Springfield, Illinois - March 25, 2003 - 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 holding "Teaming up to keep kids… Safe at Home," an awards presentation and media conference on Tuesday, March 25, beginning at 9 a.m.
"Child abuse and neglect continues to be a serious problem for our nation and the state of Illinois," according to 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 explains.

This event is not only designed to raise awareness of child abuse prevention, but to present five community programs with the 2002 Program Excellence Award, and to recognize one Community Blue Ribbon Campaign.

DCFS Director Jess McDonald and Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Executive Director Roy Harley will honor the following programs for showing excellence in preventing child abuse and improving the well-being of children and families.

• Chicago: HomeWorks
• Chicago: WellSpring Center for Hope
• Maywood: Maywood Fine Arts Association
• Sparta: Lutheran Child and Family Services Family Support Program
• Springfield: Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center
• Wheaton: DuPage Prevention Partnership
• Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
• Youth Strength, Center for the Prevention of Abuse, Peoria
• Kishwaukee Education Consortium, DeKalb
• Child Maltreatment Awareness, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago

In addition, the Champaign Area Blue Bow Campaign 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 campaigns, 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.

-- 30 --

Contact:

Jill Manuel
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847

Cathy Huffman
Prevent Child Abuse Illlinois
217-522-1129