In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Services' (CAPS) 20th anniversary, a birthday party was held at The Broadway Mall in Hicksville. Visitors to the CAPS celebration table were told about the various free programs offered to Long Island schools.

These programs include a bully prevention program offered at various grade levels, and a child abuse prevention program for middle and senior high school students which covers physical and emotional abuse and neglect.

Information was also provided about CAPS' education programs for teachers and community groups and about the Child Safety Resource Center which is an extensive library of videos, curricula and books on child abuse and child safety.

Visitors were offered complimentary snacks donated by Fresh Fields in Manhasset and balloon twisters created balloon sculptures for children and adults alike.

"So many people these days are aware of the need to keep our children informed and safe," said Kandice Seitz, a Roslyn resident who was the event's chairwoman. "Our bully prevention programs help children deal with bullies, whether the bullies use words or fists."

Nancy Greulich, a volunteer at the table added, "With so much in the news about bullies and peer harassment, we want to be able to reach out to more school districts about the workshops we present to students empowering them with knowledge and strategies that work."

CAPS will continue to celebrate its 20th anniversary throughout the remainder of the year with special events.

Founded in 1982 by the Junior League of Long Island and the National Council of Jewish Women and headquartered in Roslyn, CAPS is a comprehensive resource center for the prevention of child abuse and the promotion of child safety and child protection.