Addressing Trauma In High-Risk Communities

The Children’s Advocacy and Parenting Assistance (CAPA) organization operates vital programs in two full-service facilities located within high-risk areas identified by the COMBAT hotspot map—one in Independence at Hocker Avenue and 23rd Street, and another in eastern Kansas City near the Raytown hotspot. CAPA’s presence in these communities places it at the frontline of addressing child maltreatment and family trauma in Jackson County, Missouri.

CAPA is widely recognized throughout Jackson County for its clinical services, home visiting programs, and community education efforts that specialize in trauma-focused care for children and families. These programs empower families to break free from generational cycles of abuse, neglect, and violence by providing evidence-based treatments that foster resilience and hope.

Comprehensive Trauma-Focused Services

CAPA utilizes research-backed models that have been proven effective in helping children and caregivers transition from trauma toward healing and improved well-being. Every client’s progress is carefully monitored using evidence-based evaluation tools to ensure individualized treatment goals are met. Services are tailored to the unique needs of each child and family, and many participants benefit from long-term support through therapy or home visits that may continue for years.

All CAPA programs are offered free of charge, eliminating financial barriers to accessing essential care. In addition to its physical locations, CAPA extends its reach through virtual and telehealth services, as well as school-based programs and home visiting, allowing flexible and accessible care across Jackson County.

The Urgent Need In Jackson County

Child maltreatment remains a serious challenge nationwide, with approximately 3.5 million referrals made annually to Child Protective Services involving over 6.6 million children. Locally, Jackson County reported nearly 10,000 hotline calls involving close to 10,000 children in the 2022 fiscal year alone. Of these cases, hundreds were substantiated while many others required preventative services, highlighting the critical demand for intervention.

Research indicates that actual rates of child maltreatment are likely much higher than reported, underscoring the importance of proactive and community-based prevention and healing programs like those offered by CAPA.

Community Risk Factors & Impact

Jackson County is home to over 716,000 residents and faces several socioeconomic risk factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect, including poverty, food insecurity, and community violence. Nearly 17% of children in the county live below the poverty line, and 18% face food insecurity. The county’s infant mortality rate and rate of newborns born to teen parents further highlight vulnerabilities among its youngest residents.

Tragically, Missouri reported 35 child deaths due to abuse and neglect in 2021, with the majority under the age of four. Babies and toddlers remain the most vulnerable to fatal outcomes from maltreatment.

CAPA’s strategic locations in the 64055 and 64133 zip codes—areas identified as some of the highest for sexual abuse rates in Missouri—reflect its commitment to serving communities most affected by trauma.

A Commitment To Long-Term Healing

CAPA’s programs provide critical support designed to promote healing, resilience, and safety for children and families facing the impacts of abuse and neglect. By offering clinical services, education, and home-based support in easily accessible locations, CAPA helps families overcome trauma and build healthier futures.

Through ongoing evaluation and dedication to individualized care, CAPA ensures that every child and caregiver receives the comprehensive support necessary to break cycles of trauma and thrive.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.