APRIL EVENTS TO RAISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS TO THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE

Child Abuse Prevention Seminars Sponsored by State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and the DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition

WHEATON – Did you know that last year there were 111,837 reports of child abuse and neglect in Illinois and 3,091 were reported in DuPage County?  Since 1983, concerned residents have joined together to raise awareness of this terrible tragedy and support the prevention movement.

            In an effort to raise awareness to the problem of child abuse, the DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition has contacted DuPage County Mayors and asked for their support by participating in one or more of the following activities during April:

• Kick off the month by declaring a proclamation supporting this cause.
• Post prevention information on their Web site.
• Ask volunteers (scouts, schools, etc.) to tie blue ribbons on trees in front of city hall.
• Participate in “Go Blue” Day on Thursday, April 28 by having employees wear blue jeans to support the cause.
• Post a notice on a sign at the city or village hall.  (Examples: Happy childhoods last a lifetime—Prevent child abuse; You can make a difference—prevent child abuse; or “Every child deserves a life free of abuse and neglect”)

            Teachers, nurses, therapists, social workers, police and other interested individuals are invited to attend the following series of “Child Abuse Prevention Professional Growth Seminars”during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, 2006.  The seminars will be held on April 7^th, 21^st, 28^th and May 5^th.  All events will be held at Benedictine University from 8 a.m. to noon.  These events are being offered by DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett in partnership with The DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition and Benedictine University.

            For additional information please contact Melanie Morong, Coalition President at (630) 790-6600 x292, email Melanie.morang@ywcachicago.org or Brenda Welch, Coalition Board Member at (630) 407-2727, email Brenda.Welch@dupageco.org

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