Public and private sector companies came together to show their support for Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS) on Thursday, 9 November.  

CAPS for a half a century of dedicated service to the prevention of all forms of child abuse and maltreatment.  

CAPS’ corporate partners in banking, telecommunications, legal and finance were recognised alongside of likeminded local businesses, clubs and associations for their commitment to addressing the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and at-risk children across New South Wales. 

In the opening address, the Hon. Jo Haylen BA MP, State Member for Summer Hill recognised the monumental milestone of CAPS’ 50 years of service in the community. 

“Communities all across the State of New South Wales benefit greatly from the work that you do,” said Hon. Haylen.  

The Hon. Member for Summer Hill went on to say, “The activities that you [CAPS] are involved in today provide enormous direct benefits to the community and health and wellbeing of families and children across the inner west and the state of New South Wales”. 

In a video address, the Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Linda Burney MP praised CAPS as an inspiration to all. 

“The 50 years of service to the Sydney Inner West and surrounding community is an astounding commitment,” said Hon. Burney.  

Speaking at the event, the Children’s Guardian, Steve Kinmond OAM reinforced the importance of CAPS’ role in assisting organisations to implement the Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.  

In presenting CAPS’ Child Protection Award Steven Kinmond went on to recognise the innovative implementation of the Child Safe Standards in New South Wales. Honourable mention went to Cumberland City Council for child safe initiatives in its five wards. 

CAPS’ many programs were lauded on the night including by video message from the Hon. Jodie Harrison, the New South Wales Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, on CAPS’ Safe Arrivals program, stating that “as an early intervention program, Safe Arrivals is so important for refugee and migrant women and girls”. 

CAPS’ Australia’s longest established charity dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child maltreatment, marked half a century of service in New South Wales. 

The New South Wales Government regulates and oversees organisations to uphold children and young people’s right to be safe through the Office of the Children’s Guardian.