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Springfield,
Illinois - April 1, 2004 - To launch the April observance of Child Abuse
Prevention Month, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and the Illinois Department
of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are "Teaming up to keep kids…Safe
at Home", with several key agencies across the state. An awards presentation
and media conference will be held on Thursday, April 1, beginning at 9
a.m. at the State Capitol Building, Springfield.
"Child
abuse and neglect continues to be a serious problem for our nation and
the state of Illinois," said Roy Harley, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
executive director. "Although we have seen some improvements in recent
years, the numbers of children abused or neglected by their caretakers
is tragically high. Child Abuse Prevention Month is an important time
to focus public attention and energies on the tragedy of child abuse and
the clear need to find ways to prevent it," he explained.
- This
event is not only designed to raise awareness of child abuse prevention,
but to also present six community programs with the 2004 Program Excellence
Award, and to recognize a Community Blue Ribbon Campaign. .DCFS Director
Brian Samuels and Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Program Director Mary
Salisbury will honor the following programs for showing excellence in
preventing child abuse and improving the well-being of children and
families.
- Crisis
Nursery, Urbana
- Fayette
County Health Department Healthy Families Program, Vandalia
- Greater
DuPage MYM, Glen Ellyn
- Joliet
township High School Infant Childcare Center, Joliet
- Parent
Education Program, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago
- Provena
Behavioral Health Healthy Families Program, Champaign
In addition,
the Girl Scouts Service Unit 660, Illinois Crossroads Council,Schaumburg
will be recognized for its community work to raise awareness during Child
Abuse Prevention Month.
Prevent Child
Abuse Illinois is a statewide organization focused exclusively on the
Prevention of child abuse and neglect. Since its founding in 1990, the
organization has worked to accomplish this mission through public awareness,
community and parent education, volunteer and professional training, technical
assistance, and community prevention services. To learn more about child
abuse prevention, visit www.preventchildabuseillinois.org.
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See
media alerts related to events in:
Contact:
Jill Manuel
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847
Roy Harley
or Mary Salisbury
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
217-522-1129 or 217-899-4654 (cell)
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