In 1984, Child Assault Prevention Project of Washoe County was established as a private, non-profit organization to address the growing concern of child abuse in Washoe County.  CAP's mission has expanded over the years, but has always included the empowerment of children and families, through increased knowledge and awareness, to act in ways that work to break the cycle of abuse.

Locally, CAP is staffed by an executive director, workshop facilitators and community volunteers.  

The mission of CAP is in response to the national and local statistics of child abuse.  Annually, there are more than 300,000 reports of child abuse nationally.  Locally, Washoe County took 6,088 reports of child abuse and neglect in 2023.  While that number is frightening in itself, it is even more frightening to know that 80% of all child abuse goes unreported.