Sangamon Sun

Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital will hold a joint press conference on April 1 in Springfield to mark the beginning of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the HSHS St. John’s Hospital Pavilion and is open to the public. After the presentations, weather permitting, attendees are invited to gather on the pavilion lawn to plant blue pinwheels, a recognized symbol of child abuse prevention.

Speakers scheduled for the event include Maria Miller, the Chief Deputy Director for Child Protection and State Central Register at Illinois DCFS, Tarra Winters, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Misty Buscher, Mayor of Springfield, and Chad Markham, Interim President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Chief Operations Officer of HSHS Central Illinois Market.

“This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention, emphasizes the importance of prevention efforts that support families, strengthen communities, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Winters. She added that investing in prevention protects children and provides families the strength to overcome challenges.

Heidi E. Mueller, Director at Illinois DCFS, said, “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.” Mueller highlighted that supporting parents leads to stronger, safer families and more children safely remaining at home.

Chad Markham stated, “At St. John’s Children’s Hospital, our mission goes beyond caring for kids within our walls – we are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of every child.” He expressed the hospital's commitment to partnering with organizations like Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and DCFS to ensure the safety and health of children.

Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed every April since 1983, promoting awareness of the importance of nurturing, safe homes for children through various activities, including pinwheel planting and community events.