(WAND) - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more are marking the month by sharing information about preventing and recognizing child abuse.
This year’s theme, Building Together, Prevention in Partnership, is the call being used to recognize that everyone in the community has a role to play in keeping children safe.
“Illinois DCFS, our private agency partners, social service providers in the community – and every Illinoisan – have a shared responsibility to do everything we can to ensure children grow up in safe and loving homes,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “For DCFS that means responding quickly to protect children when we receive reports of abuse or neglect and partnering with families to support children safely at home whenever possible. In 2023, our child abuse and neglect hotline responded to more than 231,500 calls in 11 seconds or less, and we were able to support 4,089 families in preservation programs, allowing youth to remain safely at home. We ask all of you to please be a voice supporting strong families and safe kids in our communities.”
“Child abuse and neglect prevention happens in partnership. We all have a role to play in creating positive experiences for children and connecting families with resources when they need them,” said Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Executive Director Tarra Winters. “Children and families are the foundation of our communities and when they are safe, strong and supported, it benefits all of us.”
Illinois DCFS will host events across the state for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
People are encouraged to wear blue on April 5, posting pictures on social media, tagging Illinois DCFS in their posts and using the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois
Upcoming Events:
Carterville - Press conference
Monday, April 1
1 p.m.
John A. Logan College, Building H Atrium
700 Logan College Dr.
Carterville IL 62918
Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/
Springfield - Press conference and pinwheel planting
April 2
10 a.m.
HSHS St. John's Hospital Pavilion Lobby
301 N. 8th Street
Springfield IL 62769
Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/
Wood River - Press conference
Friday, April 5
10 a.m.
Riverbend Family Ministries
144 E. Ferguson Ave.
Wood River IL 62095
Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/
Aurora - Art exhibit
Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30, 2024
20 S. Stolp Ave., Aurora
The exhibit will feature artwork created by children who are currently in care or have been in care, students, local artists and individuals who care about children.
For a full calendar of Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness activities being held during the month of April, click here.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, visit the DCFS Online Reporting System at https://childabuse.illinois.gov.
In an emergency, call the DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). Calls and online reports may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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