States Attorney
STATE’S ATTORNEY BIRKETT TO HOST BENEFACTOR BREAKFAST FOR DU PAGE COUNTY CHILDREN’S CENTER
WHEATON – On April 24 DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett will be hosting a breakfast for benefactors of the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center at 8:30 a.m. at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. All proceeds of the event will go directly to the Children’s Center to assist with its daily operations.
Founded in March of 1987 by former State’s Attorney Jim Ryan, the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to lessening the trauma of sexual and serious physical abuse for children as they turn to the justice system for protection. Its mission is to provide a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to child sexual abuse investigations which recognizes the special needs of child victims while demanding accountability for the crime of child sexual abuse. In 1999, State’s Attorney Birkett, Chairman of the Children’s Center’s Advisory Board, expanded the mission of the Center to provide the same coordinated approach to cases involving serious physical abuse of children. In 2001, Birkett again expanded the mission to include interviewing children who have witnessed domestic violence or violent crimes at the request of any police department or prosecutor.
“Our children are our most precious resource and out most vulnerable population,” commented Birkett. “Their wellbeing is our responsibility. These young victims have experienced the ultimate in betrayal often times at the hand of a family friend or relative. It is up to us to do all we can to protect them and guide them as they turn to the justice system for protection.”
At this time, the Center operates with funds from state and local grants, as well as with the proceeds raised at charity events such as this breakfast, which is geared toward major corporations in DuPage County, local elected officials and municipal leaders. The breakfast complements the Center’s Annual Spring Brunch, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information on the principal benefactor breakfast hosted by State’s Attorney Birkett or the Annual Spring Brunch, please contact the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office at (630) 407-8000.
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