Springfield, October 14, 2005 - The state's leading child abuse prevention agency recently honored a 33-year veteran of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for his leadership in building prevention services throughout Illinois.

Prevent Child Abuse-Illinois presented a Friend of Children Award to Bobby Hall, the DCFS Chief for the Office of Program Development and Support, during a Oct. 6th luncheon held in Springfield.

"It's always important to be recognized by your peers," said Hall, who oversees prevention grants and provides technical support to community-based programs. "Prevention services help to reduce trauma and enable families to raise and nurture their own kids, so the state doesn't have to intervene."

In addition to securing and administering federal grants for prevention projects statewide, Hall was also recognized for his own community service to local organizations, including Big Brother Big Sisters, Head Start, Interagency Athletic Association, Family Services Center and Springfield's Community Health Center.

Hall was the only government recipient of this year's award. Prevent Child Abuse-Illinois also presented 2005 Friend of Children Awards to the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center and to Glenn and Jo Poshard, founders of the Poshard Foundation in Southern Illinois.

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Diane Jackson
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847