CAPS, Australia’s longest established charity dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child maltreatment, will mark half a century of service to children and those who care for them. 

CAPS will use the occasion of its 50th anniversary to reflect on its proud history and to thank government and industry partners who help enable the implementation of their culturally and linguistically diverse, award-winning programs that contribute to children feeling safe, supported and loved. CAPS is also calling on new industry partners to help fund planned initiatives. 

The Hon. Joanna Haylen BA MP, State Member for Summer Hill and Steve Kinmond OAM, NSW Children’s Guardian will be the keynote speakers. Renowned children’s rights advocate, Ruby O’Rourke will also address the guests. 

In 1973 Dorothy Ginn, Sydney nurse and Wayside Chapel volunteer, realised that childhood maltreatment and neglect were often the root cause of trauma, and recognised the need to prevent it before it happened. With this goal in mind, she set-up a telephone helpline and founded the organisation that today is known as CAPS. 

Now 50 years on, CAPS supports communities, organisations and individuals across Australia through peer-reviewed programs, workshops and e-Learning courses.   

“We are proud of our history and programs. We thank our dedicated staff and industry partners who have helped us to achieve this incredible milestone,” said CAPS Executive Director John Cowell. 

“There are always challenges but from our grassroot Safe Communities Safe Children program delivered in childcare organisations and schools since 2016; to our Safe Arrivals education series that addresses the needs of recently arrived women and their children; to our AI enabled case review platform SAFE, that identifies children potentially at risk – we aim to educate and empower organisations and individuals to live our vision – to create positive experiences for children so they feel safe, supported and loved – now, for the next 50 years and beyond.”