The public is invited to join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, other child welfare stakeholders, elected officials and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and to help promote prevention efforts across the country during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. This year’s theme, Supporting Great Childhoods, is a call to action to help prevent child abuse and neglect by providing parents and families with support for children to thrive. To heighten awareness, Illinois DCFS will host events across the state to mark the occasion. All events are open to the public. All Illinoisans are also encouraged to wear blue on April 6th to show support for Child Abuse Prevention Month and add the following hashtags to social media posts:  #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, April 5, 2018
Chicago Blue Bow Kickoff Event
9 a.m.
Fourth Presbyterian Church (Michigan Ave. & Chestnut St.)
126 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago
Photo op and tying of blue bows to trees will take place at 9:50 a.m. outside.
Blue ribbons will be handed out to the public.

Monday, April 23 through Friday, April 27, 2018
Chicago Art Exhibit
9 a.m.
James R. Thompson Center Lobby
100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

The exhibit will feature art from children who are currently in care, or have been in care, and by artists who have been affected by child abuse. Blue ribbons will be handed out to the public.