SPRINGFIELD (WTHI) – On Tuesday, Illinois child advocacy groups and state agencies gathered to mark the start of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

According to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, there’s an average of 222 reports of abuse in Illinois each day. April draws attention to the issue by sharing child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promoting prevention efforts.

Advocates spoke in Springfield Tuesday before planting pinwheels at the HSHS St. John’s Hospital Pavilion Lobby. Pinwheels represent the innocence of childhood and the vision for all kids to have a happy and healthy future.

This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention, is a call to action to commit to a future where every child grows up safe, loved and full of hope.

"This year’s theme goes hand-in-hand with our department’s vision: for every child and youth to grow and thrive in a family," said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. "By working together with our community partners and connecting families to the services and programs that meet their unique needs DCFS continues to strengthen and support families."

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services served 4,034 families through our family preservation programs in 2024. DCFS also connected parents to counseling, substance abuse recovery, mental health, Family Advocacy Centers and other services so 5,374 children could return home.

Officials encourage everyone in the state to get involved and show their commitment to ending child abuse by wearing blue on April 4. People can post pictures on social media, tag Illinois DCFS in their posts and use the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, visit the DCFS Online Reporting System, 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.