The public is invited to 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 across the country during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. This year’s theme, Growing Better Together, is a call to action to support each other and focus on the positive environment we all need to survive and thrive. To heighten awareness, Illinois DCFS will host events across the state in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. All events are open to the public. All Illinoisans can get involved and show their commitment to ending child abuse by wearing blue on April 1 and posting pictures on social media with the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Statewide virtual kickoff and training featuring trauma survivor and international trauma-informed care expert Tonier Cain
10 a.m.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HrdUMO-FSOyngajtbWPWPg

Friday, April 1 through Saturday, April 30, 2022
Aurora Art Exhibit
Paramount School of the Arts
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.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, visit the DCFS Online Reporting System at https://dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.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.