April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Usually, each of our nine counties plans a public event to promote child abuse prevention and this year is just different. It just is. Its different in so many ways.

We can still encourage prevention apart but together. This year, we are joining in with other CAC’s; and requesting that families place pinwheels in the front windows of their homes or planting them in your yard. There are a couple of pinwheel templates available, that you can print off, color, and place in your window. Hopefully your neighbors will see the pinwheels, and follow suit.

Families who participate in the pinwheel gardens are encouraged to take a picture, and share it using the hashtag #stopchildabuseIL .

Pinwheel for windows Pinwheels for yards

During the COVID19 pandemic, we are urging neighbors, friends, and families to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, please call local law enforcement and/or the DCFS hotline number (800-252-2873).