PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 3 Advocacy Action: An Outreach to the Community

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6020 Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

Good afternoon! We are here today to share important information with the community regarding an issue that significantly affects everyone in our area. Our focus will be on the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Throughout this presentation, we aim to cover several key areas: understanding the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, outlining our community goals, detailing our actionable plan, discussing the follow-up strategy, evaluating the effectiveness of our plan, and concluding with insights on the importance of addressing child abuse and neglect.

What is the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act?

Originally established by P.L. 93-247, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was most recently amended on January 7, 2019, through the Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). CAPTA provides state funding to governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations for a variety of activities, including prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, treatment, and demonstration programs and projects (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). This legislation empowers communities to combat offenders and support victims, promoting awareness, prevention, and the establishment of treatment facilities.

Goals for the Community

Creating a supportive and proactive community is vital for the well-being of families and caregivers, ensuring the safe upbringing of all children. However, child abuse and neglect continue to be pressing issues that negatively impact the health and future of our children, families, and communities. Our community goals focus on implementing a comprehensive program that is accessible to all, featuring daily topics at our community center and a 24/7 hotline for anonymous reporting by victims.

Planned Action

Our weekly program includes a variety of classes designed to educate, support, and empower individuals within our community. From educational sessions on recognizing and reporting child abuse to interventions addressing substance abuse and family dynamics, each day offers valuable resources. Additionally, we provide channels for anonymous feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and tailored support for victims of abuse and neglect.

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 3 Advocacy Action: An Outreach to the Community

Follow-Up Plan

Regular evaluation of our classes and feedback forms allows us to adapt and refine our approach continuously. We prioritize assessing the effectiveness of our intervention strategies, including treatment programs designed to assist victims in their recovery journey (Milner, 1991). By remaining vigilant and responsive, we strive to comprehensively address the evolving needs of our community.

Effectiveness

Research indicates that emphasizing primary prevention and community-based solutions can accelerate the reduction of child abuse and neglect (Todahl et al., 2019). Engaging various segments of the community through capacity-building activities enhances the effectiveness of primary prevention efforts (Todahl et al., 2019). Community programs that promote open communication and foster trust have proven effective in preventing child abuse and neglect, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing child abuse and neglect requires collective action and steadfast commitment. By establishing clear goals, implementing actionable strategies, and maintaining open communication, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for our children and families. Let us remain vigilant, proactive, and compassionate in our efforts to protect the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.

References

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). About CAPTA: A legislative history. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/about/

Duffy, J. Y., Hughes, M., Asnes, A. G., & Leventhal, J. M. (2015). Child maltreatment and risk patterns among participants in a child abuse prevention program. Child Abuse & Neglect, 44, 184–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.11.005