Long Island Child Abuse Prevention Services Expands anti-bullying resources

With a Baldwin boy implicated in the BOCES bias crimes in Hicksville and bullying tragedies being reported seemingly daily, area parents and youngsters are increasingly searching for anti-bullying resources. Given this, the expansion of the anti-bullying programs available through Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) of Long Island is aptly timed.

CAPS, founded in 1982, is Long Island’s leading non-profit resource on the prevention of bullying, child abuse and neglect, and now offers bullied children and their parents a direct link to professionals with expertise in bullying and cyber-bullying

problems.

The BullyHelpline, (516) 621-0552 x 109 or bullyhelpline@capsli.org, is a new, free, confidential community service and part of the CAPS Bully Prevention Center.

“The BullyHelpline, an extension of our original Helpline, was designed to provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment that a parent or school-age child could turn to for help dealing with a bullying or cyber-bullying situation,” said Alane Fagin, CAPS executive director. “We respond to questions from around the world, from kids, parents, grandparents, caretakers, teachers and adults who are seeking guidance, suggestions and referrals.”

The CAPS Helpline, (516) 621-0552 x 102 or helpline@capsli.org, is an existing service and will continue to answer inquiries about child abuse and neglect, Internet safety, friendships, sexual harassment and date/acquaintance rape.  

As always, if you believe a child is in immediate danger, the best course of action is to call 911 or your local police

department.

Both the BullyHelpline and the CAPS Helpline’s phones are answered during business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by professionals with expertise in bullying, child abuse, child development and

child safety.

The goal of each program is to teach parents how to effectively talk to their kids about bullying and cyber-bullying and practice “bully-proofing” and child safety skills, as well as offering consultation services to help victimized parties work with their child’s school to resolve incidents.  

  Child Abuse Prevention Services’ Bully Prevention Center includes the agency’s in-school programs for children, workshops for parents, and training for school professionals. For information, or to volunteer, call (516) 621-0552 ext. 104 or visit

www.capsli.org.