Child Abuse Prevention Council

Mission Statement

Collaborate, advocate, and educate to improve systems to prevent child abuse and achieve equitable outcomes for Solano County children and youth.

Our Vision

All children and youth in Solano County are healthy, safe, resilient, and thriving.

About CAPC

The purpose of the Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) is to join representatives from city and county agencies, private and community-based organizations, and concerned citizens in coordinating the community’s efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse. We collaborate, advocate, and educate to improve systems that prevent child abuse and achieve equitable outcomes, ensuring that all children and youth in Solano County are healthy, safe, resilient, and thriving.

Under the Welfare and Institutions Code, Chapter 12.5 section 18982.2, the primary purpose of CAPC is to coordinate the community efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse. This shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Provide a forum for interagency cooperation and coordination in the prevention, detection, treatment, and legal processing of child abuse cases.
Promote public awareness of the abuse and neglect of children and the resources available for prevention, intervention, and treatment.
Promote and facilitate training of professionals in the detection, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Recommend improvements in services to families and victims.
Encourage and facilitate community support for child abuse and neglect programs.

Membership

The Solano CAPC is made up of 20 volunteer members who represent many public and private agencies,
community volunteers, a wide range of professional disciplines, a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and the various geographical areas of the county.

Meetings

The Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council holds their general meetings on the first Wednesday of each month from noon to 2 pm. Find the CAPC meeting dates and materials here.

Our Work

The Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) collaborates with Solano County’s Child Welfare Services to spearhead a countywide child abuse prevention planning process. By engaging community leaders and stakeholders, CAPC uses data and insights from the Needs Assessment to develop targeted prevention strategies, address local needs, and improve child safety and family support services.

Explore the Solano County Child Abuse Prevention Council's (CAPC) Community Needs Assessment, which identifies local child abuse prevention needs and factors for effective planning. Developed with Applied Survey Research, this assessment analyzes risk factors, maps existing services, and gathers input from community members and stakeholders to enhance child safety and strengthen families. This vital resource helps shape a comprehensive countywide prevention plan through data-driven insights and community feedback.

Community Needs Assessment 2022

Training Programs

Mandated Reporter to Community Supporter

Everyone who works with children is a mandated reporter. This means that if you work with children, you are legally responsible for reporting all incidents of suspected child abuse and neglect. When you filled out the forms for your job, you probably signed a form agreeing to this responsibility, but you may not fully understand your responsibilities and legal obligations as a mandated reporter.

Under California law, those classified as mandated reporters are obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. However, data reveals that among children reported to have been neglected or abused in 2020, fewer than 1 in 6 were substantiated by the state child welfare system. Notably, Black, Native American, and Latinx children and families are disproportionately reported and involved in the child welfare system.

Assembly Bill 2085 (AB 2085) came into effect on January 1, 2023, and has redefined general neglect, to recognize that a parent's economic disadvantage should not be considered general neglect. The goal is to shift the existing system of mandated reporters towards becoming community supporters, to keep families strong and united.

With this change in place, there is a statewide shift towards community supporting instead of reporting, when appropriate. Solano County released its comprehensive child abuse prevention plan in 2023 and this plan is designed to tackle disparities, prevent child abuse, and educate the community. This plan includes the implementation of in person Mandated Reporter to Community Supporter Trainings.

The Children's Network of Solano County is taking proactive steps to ensure that professionals are well-informed and equipped to navigate the implications of AB 2085 in their work and has been contracted to do county-wide mandated reporter trainings to create the shift from mandated reporter to community supporter. Download the training flier here.

To request a mandated reporter training, email Megan Berger at mberger@childnet.org.

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law - English booklet
Ley Sobre La Denuncia - Del Abuso Y Negligencia A Menores En California - Librete En Español

You can help prevent child abuse.

10 Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse

You can be a connection for children in your community.We know child abuse is a preventable problem. All adults play a role in building the safe, stable, nurturing homes and environments needed for the healthy development of our future generation of parents, leaders and community members.

Be a nurturing parent.
Children thrive on knowing they are special, loved, and capable of achieving their dreams. Ensure they receive the emotional support and encouragement they need.
Support friends and family.
Parenting can be challenging. Offer assistance by taking care of children so parents can rest or spend quality time together.
Prioritize your well-being.
If the stress of everyday life becomes overwhelming, take a break to recharge. Avoid directing frustration toward your child.
Respond to a crying baby.
Hearing a baby cry can be stressful. Learn effective methods to calm a crying baby and remember, never shake a baby—shaking can lead to severe injury or death.
Get involved in your community.
Encourage local leaders, religious institutions, libraries, and schools to create services that support healthy children and families.
Enhance library resources.
Check if your local library offers parenting resources. If not, consider helping to develop and acquire them.
Support school programs.
Advocate for educational programs in schools that teach children, parents, and teachers strategies to ensure child safety.
Monitor media consumption.
Be mindful of the media your child is exposed to. Excessive viewing of violent content can negatively impact young children.
Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.
Consider volunteering with local child abuse prevention programs. For opportunities, contact 1-800-CHILDREN or your local Prevent Child Abuse America chapter.
Report suspected abuse or neglect.
If you suspect a child may be harmed, report it to your local department of children and family services or police department. In Solano County, call 1-800-544-8696.

3,252 Reports of Child Abuse in Solano County

In 2022, Solano County faced a daunting reality with 3,252 reported cases of child abuse. The effects of these cases are profound, extending beyond the immediate harm to children and impacting the community's economic and social well-being. This section offers vital resources to understand the economic implications of child abuse and strategies for prevention, helping to guide local policy and community action.

Child Abuse Economics and Prevention Resources

The Economics of Abuse Report: A Study of Solano County
This report uncovers the substantial financial impact of child maltreatment, with a staggering $127 million cost for 2021 survivors alone. This report highlights how abuse affects various sectors and emphasizes the importance of protective factors in mitigating these costs. Explore the full report to understand the economic burden and discover strategies for prevention and support.

The Economics of Child Abuse: A Study of Select California Counties
This appendix details the methods and data used to estimate the economic costs of child maltreatment across California counties. Developed with Safe & Sound and UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, it expands on the original San Francisco analysis. The incidence-based approach estimates costs for healthcare, education, and productivity losses, incorporating updates to methodologies and assumptions.

Information About Child Abuse and Prevention
Learn how you can play a vital role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. This guide provides key information on recognizing signs of maltreatment, understanding different types of abuse, and knowing how to report concerns in your community. Your awareness and actions can make a significant difference in keeping children safe.

Additional Resources and Support

Everyone has a role to play in supporting families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Contribute to raising child abuse awareness in your community by utilizing and sharing our resources. Access downloadable materials and social media posts designed to foster awareness and drive positive change.

Prevention Resource Guide

To support community members who work to prevent child maltreatment and promote family well-being.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit

Download these resources for your social media and website.