April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reaffirm Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to youth protection — not just in words but in action.
As we gear up for a busy summer of encampments, National Cadet Special Activities, and Cadet Special Activities, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we, as members and stakeholders of Civil Air Patrol, can strengthen our culture of safety and accountability.
Cadet Protection: Our Highest PriorityAt CAP, cadet protection isn’t just a program or a policy, it’s a responsibility we all share. It’s also our top organizational risk, which we hold alongside our partners at CAP-USAF. Every member, cadets and adults alike, plays a critical role in ensuring our cadets are safe, supported, and able to grow in an environment built on trust and respect.
Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect remain serious issues nationwide. The statistics are sobering: one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before age 18, and 33% of child sexual abuse is committed by another child. The consequences of inaction are devastating — not just for the victims, but for families, organizations, and entire communities.
But we’re not here to focus on fear. We’re here to focus on solutions, on what we can do together to ensure CAP is a model of youth protection and integrity.
Building Protective Factors: A Culture of Safety and AccountabilityResearch has shown that protective factors like positive mentorship, safe environments, and clear reporting structures help reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. CAP’s approach to cadet safety is built on these principles, reinforced by our core values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect.
Here’s how we’re strengthening our commitment to youth protection:
Stronger Policies and Compliance: Our updated reporting protocols align with federal and state laws as well as best practices from leading youth organizations like the American Camp Association and American Academy of Pediatrics.
Better Supervision and Training: Adjustments to supervision ratios help prevent vulnerable situations, while enhanced training ensures that leaders and cadets alike can recognize and respond to risks before they escalate.
Ongoing Support for Leaders and Members: Resources like updated training materials, guidance documents, and direct access to the youth protection program manager ensure that all members feel equipped to uphold these standards.
A Leadership-Driven Culture of Safety: Leaders at every level are expected to model and enforce our youth protection policies. We’re fostering an environment where safety is non-negotiable, where every adult member knows their vigilance makes a difference.
Why This Matters: For Every MemberYouth protection isn’t just about rules and regulations — it’s about creating an environment where cadets can thrive. Whether you’re a commander, an encampment cadre member, or an adult member volunteering at a weekend event, your commitment to cadet safety helps shape the future leaders of CAP. Every interaction, every policy we follow, and every decision we make sends a message to our cadets: You are valued. You are safe. We are here for you.
As we move forward, let’s continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards. Let’s challenge the mindset of “that’s the way we’ve always done it” and embrace a culture of continuous improvement. By working together — leaders, parents, and cadets — we can ensure CAP remains a place where young people can grow into confident, capable leaders.
Thank you for your dedication to our highest-priority mission._____Katie ThursonYouth Protection Program ManagerNational Headquarters
