Kane County raises Child Abuse Prevention Awareness through April events

The Kane County Health Department is recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month with a series of events aimed at raising awareness, educating the community, and supporting families.

Throughout April, the health department will collaborate with local organizations to promote child safety and prevention strategies through educational programming, social media engagement, and staff participation.

“Our goal is to provide the community with knowledge and resources to prevent child abuse and support affected families,” said Michael Isaacson, executive director. “By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for children in Kane County.”

• Mind Matters Monthly: The health department’s monthly behavioral health training for professionals presents “Child Advocacy Centers: A Path to Preventing and Addressing Child Abuse” from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 28. This webinar will provide essential insights into the vital role of Child Advocacy Centers in supporting children and families affected by abuse. CEUs and Spanish interpretation are available. Register via www.kanehealth.com.

• Protecting Children Webinar: In collaboration with the Kane County Child Advocacy Center, the health department will host “Protecting Children: Recognizing, Reporting, and Responding to Child Abuse” on Wednesday, April 2. Presented by Lori Schmidt, the center’s executive director, this free webinar is designed for community members working with children from 10 to 11 a.m. It will cover recognizing the signs of child abuse, mandated reporting responsibilities, and best practices for reporting suspected abuse. Register via www.kanehealth.com.

• Wear Blue Day (April 4, 2025): The health department invites the public to participate in this national effort by wearing blue to show support for child abuse prevention.

• Pinwheel Garden display: Visitors to the offices at 1240 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora will see a pinwheel garden, planted in partnership with the Woman’s Club of Aurora, as a visible reminder of the importance of child abuse prevention.

• Social media awareness campaign: Throughout April, the health department will share resources, prevention strategies, and support services on its Facebook page. Follow www.facebook.com/kanehealth

“We are proud to partner with the Kane County Health Department this Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and foster a community commitment to protecting our children,” said Lori Schmidt, executive director of the Kane County Child Advocacy Center and Assistant State’s Attorney, Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. “By working together, we aim to provide crucial resources, education, and support to prevent child abuse and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. This collaboration highlights the importance of shared responsibility and the power of community to make lasting change.”

The health department encourages community members, service providers, and local organizations to join in these efforts. By increasing awareness and fostering collaboration, we can take meaningful steps to protect children and support families in Kane County.

For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month activities or to access resources for reporting child abuse, visit www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx.