Chicago, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Illinois DCFS kicks off monthlong observance with statewide virtual training and events in Carterville and Edwardsville
Join 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 for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. This year’s theme, Building Together, Prevention in Partnership, is a call to action to recognize that everyone in the community has a role to play in ensuring children grow up safe and loved; and families
have the resources they need to thrive.
“Every day our dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly not only to respond to reports of abuse and neglect but to also provide access to services to parents who need them,” said Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. “This year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month theme goes hand in hand with our mission to transform the state’s child welfare system by focusing on prevention services. Through our innovative programs and collaboration with our network of state agencies, private agency partners and community service providers we are building a child well-being system that will meet the unique needs of every child
and family we serve, because together we are stronger.”
“We all have a responsibility to ensure children have positive experiences; and families have the resources they need, when they need them,” said Denise McCaffrey, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. “Building healthy communities takes work but the results are worth it.”
To heighten awareness, Illinois DCFS will host events across the state in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. All Illinoisans can get involved and show their commitment to ending child abuse by wearing blue on April 7, posting pictures on social media, tagging DCFS in their posts and using the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, visit the DCFS Online Reporting System at childabuse.illinois.gov. The online system is an easy way for anyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect using any mobile device. 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.
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Founded in 1964, DCFS is responsible for protecting children from abuse or neglect by responding to reports received by the Child Abuse Hotline at childabuse.illinois.gov (non-emergency situations) or 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873). With the goal of keeping children safe, DCFS strengthens and supports families with a wide range of services. When keeping a child safe means removing them from the home, DCFS makes every effort to reunite them with their family. When the best interest of the child makes this impossible, DCFS is committed to pursuing guardianship or adoption by loving families to provide children with a safe and permanent home. DCFS is also responsible for licensing and monitoring of all Illinois child welfare agencies.
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