The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) is a private non-profit that has been dedicated to the reduction of child maltreatment since 1973.
Each year, we serve more than 15,000 abused and at-risk children and provide support and education services to more than 3,000 adults. We are the only agency in Dutchess County providing sexual-abuse prevention training. Our support services help abused children — and educate adults to prevent future abuse.
We receive funding from a variety of public and private sources — but rely on individual donations and corporate donations for the bulk of our unrestricted support. We are a 501(c) (3) charitable organization.
The Child Abuse Prevention Center Programs
The Child Advocacy Center
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a family-friendly space for alleged child victims of sex abuse and/or extreme physical abuse. Trained staff at the CAC conduct forensic interviews with the children at the CPCA to ensure a safe space for children to disclose their stories of abuse. The CAC staff consists of law enforcement, CPS workers, a crime victim advocate, and program coordinators.
Supportive Parenting Program
The Supportive Parenting Program provides intensive case management services through weekly home visit support, supervised visitation and weekly parenting classes for parents with developmental disabilities. In addition to learning parenting skills, parents gain socialization and support from peers and receive assistance in meeting the needs of their children. Case managers also work closely with other service providers involved with our families to better serve our clientele’s needs.
A Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
The Personal Safety Program is a free program for Dutchess County schools that provides in-class presentations about sexual abuse prevention to children Pre-K to 5th grade. The program uses age-appropriate presentations to teach children to use their voice and speak out against their abuser. This lesson is considered a “just in case” lesson, similar to how students view fire drills. Just in case something bad happens, the student will know what to do to protect themselves. The program is offered once a year and students learn what to do if someone made them feel uncomfortable and broke the personal safety rules.
Mandated Reporter Training
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect workshop is a requirement for certain professionals in New York State to equip individuals with the necessary information to fulfill the important role as a mandated reporter of child abuse or maltreatment.
Community Workshop
The CPCA is hosting ongoing virtual presentations on “Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse” to help the community know the signs a child might need help, what to do, and how you are protected if you need to call in a report.