CURRENT CAPC SERVICES

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County offers comprehensive programs designed to improve the protection and safety of our children. We encourage you to call or email us if you need more information.

Please take a moment to read a True Life story. “I wish you could meet…”

First Step Children’s Center

First Step provides no-cost childcare for children at risk of abuse or neglect, as well as emergency overnight care. In this warm and nurturing environment, newborn babies and children up to twelve years of age get large doses of love and attention while receiving developmentally appropriate education, meals, playtime, hygiene, and clothing when needed. First Step is a haven for defenseless children and a helpmate for parents desperate to improve their lives and keep their families together.

Family Preservation Parenting – The Parent Education Program

Providing a twelve week parenting course for parents referred by Child Protective Service, our Parent Education program classes cover topics including Child Development, Child Abuse, Chemical Dependency, and the 3-C’s: Choices, Consequences, and Communication. These classes teach parents healthy alternatives to discipline and foster family unity.

The Creating Healthy Environments for Children (CHEC) Program

Creating Healthy Environments for Children (CHEC) is a voluntary in-home visitation program for families located in southeast Stockton. The primary Goal of CHEC is the prevention of child abuse through fostering a nurturing bond between parents and infants. The CHEC staff is also involved in many local neighborhood committees, coalitions, and schools – all with an eye toward child abuse education and prevention. CHEC is funded by First Five of San Joaquin.

Court Appointed Special Advocates - CASA

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA trains volunteers to help children who are court dependents through their time in the court system. An Advocate will follow a child’s case from beginning to end, often being the only person speaking for the child in court. Advocates have the opportunity to really make a difference in a child’s life.

Mandated Reporter Training

Teaches professionals to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and how to report it.

First Step Resource Response

First Step Resource Response (FSRR) provides a personal connection and resources to families at risk of being torn apart by child abuse and/or neglect. Families are referred to this program by Child Protective Services in an effort to work with families to strengthen their parenting skills and provide them with the resources necessary to reduce the possibility of child abuse.

CYA Proud Parenting Program

A 15-week parenting class for young fathers (ages 18-25) referred by California Youth Authority Parole Office. The classes include parent/child activities, family socials, and individual and group mentoring.

Good Touch Bad Touch

We offer personal safety presentations in the school classroom to children in Kindergarten through third grade. Our presentation is based upon the Chester the Cat video, an animated still program that teaches children what to do if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Significant Dates

February 14, 1977
- Latanya Smith pronounced dead.
June 29, 1977 1976-1977
- Grand Jury report submitted to Board of Supervisors
1977-1978
- Twenty-six doctors, educators, social service, and community leaders meet to form San Joaquin County Child Abuse Council.
April 25, 1978
- San Joaquin County Child Abuse Council is incorporated.
1979
- In-Home Respite Program is established. Resource and education for stressed parents including time-out emergency is available.
July 5, 1983
- First Step Crisis Center opens on CSUS Stockton campus
1983-1984
- In-Home Family Service program begins.
January 1984
- First Step opens 24 hours a day and changes name to First Step Children’s Center
February 1984
- Parenting Class – Parents Anonymous begins.
June 21, 1984
- Name changes to San Joaquin County Child Abuse Prevention Council as “prevention” is incorporated into mission.
September 1985
- Two Parenting Classes begin.
February 1996
- Parenting House moves next to First Step Children’s center on the CSUS Stockton campus to offer childcare during parenting classes.
June 2000
- Creating Healthy Environments for Children (CHEC) program begins providing weekly in-home visits for three years to at-risk families with new babies. This program is funded by California Endowment, San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, Community Partnership for Families, and the AmeriCorp Program.
December 2001
- Recovering Families Program begins collaboration with SJC Office of Substance Abuse Allies Program, providing parenting education for caregivers recovering from substance abuse.
January 2003
- First Step Resource Response program begins with funding from San Joaquin County.
March 2003
- First CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) group of volunteers complete training and are sworn in as officers of the court.

Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County

CAPC
San Joaquin
County