California American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Capsac

04/29/2026

As we close out Child Abuse Prevention Month, please share this link with parents and caregivers for a free, open, respectful conversation about discipline, particularly the often-debated topic of spanking.

Tomorrow’s session will create a safe, judgment-free space to explore
• What we mean by “discipline” vs. punishment
• What research says about the impact of spanking
• Practical, healthy alternatives that support children’s emotional and behavioral development
• How to respond to challenging behavior without shame, fear, or harm

Parenting is complex, and many of us are navigating what we were taught growing up while trying to do what’s best for our children today. This conversation is about learning, reflecting, and supporting one another—not blaming or judging.

Please share the link or join in as we close out the month by investing in safer, stronger families.

Click on the link to register!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/G3JJTz8ZTjahavRXv_sUYg

04/22/2026

Don’t miss the May ACES Health Gathering! Register today!!

Join AVA and the ACEs Health Champions Network (AHCN) for the next virtual Gathering on Wednesday, May 13th at 3pm Eastern (12pm Pacific), featuring Dr. Shira Berkovits, Esq, PhD, the CEO & President of Sacred Spaces, who will discuss "What are the barriers to ethical responses to institutional abuse and how can we overcome them?"

Also, the recordings of past Gatherings, including Dr. David Corwin, MD's presentation "Epstein and the Struggle to Confront Child Sexual Abuse" from last week, are available online!

https://www.avahealth.org/what-we-do/aces-health-champions-network/aces-health-champions-gatherings.html

Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children - APSAC California American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Capsac Zero Abuse Project Esperanza United The New York Foundling California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics Institute for Human Services

04/19/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month and CAPSAC is committed to highlighting invaluable resources that promote the overall health and safety of children!

Do you know what a “No Hit Zone” is?

A No Hit Zone is a space—such as a hospital, clinic, school, or community setting—where hitting is not tolerated for anyone, including adults toward children. These environments promote safety, dignity, and non-violent interactions for all.

Supported by APSAC, No Hit Zones are grounded in research showing that physical punishment is harmful, ineffective, and a risk factor for child abuse.

Why it matters:
💙Models safe, respectful behavior
💙Supports caregivers in using non-physical discipline
💙Protects children and reduces risk of harm
💙Reinforces community-wide expectations of safety

Creating a No Hit Zone isn’t about judgment—it’s about education, support, and shifting norms toward healthier, more effective ways of responding to stress and behavior.

Learn more or access free resources and toolkits here: https://apsac.org/nohitzone/

You can also explore broader community resources and toolkits here: https://nohitzone.com/

Every child deserves to feel safe. Every caregiver deserves tools that work.

APSAC has developed a series of parenting tips designed to address the harms and ineffectiveness of corporal punishment and to share effective parenting

04/15/2026

The California Chapter of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) stands in support of all multidisciplinary professionals working together to ensure that every child in California has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Especially during the month of April, we encourage you to explore California-based resources, including the California Department of Education’s Child Abuse Prevention Resource page: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/ap/

The California Department of Education website offers information on training and reporting requirements for mandated reporters, training guides and model practices for parents, families, and administrators, and technical assistance to promote child well-being and protection from abuse.

If you have resources, insights, or materials you would like to share, please drop a link or information in the comments below.

PreventionMatters

04/15/2026

April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Here in California, state and local proclamations highlight a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of children. Prevention efforts emphasize strengthening protective factors, supporting families, and building resilient communities.

As professionals, we play a critical role in early identification, intervention, and advocacy. Together, we can help ensure that every child in California has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment

For the remainder of April, we look forward to sharing child abuse prevention–specific materials and resources with you.

If you have resources, insights, or materials you would like to share, please drop a link or information in the comments below.

PreventionMatters

02/18/2026

How should child sexual abuse material be used in investigations?

Register now for the March 2026 “Hot Topic” discussion where new guidelines from APSAC opposing the misguided practice of showing child sexual abuse material is shown to parents will be presented. Join th discussion!

Join us on March 20 for the ACEs Health Champion Gathering!
https://www.avahealth.org/what-we-do/aces-health-champions-network/aces-health-champions-gatherings.html

02/17/2026

Check out the great topics and events coming up soon! Don’t miss out! Register now!

02/16/2026

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

CAPSAC members, the Winter 2026 edition of the Consultant just arrived in your email inbox! A few highlights for this edition include:
• an introduction of the Santa Barbara CAC
• New Laws Protecting Children in California in 2026
• Award Nominations Announcements

Enjoy and please let us know what you would like to see in future publications!

02/05/2026

Join APSAC/CAPSAC in commemorating Black Heroes In our field! Nominate a colleague today!

Celebrate Black History Month with APSAC.

Last year during Black History Month, APSAC celebrated and recognized APSAC heroes making Black History in the field of child maltreatment. 

This year, let’s continue to commemorate Black Heroes in the field in honor of 100 Years of Black History Month. Nominate a colleague by submitting their name and headshot to [email protected] to be recognized and celebrated throughout the month.

Join APSAC in celebrating Black History Month and Black excellence today, tomorrow, and always.

02/05/2026

Don’t miss the next Hot Topic discussion! Register now!

What would a Trauma Informed Community of Belonging look like?

This session offers six principles for creating a community of belonging with the trauma informed care lens, such as ‘connection before correction,’ ‘challenges, concerns, celebrations.’ Participants will learn faith-based and scientific importance of building safe relationships as the foundation of trauma healing and restoration.

You can now RSVP for the February 13, 2026, ACEs Health Champions Gathering! https://www.avahealth.org/what-we-do/aces-health-champions-network/aces-health-champions-gatherings.html

12/16/2025

Pleased to share the latest APSAC Advisor publication focused on promoting and protecting the mental health of Black families. This issue features critical reviews examining African American families’ experiences with the behavioral health system and the mental health of Black families raising children with autism—highlighting systemic barriers and the need for culturally responsive care to support child well-being.

📣 HOT OFF THE PRESS! APSAC Advisor: Special Issue on Promoting and Protecting the Mental Health of Black Children and Families

Read Here:https://apsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10776.pdf