Public invited to Cape Cod fair on child abuse prevention

WEST YARMOUTH — Cape Cod Children's Place, in partnership with Children’s Cove, will host a SAFE Child Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 26. The fair is intended to introduce the public to services that can help reduce child abuse and promote healthy families.

The fair will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors at 22 Mid-Tech Drive, #22.

“One of the biggest elements is facilitating safety and protective factors for children and providing the community with knowledge about available resources,” said Jacob Stapledon, Children’s Cove community engagement and education program manager.

This is part of an initiative through the nonprofit Children's Trust, based in Boston, according to Stapledon.

Since COVID-19, there has been a consistent increase in referrals to respond to children's abuse and other issues, he said.

“Last fiscal year we had a 48% increase in referrals for child protection and preventing abuse services,” said Stapledon.

The free event will allow the community to connect with more than 40 government and nonprofit agencies serving families and children including the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office, Cape and Islands Maternal Depression Task Force, Duffy Health Center, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Office for Victims of Crime and others.

For more information, contact mpereda@capecodchildrensplace.com, 508-375-6924, or Jacob.stapledon@childrenscove.org.

Rasheek Tabassum Mujib writes about healthcare and education. Reach her at mujib@capecodonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Child abuse prevention fair set for Cape Cod, Islands