57,171 to support families with CAPS services who do not qualify for any other funding source. What a testament to the importance of children who live here!
Upcoming events include:
• Wearing royal blue isn’t just for the Kansas City Royals or Kansas Jayhawk fans– it is also a sign of support for Child Abuse Prevention. CAPS is inviting businesses to raise funds by encouraging employees to wear denim for a $5 donation. To participate, contact CAPS at 785-825-4493 for stickers and display materials. Then, post photos of your employees showing off their blue with the hashtags #CAPMonth2022, #Pinwheels4Prevention and tag @capsofsalina on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Pinwheels are the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention. A pinwheel garden is making its way through the neighborhoods, and you can help plant these symbols for the “Pinwheels for Prevention Challenge.” Visit www.capsofsalina.org to commit a $25 donation to “plant” the pinwheel in your yard, or a friend’s yard, to spread awareness about child abuse prevention. Make sure to post pictures and tag CAPS with the hashtags #Pinwheels4Prevention, #CAPMonth2022, and tag @capsofsalina on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Businesses who wish to display pinwheels can contact CAPS for a pinwheel bouquet for their lobbies or windows to display for the entire month for a suggested $100 donation.
• SHINE a light for child abuse survivors by turning your porch, a room or a lamp blue with blue lightbulbs. SHINE is a national campaign from the National Children’s Alliance that aims to transform the conversation about child sexual abuse. Survivors need to know they are not alone; their light connects to others in a universe of support. Blue lightbulbs are available for purchase at the CAPS office for $10. Show you believe every child should have a place to be safe, healthy and strong.
• Join DVACK and CAPS on April 22 at 7 pm for Speak Night at Ad Astra Books and Coffee. Speak Night is an open mic night for survivors, advocates and supporters to share their stories through poetry, speech, song or other spoken medium. The community is invited to help lift the voices of those who have experienced child abuse. Due to the nature of the content, Speak Night is not suitable for young children.
For those who want to be more involved in supporting children who have experienced abuse and neglect, call CAPS to inquire about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Together, we can Change A Child’s Story™.