CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) -- Today marked the kick-off of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois, as community members and organizations gathered to raise awareness.
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, The Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, and other community organizations, launched a month of awareness and action.
This year's theme, "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention," highlights the critical role of community support in supporting vulnerable children. The press conference discussed the need for collective action, urging community members to actively help create safe environments for children.
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois emphasized hope should translate into action. "Hope has legs. It's a belief that the work we do today educating, supporting, advocating, lays the groundwork for a better tomorrow," said Rachel Chruszczyk.
Megan Ragan, executive director, Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Network, challenges community members to reflect on what they can do when they notice a child or family in need. She highlights what prevention can look like in action.
Ragan says, “It looks like making sure that we have medical providers and other treatment providers that are well informed on the impact of stigma and how that can be a barrier to parents seeking services at the most vulnerable times in their lives."
The Acting Regional Administrator of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Holly Mulvany, shared that 5,374 children were supported in returning home last year.
Mulvany noted, "Of course we can't do any of this alone. Through collaborations with our community partners, our sister state agencies, and all of you here today and our shared commitment to ensuring every child grows up in a safe and loving family, we will succeed."
Organizers encourage community members to participate in local initiatives to show their support throughout the month of April. More information can be found at
