April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month

CHICAGO – Join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, celebrates the limitless potential of children and families when communities come together to support them.

“Every young person deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home, and this year’s theme speaks to the heart of our department’s mission: to promote the safety and well-being of children, youth and families; provide family-centered care; and connect families to the resources they need,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “When children and families are surrounded by a caring community, their potential becomes truly limitless. By working together, we are creating a future where every child in Illinois can thrive and every family feels supported.”

“This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, reminds us that when we support families early and invest in prevention, we strengthen parents, reduce stress and create the conditions for children to thrive,” said Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Executive Director Tarra Winters. “Every child is born full of promise, and families are the experts on what their children need. When we listen to families and invest in prevention, we open the door to safer, healthier futures for children and communities.”

To heighten awareness, Illinois DCFS will host events across the state in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. All Illinoisans can get involved and show their commitment to ending child abuse by wearing blue on April 10, posting pictures on social media, tagging Illinois DCFS in their posts and using the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.

Upcoming Events:

Chicago - Press conference and pinwheel planting

April 7

10 a.m.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

225 E. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, Illinois 60611

Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/

Springfield - Press conference and pinwheel planting

Thursday, April 2

9:30 a.m.

HSHS St. John's Hospital Pavilion Lobby

301 N. 8th Street

Springfield IL 62769

Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/

Carterville - Press conference

Thursday, April 2

1 p.m.

John A. Logan College, Building H Atrium

700 Logan College Dr.

Carterville IL 62918

Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/

Wood River - Press conference

Wednesday, April 1

9 a.m.

Riverbend Family Ministries

144 E. Ferguson Ave.

Wood River, IL 62095

Watch the livestream: www.facebook.com/preventchildabuseillinois/

Aurora - Art exhibit

Wednesday, April 1 through Thursday, April 30

Paramount School of the Arts

20 S. Stolp Ave., Aurora

The exhibit will feature artwork created by children who are currently in care, students, local artists and individuals who care about children.

For a full calendar of Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness activities occurring statewide throughout the month of April, click here: Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities 2026.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, visit the DCFS Online Reporting System at https://childabuse.illinois.gov or call the DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). Calls and online reports may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): Our vision is for every child and youth in Illinois to grow and thrive in a loving family. To achieve this goal, DCFS promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and providing family-centered care and connection to resources to strengthen families and keep children safely at home. Our values – family focused, integrity, respect, empathy and equity – are at the forefront of every decision we make to ensure children are safe and families have the resources they need to succeed. To make an anonymous report of suspected child abuse or neglect, visit childabuse.illinois.gov.

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