MCAP UPDATE

By Mary C. Pugh, Esq., Executive Director, MCAP

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month! Since 1983, this annual observance has encouraged communities to rededicate themselves to supporting families by playing an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect. At MCAP, this is our perpetual goal, but in April we will host activities and events to engage the Montgomery County community in our mission. Building awareness in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods sends a strong message that Montgomery County stands together against child abuse! While ‘Wear Blue on the Steps’ is traditionally the first Friday in April, MCAP will hold our ‘Wear Blue on the Steps’ event on the Montgomery County Courthouse steps for National Wear Blue Day on FRIDAY, April 14, 2023. We invite you to wear something blue and join us as we stand together against child abuse in Montgomery County and elsewhere.

who needs some support as he or she navigates the confusing and traumatic legal arenas. Just contact our MCAP office to connect with Nutmeg. Follow Nutmeg’s adventures on Instagram @mcap_kids.

Last year, we served a staggering number of cases and children at MCAP. In 2022, our MCAP attorney advocates served 762 child victims in 525 cases. Most of these cases involved complicated issues including addiction, mental health issues, unemployment, inadequate and unavailable housing opportunities, violence, and so much more. We thank our MCAP Board of Directors, our staff, stakeholders, donors, and especially our MCAP advocates for helping us navigate these challenging times. With the help of this dynamic MCAP team, we continue to serve each child referred to us. If you are an attorney and would like to become an MCAP, sign up for our mailing list to learn of future CLEs by emailing MCAP’s Program Coordinator Patricia Teaford at pteaford@ mcapkids.org. If you would like to make a financial contribution to support our life-saving mission and work, please contact our Executive Director at marypugh@mcapkids.org or make your gift online at www.MCAPkids.org/donate. Thank you for your commitment to keeping kids safe. You ARE saving lives.

Mark your calendar for these important dates:

• April 27, 2023, The Art of Representing Children in the Legal Arena (8:30am-4:30pm) at the Montgomery Bar Building.

MCAP’s newest employee, Nutmeg, keeps busy by comforting children and adults in and out of the courthouse. She loves to visit Juvenile Court, the main Courthouse, Mission Kids, and even local schools. She is available to comfort anyone

• October 12, 2023, Child Advocacy Refresher (8:30amnoon) at the Montgomery Bar Building.

• November 11, 2023. MCAP SALUTE TO HEROES AUCTION & DINNER DANCE at Sheraton Hotel in King of Prussia.