Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa, Inc. (CAPS) is your local agency dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Ensuring every child’s right to grow up in a safe, nurturing home and community is the collaborative goal of the CAPS’ staff and Board of Directors. 

The revenue generated from fund-raisers is used to continue providing the following programs to the general population of the Tuscaloosa community at no charge:

Safe Child
A three-day program taught to first graders in Tuscaloosa City, Tuscaloosa County, and Hale County Schools. Participating children learn how to set personal boundaries and what to do when those boundaries are threatened.

 Second Step
A violence prevention program, offered at selected local elementary schools, designed to reduce impulsive and aggressive behavior. Children learn anger management, impulse control, and empathy skills.

 After-school Life-skills Lessons
CAPS partners with other agencies to provide at-risk students at selected schools with skill-building in decision making, problem solving, communications, and conflict resolution.

Parenting Programs

The Nurturing Program
For fifteen weeks, from January through April of each year, parents with children ages 4-12 are taught   caring and positive ways to build family relationships.

 CAPS’ Education and Support Group
An on-going weekly group that teaches parenting skills by helping parents deal with the ups and downs of parenting. Children are also encouraged to attend and participate in art, music, and social activities. 

 Healthy Steps for Teen Parents Program
A three session program covering prenatal care, labor & birth, and postpartum recovery. The classes include parenting techniques that encourage healthy newborn development and encourage continued education.

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa Resource Room
Housed at CAPS, the facility provides a wealth of literature about child development and parenting. Some of the issues addressed include discipline, toilet training, learning disabilities, balancing work and family, and more. The Resource Room is open to the public at no charge.

 
Local Outreach

Through education and increased awareness of child abuse issues, CAPS is committed to strengthening families in our community. A speaker from CAPS is available to speak to your group or organization about the treatment and prevention of child abuse in our community, recognizing child abuse, positive parenting techniques, what kids can do to protect themselves, and much more.

 
CAPS is an affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America and a grantee of the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama.
CAPS primary sponsor is the United Way of West Alabama.