NJCA to Present “Hero for Children” Award to Passaic Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Freid

Award to be presented on October 22nd at the 9th annual Heroes for Children event

Clark, NJ— October 10, 2022 — New Jersey Children’s Alliance is excited to announce the selection of Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Freid of Passaic County as this year’s recipient of the “Hero for Children” award. This annual award recognizes an outstanding child advocacy professional who has made significant contributions toward promoting the best interests of abused and neglected children throughout the state of New Jersey.

Throughout his 22 years in the Special Victims Unit, Chief Assistant Prosecutor (CAP) Freid has played an integral role in the continued effectiveness and evolution of the Passaic County Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and the Passaic County Child Advocacy Center. He has continuously promoted the Center’s mission as a collaboration of all the disciplines working together towards the common goal of justice for children, under the authority of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, which continues to provide its resolute support. CAP Freid also serves as the chief legal adviser to Passaic County Law Enforcement on all questions related to child physical and sexual abuse; is an adjunct faculty member at the Center for Child Advocacy and Policy at Montclair State University; is a faculty member for the Finding Words/ChildFirst NJ forensic interviewing protocol; and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Children’s Alliance.

CAP Freid’s determination in upholding the best standards of practice has earned him a reputation as a true leader and advocate for children. Most recently, this was made evident through the Covid-19 pandemic when the world was put on pause. Recognizing that child abuse never stops even during a pandemic, CAP Freid ensured the MDT continued to run efficiently and effectively by providing constant innovative alternatives to investigating, prosecuting, and collaborating with our partner agencies in a time of such uncertainty and change.

CAP Freid has served as a mentor to countless Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office legal, investigative, and clerical staff members and will leave behind a legacy of fairness, temperance, and advocacy. He has tirelessly and unequivocally continued the mission of providing a vital voice for hundreds of children and, in the face of countless others who have failed them, has remained these children’s champion.

 

Award Presentation

CAP Freid will be presented with the Hero for Children award at NJCA’s 9th Annual Heroes for Children 5K Run and Family Fun Run/Walk, to be held on October 22nd, 9am-12pm, at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange, NJ. The event will feature an USATF-certified 5K run beginning at 9am, with the award presentation taking place at approximately 9:30am, followed by a family fun run/walk around the reservoir and fun family activities including face painting, a balloon artist, a DJ, Batman and his Batmobile, and $5 admission to the Turtle Back Zoo. Registration is at https://njca5k.com, and will also be open the morning of the event. For more information on the event, please email olga@njcainc.org.