CHILD ASSAULT PREVENTION PROGRAM (CAP)

SAFE    STRONG    FREE

The Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP) is a curriculum that teaches elementary school children simple strategies to reduce their vulnerability to verbal, physical and sexual assault and violence. In partnership with schools, trained volunteer Prevention Specialists present basic, age-appropriate, skill-oriented prevention workshops in the classroom. A component for parents and teachers prepares adults to respond to children who need their help and to support problem-solving strategies.

A team of three trained Prevention Specialists presents each classroom workshop. Children learn and are encouraged to use practical skills to become confident in their own problem-solving abilities, strengthening their capacity to recognize and respond to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations. Children are taught the importance of assertiveness, peer support and turning to trusted adults for assistance. Taught that everyone has the right to be Safe, Strong and Free, children are guided step-by-step from fear to confidence by means of non-threatening language and active participation.

This national program uses a community-based approach. Local agencies recruit community volunteers to be trained as classroom Prevention Specialists. The Prevention Specialists form task forces that are designed to be self-perpetuating in the community. The Needham CAP program is a partnership between the Needham Community Council and the Needham Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center. In addition to the school presentations, community education presentations are available to adult groups upon request, and can be tailored to any audience.

CAP is presently seeking new volunteers to join the Needham Task Force. There is an initial 21 hours of training, spread out over multiple sessions. Volunteers must be able to commit to 6 hours each month for classroom workshops for one school year. Call Gail Sommer, Director of Needham CAP at (781) 444-2415 x 18 or email at cap@needhamcommunitycouncil.org for additional information or to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Click here to download an application to be a CAP volunteer and the

2008 CAP Adult Information Guide.

Are you a CAP volunteer? Click here!