Dear Friends of CAPC,

July marks the start of a new fiscal year at the Child Abuse Prevention Council. It's a time to reflect on what we've accomplished, identify the needs that continue to grow, and renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and strengthening families throughout Contra Costa County.

This month, we also recognize Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of equitable access to mental health care. Every family deserves the opportunity to receive support that is culturally responsive, compassionate, and accessible. We remain committed to helping reduce barriers and connecting families with the resources they need.

As we begin this new fiscal year, we are grateful for the partnerships, volunteers, donors, and community members who make our work possible. Your continued support helps us create safer, healthier futures for children and families across Contra Costa County.

Thank you for being part of our mission.

With gratitude,

Carol Carrillo, MSW

Executive Director

News, Events & Resources

Supporting Mental Health in Every Community

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental health and the need for equitable access to care for everyone. While mental health affects people from all backgrounds, many individuals in underserved communities continue to face barriers such as limited access to services, cultural stigma, language differences, and financial challenges.

At the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) of Contra Costa County, we know that supporting the mental health of parents and caregivers is an important part of building safe, healthy families. When families have access to the right resources, they are better equipped to manage stress, strengthen relationships, and help children thrive.

This month, we encourage everyone to check in on their own well-being, reach out to others, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Together, we can help create a community where every family feels supported, valued, and connected to the care they need.

Helpful Resources

Protecting Children from Hot Cars

As temperatures rise during the summer, it's important to remember that a parked car can become dangerously hot in just a few minutes. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach levels that put a child's life at risk. Cracking the windows does not make it safe.

At the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County, we are committed to helping families keep children safe. That's why we distribute Children in Hot Cars safety flyers throughout the community to raise awareness and share simple steps that can prevent these tragedies.

Remember:

Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute.
Always check the back seat before locking your car.
Keep car keys out of children's reach.
If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.

or (510) 618-6357 ext. 6357

Drowning Prevention

Summer is a great time to enjoy pools, lakes, and other water activities, but it's also important to remember that drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4 and is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. Most incidents happen in just seconds and often when a child is not being actively supervised.

At the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County, we distribute Drowning Prevention safety flyers to help families stay informed and reduce the risk of preventable water-related injuries. A few simple safety steps can make a big difference.

Water Safety Tips

Always provide active, undistracted supervision when children are near water.
Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons when they are ready.
Have children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or in open water.
Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around home pools.
Learn CPR and be prepared for emergencies.
Never rely on inflatable toys or flotation devices as substitutes for life jackets or adult supervision.

🌞 Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Keep the fun going all season long with these easy, parent-approved safety reminders!

💧 1. Stay Hydrated

Make sure kids drink plenty of water—especially during outdoor play. Pack reusable water bottles when you’re out and about.

🧴 2. Sun Protection is a Must

Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every 2 hours. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and shade breaks during peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM).

🌊 3. Watch the Water

Whether it’s a pool, beach, or splash pad—always supervise children around water. Drowning can happen in seconds, even in shallow water.

🦟 4. Bug Smart

Use kid-safe insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites and ticks, especially if you're camping or hiking.

🧊 5. Beat the Heat

Take breaks indoors or in the shade. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea, or irritability.

👟 6. Dress for the Weather

Light-colored, breathable clothes help keep kids cool. Closed-toe shoes protect little feet during summer adventures.

Nurturing Parenting classes

Join Our Free NPP Parenting Classes!

To register and get more info, simply click the flyer or here

Are you looking for tools to strengthen your parenting skills and build a stronger bond with your child? Our Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) classes are designed to support parents with practical guidance in a safe, supportive environment.

📅 Classes are free and offered in both English and Spanish.

👨‍👩‍👧 Open to parents, guardians, and caregivers.

Let’s work together to build stronger families and brighter futures