Archive for category: CAC

County Executive MaryEllen Odell is once again pleased to invite Putnam County residents to the Children’s Expo & Public Safety Day, on Saturday, September 22nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the TOPS (Training and Operations) building on the Donald B. Smith Campus, 112 Old Route 6 in Carmel. Admission is free.

“Putnam County is a great place to live,” said Odell. “Our county is frequently cited as one of the best counties in the state to raise children and that’s because we are committed to keeping Putnam safe through the efforts of police, local government, social service agencies, private partnerships and extraordinary volunteer fire departments and service groups.”

The Children’s Expo is co-presented by the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Bureau of Emergency Services of Putnam County. “This event is about community and provides an opportunity to meet and celebrate all the people and organizations who give so much of their time to serve children and families,” said Ken Clair, acting commissioner of the Bureau of Emergency Services. “We’re looking forward to showing residents the latest in Fire Prevention and Safety Services.”

“It’s an easy way to educate families on health and safety issues, as well as the support services available to them in the community,” added Marla Behler, program coordinator of the CAC. “All while having fun.”

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office will once again be offering Operation SAFE CHILD. Operation SAFE CHILD cards contain a child’s name, biographical information (date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.), and a fingerprint image of both index fingers.

In addition, exhibitors will offer information on a wide range of programs, services and activities for children and families in addition to games, a giant bouncy house, face painting, raffles, food and lots of free giveaways! Also back this year is the Home Depot’s free Kids Workshops which offers fun and useful building projects. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety while they help to instill a sense of accomplishment.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact marybeth.ross@putnamcountyny.gov or call (845)808-1400.

February 14, 2018 Brewster, NY – Every kid deserves a great childhood that’s carefree and full of promise. The Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County and Prevent Child Abuse New York’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign are once again using pinwheels to plant that message in Putnam County.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting token of childhood.  They are meant to convey that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment,” said CAC Program Coordinator Marla Behler.  “Putnam County is a great place to raise a family.  Everyone is welcome to join us as we plant pinwheels to show that our community supports children.”

This year the Community Garden will be planted in front of the Sybil Ludington Statue at Lake Gleneida on Route 6 starting at 9:30 a.m.

The CAC is a program of the Department of Social Services. “The CAC has long advocated that education is imperative to preventing child abuse and continues to partner with local agencies to implement programs to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of the children of Putnam County,” said Putnam County Commissioner of Social Services Michael Piazza. “As more prevention education programs become available, it is clear that people understand the importance of early and comprehensive prevention of abuse, not just responding to it after it occurs.”

According to Prevent Child Abuse America, research documents pervasive and long-lasting effects of child abuse and neglect on children, their families and society as a whole.  Effective child abuse prevention programs ensure the health of children and families, allowing children to grow into adults who prosper and contribute to society.

The “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign is based on the belief that communities must be more proactive to prevent abuse. It’s not enough to simply respond to cases of abuse through prosecution and intervention—programs and policies that focus on child development, engage communities and create conditions that give parents the supports they need to succeed are essential

Among the tips provided by Prevent Child Abuse New York is acknowledging that parenting is a tough job. Here are some other ways to support parents: Reassure a parent coping with a difficult situation in public; Help amuse a restless child; Be a good neighbor and get to know the families in your neighborhood and point out the special things they do for their children. For your own kids, be patient and really listen when they speak to you, and make it a priority to spend time with them, undistracted by work and other demands on your time.

For more information on how you can help prevent child abuse, or on prevention and education programs offered by the Child Advocacy Center, please call (845) 808-1400 or Prevent Child Abuse New York at 1-800-CHILDREN.