I am a university student and would like to volunteer for your organization. What can I do to get involved?
We generally do not accept full-time students as volunteers, but on occasion we are able to offer internships to students majoring in guidance, community health, public health, counseling and other related studies. For further information, contact CAPS at 516-621-0552 or volunteeratCAPS@optonline.net.

I am a high school student and would like to volunteer for CAPS. What should I do to get involved?
Though students can not serve as classroom presenters for CAPS, we do need and welcome office help and/or students interested in conducting fundraising activities for our organization. Many high schools require that students fulfill a community service requirement. CAPS is happy to help students achieve this goal once the appropriate school administrator has approved the "placement." For more information, contact CAPS at 516-621-0552 or volunteeratCAPS@optonline.net.

I work full-time, but would love to be involved with CAPS. How can I help during evening and weekend hours?
CAPS office hours generally are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. All of our student workshops are presented in the classroom, during the school week. Many volunteers who work full-time have found creative ways to be involved with CAPS through participation on a CAPS Committee or by presenting our workshops designed for adult audiences at community or PTA meetings, which often take place in the evening. Those volunteers with professional backgrounds in social work, psychology or counseling often find this venue very rewarding and workable considering their busy daytime work schedules.

I would like to volunteer at CAPS, but I do not live on Long Island. Do you have other CAPS locations?
We appreciate your interest; unfortunately, we do not have any "brother" or "sister" organizations. We are confident that your own community offers many meaningful opportunities for volunteering. Check out your local hospital, community health agencies, social service agencies, day care center, homeless shelter, etc. You might also want to contact Prevent Child Abuse America (see our links section). A concerned adult can make a world of difference to a child. Good luck to you.

About New York State Courses

If I can't find a babysitter, can I bring my child?
Children, including babies, are not permitted to attend.

Can I get to you by public transportation?
You can take a bus or train (MTA Long Island Bus or MTA Long Island Rail Road), but you'll have to walk at least one mile or take a 10-minute taxi cab ride from the nearest stop to reach CAPS. If you require public transportation, we can provide further information to you when we receive your registration and course payment.

Will I have to take an exam?
No, and all you need is a pen and a notebook.

Will I leave with my certification?
Yes. The certification document has three copies; you will send the "state education" copy to the appropriate NY state education department which has your licensing credentials. CAPS is NOT responsible for doing this. You keep the "trainee" copy with your records in case you are called upon to present your credentials; CAPS retains the "provider" copy in its records for a New York State-mandated period of five years. All of this will be explained by your instructor.

If I lose my certificate, can I get it replaced?
If you took your class at CAPS within the last five years, you can get a replacement certificate by providing CAPS with your name at the time you took the class, which class you took, approximately when you took it and a check for $5.00 made out to Child Abuse Prevention Services. We will then search our records and when we find your certificate, we'll send you two photostats.

Can I take either of the classes online?
No; CAPS' classes are small and interactive.

Are the CAPS offices handicapped accessible?
No; CAPS is located on the second floor of a school building with no elevator.

Child Protection Issues

In the eyes of the law, at what age can a child stay home alone?
In New York State is no legally mandated age as to when a child can be left alone. Parents have a responsibility to supervise their children or arrange for proper competent supervision. Proper supervision means that the child's minimum needs for adequate food, clothing, shelter, health and safety are met. The need for supervision varies with the age and developmental stage of the child. Very young children should never be left alone. Some 15-year-olds should not be left alone while some 12-year-olds certainly can handle being home alone for a bit of time. A caretaker must take into consideration several factors when deciding the appropriateness of leaving a child alone; these include: the child's age and maturity; any special health or (other) special needs of the child; the relative safety of the child's environment; the length of time the child will be home alone; the responsibilities assigned to the child (will he/she have to cook his own meals or baby sit for a younger sibling?); the availability and capability of older siblings in the home; the availability of neighbors; relatives and the parents in case of emergency; and any past history of injuries or accidents when the child was left alone.

Can I report a case of suspected child abuse without giving my name?
Anonymous reports are accepted in all 50 states. The more information you can provide about the situation when you make the report, the easier it will be for follow-up from child protective services.

What happens once a suspected case of abuse and neglect is reported?
Once a report of suspected child abuse and/or neglect is made and accepted in New York State, an investigation is initiated by the local child protective services unit and a determination is made as to whether the case is unfounded or indicated. If the case is deemed to be unfounded (there was not enough credible evidence to substantiate the alleged abuse), the case is closed. If the case is indicated, the process of diagnosis, protection and intervention begins. The goal is to begin the process of helping families heal by providing protective and/or preventive services, and if necessary, initiate court action and/or take the child into protective custody to protect the child from further harm.

What if I suspect a child over the age of 18 is being abused - can I report that?
The abuse and neglect of any child under the age of 18 must be reported. Most states use this age because most persons 18 and older are presumed to be adults. However some states have made exceptions and have different cut off dates, some due to special circumstances of the child. Consult with your own state's law for specific reporting requirements. In New York State one would call adult protective services.

What can I do to help a friend who confides in me that she is being physically abused at home?
Let your friend know you care and want to listen to her. Continue to believe in her and offer your support. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do is encourage her to talk to a trusted adult, preferably to someone who is a mandated reporter (such as a teacher, social worker, guidance counselor, etc.) because mandated reporters have the expertise and experience in dealing with situations like hers. Remember though, it is not your job to solve all your friend's problems. Help her figure out who to tell and how to tell it. Perhaps you can even go with her when she's ready to disclose. Also, consider sharing your concerns with your parents rather than trying to carry all this on your shoulders alone.

What can I do if my child is being sexually harassed at school?
Sexual harassment in schools is illegal. Sexual harassment can threaten a student's physical and/or emotional well-being, it can influence how well a student does in school and can make it difficult for one to achieve his or her potential. Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments protects students from sexual harassment. Federal law requires that every school receiving federal funds have a policy against sexual discrimination (sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination). Ask your school administration for a copy of its policies and procedures for resolving sexual harassment complaints. Ask who is responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with Title IX. It is the school's responsibility to take the appropriate steps to end the harassment and to ensure that it does not happen again. Children have the right to go to school feeling safe and free to learn; sexual harassment impedes that process.