Fifty Years of CAPS … and We’re Looking Ahead to 50 More
- 13 hours ago
- 1 min read
Fifty years ago, a small group of community members asked a brave question:
What if child abuse could be prevented?
That belief sparked what would become CAPS.
What started as a local effort grew into something much bigger, a community-wide commitment to children and families. Over the years, CAPS helped launch Indiana’s first CASA program, opened the state’s first Child Advocacy Center, expanded prevention education, and supported parents before ever reaching a breaking point.
And it worked.
In 2008, CAPS set a bold goal to reduce child maltreatment in Elkhart County by 30 percent. That goal was achieved not by chance, but through decades of intentional, research-based prevention and partnership.
Today, CAPS continues to evolve, offering innovative programs like Prevent 360° and Nurturing Care Groups that meet families where they are and strengthen them early.
Because prevention isn’t a moment, it’s a commitment.
As CAPS enters its 50th year, this milestone isn’t about looking back. It’s about honoring what’s been built and inviting the community into what comes next.
Over the months ahead, we’ll be sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and creating moments that reflect the heart of this work.
Because the future of child safety is something we build together.
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