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CHICAGO,
April 11, 2005-
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is pleased to
support the production and distribution of public service announcements
that were announced at a gathering today that was organized by the Save
Abandoned Babies Foundation. DCFS contributed toward the purchase of the
PSAs.
"We
believe the best way to reduce the number of abandoned babies is through
public education, and today's gathering demonstrates a solid and committed
collaboration to move in that direction," says Bryan Samuels, DCFS
Director.
He added
that Governor Rod Blagojevich recognizes the importance of the abandoned
babies issue and by way of a proclamation communicated the need to protect
infants and allow them to be placed in loving homes. "…it is
the hope of the State of Illinois that as awareness of this Act increases,
it will stop the abandonment of newborn infants, a practice that has lead
to healthy babies being found harmed, deceased or in unsafe places,"
reads the proclamation.
Also on behalf
of the state, the Illinois State Police are joining Chicago and Round
Lake Beach law enforcement departments in keeping their headlights on
today as a symbol to support Save Abandoned Babies Day.
Regarding
DCFS' public education over the last year:
- The agency
distributed posters and brochures in English and Spanish to public schools
and private organizations and communities throughout Illinois. Also,
letters and educational materials were sent to State's Attorneys' Offices,
churches, and municipal mayors.
- Utilization
of the Newborn Lifeline Network 1-866-694-BABY, a toll-free number for
callers to be advised on options to safely relinquish babies under the
law in Illinois.
- Department
representatives attended speaking engagements to educate organizations
and other state agencies about the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection
Act.
- The DCFS
website www.state.il.us/dcfs maintains information about the Abandoned
Newborn Infant Protection Act.
"As
the state's child welfare agency, DCFS is pleased to broaden our public
education efforts by helping underwrite the PSAs," says Samuels.
"We support this campaign wholeheartedly to help protect babies."
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Contact:
Diane Jackson
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847
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