Sylvias CAC

06/06/2026

We are excited to share that we have been awarded our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant for 2026–2028!

This funding allows us to maintain our current staffing levels and continue providing the same high-quality services to the children and caregivers we serve.

This grant cycle was especially stressful. Late last year, we were informed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), which administers the grant, that there would likely be a 40% reduction in VOCA funding statewide. Such a reduction would have had a significant impact on many organizations providing critical victim services.

We are incredibly grateful that ICJI recognized our fiscal responsibility and the effectiveness of our work. Our grant funds the two primary positions that make it possible for us to provide professional forensic interviews and victim advocacy services to children and families. Because of this continued support, we can maintain these essential services without interruption.

While we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize the importance of planning for the future. We remain committed to diversifying our funding sources so that if federal, state, or local grant funding becomes more limited in the years ahead, we will have alternative resources to ensure that the children and families of Boone County continue to receive the support they need.

Thank you to ICJI for their confidence in our mission, and thank you to our community for your support.

06/05/2026

🌐💙 June is Internet Safety Month 💙🌐

Technology is a part of everyday life for children of all ages. From educational apps and online gaming to social media and messaging platforms, today’s youth are spending more time connected than ever before.

While the internet offers incredible opportunities to learn, communicate, and explore, it also presents risks that parents, caregivers, and educators should be aware of. Online predators, cyberbullying, privacy concerns, scams, and inappropriate content can affect children from elementary school through high school.

📱 Internet safety isn’t a one-time conversation, it’s an ongoing discussion that grows with your child.

Here are a few ways families can promote safe online habits:
✅ Talk regularly about online experiences and digital citizenship.
✅ Know the apps, games, and websites your child uses.
✅ Review privacy settings and parental controls.
✅ Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
✅ Teach kids to think before they click, share, or post.
✅ Model healthy screen habits and respectful online behavior.

Every age group faces unique challenges online. By staying informed and maintaining open communication, we can help children navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

At Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center, we believe that awareness and education are powerful tools in protecting children and strengthening families.

Together, let’s make June a month of learning, conversation, and online safety. 💜

06/04/2026

Families will sit on the banks of Hot Pond in Lebanon and Lilly Lake in Eagle Creek Park on June 6 during an eventful day for young anglers.

06/04/2026

🚨 Parents & Caregivers: Stay Informed About the Apps Kids Are Using 📱

Today’s social media and messaging apps make it easier than ever for children and teens to connect with friends. While convenient this can also create opportunities for contact with strangers and private conversations that move beyond parental awareness.

The apps highlighted in this graphic are commonly used by young people and may include features such as direct messaging, disappearing content, anonymous communication, or connections based on shared interests. While these platforms are not inherently dangerous, it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand how they work and have ongoing conversations about online safety.

These apps are only just a few of the highlighted ones that are most prevalent today. There are many more that are unknown, and are still being created daily.

💡 Ways to Help Keep Kids Safe Online:
✅ Talk openly and regularly about internet safety.
✅ Know which apps your child uses and how they work.
✅ Review privacy and safety settings together.
✅ Encourage children to come to a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
✅ Remind them never to share personal information or meet online contacts in person without parental involvement.

At Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center, we believe prevention starts with awareness. By staying informed and keeping communication open, we can help children navigate the digital world more safely.

If you have concerns about online exploitation, grooming, or child safety, we’re here to help.

06/03/2026

🌐👧🧒 Children and the Dangers of the Internet | June 3 Awareness Post

The internet provides incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. It also comes with risks that every child should understand.

Children can be exposed to cyberbullying, online predators, scams, inappropriate content, and the dangers of sharing personal information. As parents, educators, and community members, we all play a role in helping young people navigate the digital world safely.

✅ Talk openly about online experiences
✅ Teach privacy and security practices
✅ Encourage critical thinking before clicking or sharing
✅ Monitor online activity appropriately
✅ Create a safe environment where children feel comfortable reporting concerns

By working together, we can help children become confident, responsible, and safe digital citizens.

06/03/2026

💙 Help Support the Children We Serve at Sylvia’s CAC 💙
Every day, children come through our doors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Simple items like toys, fidget tools, coloring supplies, books, snacks, and comfort items can make a tremendous difference in helping a child feel safe and supported.
We’ve recently updated our Amazon Wish List with current needs for the center, and we’d be so grateful for your support. Items purchased from the list can be shipped directly to Sylvia’s CAC and put to use right away. (Sylvia’s CAC)

🛒 View our Amazon Wish List here:
https://a.co/02COI2se

Whether you purchase one item or simply share this post, you’re helping us create a welcoming, child-focused environment where healing can begin.
Thank you for standing with the children and families of Boone County. ❤️

06/03/2026

🎮 Video Games & Your Child: Spotting Red Flags and Staying Safe Online 🛡️
In today's digital world, video games are a central part of many children's lives, but they also come with important safety considerations.
Join this informative webinar to learn how to better understand the online gaming environment and recognize potential risks your child may encounter while gaming.
📌 Topics include:
✔️ Dangers of interacting with strangers online
✔️ How age verification works—and where it can fall short
✔️ Choosing age-appropriate games
✔️ Protecting personal information through screen names and in-game chats
✔️ Understanding the difference between public and private servers
You'll also gain practical strategies for:
🎮 Setting up parental controls
🔒 Adjusting privacy settings
⏰ Establishing healthy gaming time limits
By the end of the session, you'll feel more confident supporting your child in enjoying video games safely, responsibly, and with greater awareness.
🔗 Register or learn more here:
https://icactaskforce.org/training/TRI1228800/video-games-and-your-child-spotting-red-flags-and-staying-safe-online
Please share with parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who supports children and youth. Together, we can help keep kids safer online! 💙

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

06/02/2026

🇺🇸🚲 REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN! 🚲🇺🇸

Get ready to roll into one of the BIGGEST and MOST FUN community celebrations of the summer! 🎉✨

Join Sylvias CAC for our
⭐ 250th Stars, Stripes & Smiles Pedal Parade & Mini Carnival ⭐

As we help kick off America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Week in patriotic style! ❤️🤍💙

👉🏻REGISTER HERE :: https://sylviascac.org/pedalparade/

🎆 DECK OUT YOUR WHEELS!

🎇 DECORATE YOUR BIKE!

🇺🇸 DRESS UP YOURSELF!

✨ SHOW OFF YOUR FOURTH OF JULY SPIRIT!

Whether you go ALL OUT in red, white, and blue or just add a little sparkle and patriotic fun, we want YOU there celebrating with us and our community! 🚴⭐
📍 WHERE: Memorial Park

(Shelter directly behind Seashore Water Park)

🕙 JUDGING BEGINS: 10:00 AM

🏆 BIG PRIZES ARE UP FOR GRABS!

Each age group will receive:

🥇 HUGE 1st Place Prize

🥈 AMAZING 2nd Place Prize

🥉 AWESOME 3rd Place Prize

🎟 PLUS :: EVERY participant who registers will receive:

👕 An event shirt (if registered by June 6th)

🎠 10 FREE Mini Carnival tickets!

This is going to be an unforgettable morning filled with:

🎉 Smiles

🎡 Mini Carnival fun

🇺🇸 Patriotic pride

🚲 Creative bikes & outfits

❤️ Community celebration for ALL ages!

A HUGE THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors who are helping make this incredible event possible:

⭐ K1ds Count LLC ::Carnival Sponsor

⭐ City of Lebanon :: Event Sponsor

⭐ Prevent Child Abuse Boone County ::Event Sponsor

⭐ Witham Hospital ::Event Sponsor

⭐ Boone County Prosecutor’s Office ::Event Sponsor

⭐ Riley Parr Attorney at Law ::Event Sponsor

⭐️ Steven Huff- Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance :: Signage Sponsor

⭐️ Daisys Designs ::Signage Sponsor

⭐️ Boone Co. Health Dept. ::Signage Sponsor

⭐️ Hachette Books ::Donation for Participants

⭐️ Lebanon Tax & Accounting ::Signage Sponsor

⭐️ CASA Boone County ::Signage Sponsor

Thank you for supporting local children, families, and community fun! ❤️

We can’t WAIT to see everyone roll in with their patriotic spirit shining bright! 🇺🇸✨

Kids and parents can register now to bike in this year's Pedal Parade!

06/02/2026

🔒📱 One Hour for Prevention Can Protect a Child for a Lifetime

Parents, guardians, and caregivers, today’s online world is changing fast, and our kids are facing new digital challenges every day. From AI deepfakes and nudify apps to gaming safety, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, it’s more important than ever to stay informed.

Join Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center for a FREE virtual Online Safety Workshop designed to help adults better understand the risks children and teens encounter online and learn practical ways to keep them safe.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 10
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💻 Location: Virtual via Zoom
📍 Find the Zoom link on the Susie’s Place Facebook Event Page.

What you’ll gain:
✅ Easy-to-understand online safety tips from trusted child safety advocates
✅ Insights into current online threats affecting youth
✅ Tools and strategies to support safe technology use
✅ A resource guide with helpful tips, links, and information for families

Invest one hour to help protect the children in your life.