HILLSDALE, Ill. - To promote the safety of area children, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is reminding residents of Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed annually in April.
"Too often, the homes where children should feel safe and secure are abusive and unstable," Smiddy said. "I urge residents to come together this April to help stop child abuse in our community."
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) estimates that more than 100,000 instances of child abuse cases go unreported every year. Smiddy encourages residents to be aware of the warning signs of abuse, including sudden changes in behavior or school performance, nervousness in normal situations and wearing long or concealing clothing in warm weather. Residents should contact the DCFS abuse hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE, 1-800-252-2873, if they suspect abuse or neglect.
"Each child in our great state deserves a supportive and safe home, and it's the duty of each of us to look out for the children in our community and ensure they are cared for properly," Smiddy said. "Please call the DCFS hotline if you're concerned about a child in your community, and together we can stop child abuse in Illinois."
For any additional questions or concerns, please call DCFS informational number at 1-800-232-3798 or contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 618-875-9950.
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