SR0724 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0724 LRB104 21269 ECR 35978 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Recent federal fiscal year data has revealed approximately four million reports were made to child protective services nationwide; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

WHEREAS, Our children are our most valuable resources and the future of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Child abuse can leave long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and

WHEREAS, Protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, educators, health professionals, community members, faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and

WHEREAS, For 40 years, the La Rabida Children's Advocacy Center in the south suburbs of Chicago has provided critical care, advocacy, and support to children and families, strengthening our communities and fostering safe, stable, and nurturing environments; and

WHEREAS, Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families; and

WHEREAS, We must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and to contribute to promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in safe, stable, and nurturing environments; and

WHEREAS, Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all Illinoisans to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.