• Our History
• Children's Trust Fund of Washington
• Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Program

Celebrating 26 Years of Strengthening Families. The legislature created WCPCAN and the Children's Trust Fund in 1982. WCPCAN is funded by the state's general fund, the federal Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program grant, the Children's Trust Fund and private donations.

WCPCAN is a 15-member, Governor appointed Council legislated to promote prevention of child abuse and neglect:

• Seven Council members are appointed by the Governor,
• Four are ex officio members designated from the Department of Early Learning, the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and
• Four are appointed from the Legislature (two each from the House and Senate).

WCPCAN employs seven Staff members: an Executive Director, four professional staff who manage Grants and Evaluation, Public Affairs, and Policy and Education, and two office assistants.

The Children's Trust Fund of Washington was established by the Legislature as a separate fund within the state treasury to receive public and private donations to support the work of WCPCAN. In addition, monies generated by the sale of the Heirloom Birth Certificate and Keep Kids Safe License Plate are deposited to this account. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Children's Trust Fund. The fund provides financial support to programs that strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect and educates the public about Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program was established by Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Amendments of 1996. The purpose of the CBCAP program is to support state efforts to create and operate statewide networks of community-based, family-centered, prevention focused family resource and support programs, which strengthen families and reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

This legislation has a rich history, beginning with the Child Abuse Prevention Federal Challenge Grants Act in 1984 – the first law to direct Federal funds specifically to assist state efforts in preventing child abuse and neglect. Amendments to the law in 1992 and 1994 broadened the earlier legislation to include the provision of community-based child abuse prevention activities and family resource services.