Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A press conference commemorating the start of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month was held this afternoon at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.

Guest speakers included: HSHS St. John’s Hospital Interim President and CEO Chad Markham, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Tarra Winters, Chief Deputy Director of Child Protection and State Central Register for Illinois DCFS Maria Miller, and Mayor Misty Buscher.

The overall message shared was that prevention is key and that the community as a whole can help to prevent child abuse. Offering a helping hand to a parent who is struggling and sharing community resources are ways you can help prevent child abuse.  

Prevent Child Abuse Illinois focuses on educating the community, raising awareness about child abuse, and the role the community plays in preventing it. The goal is to keep children in their homes safely.

Pinwheels in front of St. John's Hospital
Pinwheels outside of St. John’s Hospital

Guest speakers placed their pinwheels after the press conference ended.

If you suspect a child is being abused, there are two ways to report it to DCFS. In the case of an emergency, you can call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25ABUSE (252-2873). In the case of a non-life threatening and non-emergency instance of abuse and neglect, you can use the online reporting system by clicking here. 

 

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