Who We Are

The prevention of institutional child abuse impacts every child across the nation. As we have seen in recent years - large scale corruption and a culture of cover-up in many institutions has been exposed in public and private education, as well as child service providing organizations around the country (i.e. Larry Nassar/USA Gymnastics, Jerry Sandusky/Penn State, The Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, and others).

 
 

  • The mission of Coalition for Institutional Child Abuse Prevention is to end institutional child abuse through collaboration, awareness, and prevention strategies. By breaking down silos that prevent real conversations about prevention and response, the Coalition will address the observed gaps in protection and advocate for the solutions needed.

  • We envision a diverse coalition of agencies with a specific focus on prevention of institutional child abuse and reformation of policies that allow it to continue. Through a culture of collaboration, our coalition will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations Best Practices and Policy Development.

    We envision bringing together a network of child service providers and child protection agencies in an Annual Symposium to align on the common goal of reduction and eradication of institutional child abuse.

  • This project began on a micro scale through the activism and advocacy of institutional child abuse victim Loxie Gant. Loxie had a vision of breaking down the barriers to the prosecution of perpetrators and access to care for victims within San Diego County. Upon speaking to other victims nationwide- she realized this was not just a local problem – but a systemic devaluation of institutional child abuse responses and protocols compared to domestic child abuse. With the support of politicians on a national level, as well as leading activists, researchers, attorneys, public figures, and fellow victims - the creation of Coalition for Institutional Child Abuse Prevention (CICAP) was proposed and encouraged to fill a void in our child protection sector.

 

  • Loxie Gant

    Executive Director, Founder

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  • Cheryl Robertson

    Chief Operating Officer

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“CICAP has been a bright candle in the darkness I have endured because of a system that has failed my daughter and I. When my daughter had the strength to speak up about what has happened to her, she was ignored and put in an even worse situation.

CICAP has helped to relieve the financial burden I am experiencing because of the ongoing case. They have provided resources and access to financial assistance.

I cannot express enough gratitude for the love and support I have received from CICAP. They have treated my daughter and I like family in a horribly tragic time. Their support has helped me to face a system that disregards the voices of those too young to stand up for themselves.

Thank you for your donations and support. I know your contributions will help more families like mine. I am forever grateful.”

— CICAP Client

Loxie Gant

Executive Director, Founder

Loxie is a leader in the world of Institutional Child Abuse reform. She bring to the table a unique outlook as being child victim turned survivor, activist and expert in the field. The injustices she saw seeking justice for her own case led to the revelation that there was still so much work to be done.

Aside from her private work with Institutions, Loxie works closely with Child Advocacy Centers, Law Enforcement, Child Welfare Services, County Health and Human Services and other governmental agencies nationwide as an advocate and trusted advisor for policy reform. 

Cheryl Robertson

Chief Operating Officer

Cheryl is a former teacher, educational leader, as well as a child victim turned survivor. Her experience in the classroom, working with foster youth, and advocating for children with disabilities, brings a new and valuable lens to this work.

Education has always been a big part of Cheryl’s life and she continues to work within that path as the President of the Lemon Grove School District Governing Board. She strongly believes that success within our communities depends upon the success of our youth.