SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Julie Morrison joined child welfare advocates and leaders from across Illinois this week to highlight the critical role Child Advocacy Centers play in supporting victims of abuse and to urge passage of Senate Bill 3510.

Speaking at a Capitol press conference, Morrison emphasized the importance of providing a safe, centralized environment for children who have experienced abuse or sexual assault. Rather than recounting traumatic experiences multiple times to different agencies, children can share their story once in a supportive, child-focused setting.

“Think about a child who has been abused or sexually assaulted,” Morrison said. “Rather than passing them from the police station to another room, they go to one place – one environment – to tell their story once.”

Child Advocacy Centers have been operating nationwide since 1985, growing from a single location in Alabama to more than 600 centers today. Illinois is home to 41 centers, ensuring coverage in every county. These centers coordinate services for children and families, offering forensic interviews, counseling, prevention education and victim advocacy.

A hallmark of the centers’ model is their multidisciplinary team approach, which brings together professionals from law enforcement, child protection, mental health, prosecution and medical fields. This collaboration helps streamline investigations while prioritizing the well-being of the child.

Senate Bill 3510, sponsored by Morrison, aims to strengthen that collaboration. The legislation would enhance coordination among team members by allowing access to relevant records in child abuse investigations and ensuring information can be shared confidentially.

The bill also expands who can participate in these teams, allowing personnel from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and, when appropriate, school officials to be included. Additionally, it would ensure that parents, guardians or other support persons are notified when a child undergoes a forensic interview.

Another provision would increase penalties for repeat offenders by classifying second or subsequent convictions of endangering a child’s life or health as a Class 3 felony.

Advocates say the measure will improve access to services and strengthen protections for vulnerable children. Morrison underscored that ensuring children know their rights is essential to the healing process.

“The right to have an interview is critical,” she said. “If we don’t make sure that each alleged victim knows they have that right, then it can’t be exercised.”

Senate Bill 3510 is currently awaiting consideration before the full Senate. Read more: https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/39-senator-julie-a-morrison-news/6747-morrison-joins-advocates-for-press-conference-supporting-child-advocacy-centers.