PCA Illinois Spring Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Our world has changed. Everyone talks about getting back to normal, but the truth is we have a new normal. This new normal includes realizing that things can change in an instant; understanding that we have a responsibility to protect each other; and knowing that we are all in this together. PCA Illinois is truly taking this new normal to heart as we move into April Child Abuse Prevention Month. As you will read below, PCA Illinois staff have been busy planning events and scheduling trainings to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect and to provide prevention solutions for our communities. Our April theme this year is "Growing Better Together," and we invite you to join us in spreading this message of hope and promise for a brighter future as we all adjust to our new normal.

Happy Spring!

Denise McCaffrey

Executive Director

Prevent Child Abuse Illinois

PCA Illinois staff have been working hard to prepare for April Child Abuse Prevention Month! Staff are holding and partnering with other agencies to host many events throughout the state, from pinwheel gardens to art displays. Be sure to watch our Facebook Page for updates about the many events throughout April, and check out the calendar on our website to see what events are happening near you!

PCA Illinois has a long-standing partnership with the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (National DEC). We have partnered with them for many years to provide drug endangered children awareness trainings throughout Illinois. Last year, National DEC trained PCA Illinois staff and Illinois Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (Illinois DEC) members to become certified DEC trainers. DEC awareness trainings are provided regularly to professionals across the state. PCA Illinois also coordinates and provides leadership for Illinois DEC and our Prevention Specialists provide assistance in establishing local DEC alliances.

National DEC recently launched their new CheckDEC mobile application. CheckDEC immediately connects children, families, and professionals to substance use related information, crisis helplines, drug and treatment information, supportive resources, and services within their local area.

To learn more about CheckDEC and to download the app for free, click here.

As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re joining youth serving organizations across the country by participating in the Five Days of Action—a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. The Five Days of Action enforces critically important habits—KNOW.SEE.RESPOND.—which enable us to understand how and when abuse happens, recognize the signs of abuse, and quickly and appropriately respond to it. When we embrace these habits, we foster a culture of child abuse prevention—a culture of happy and healthy children. Sign up to participate in 5 Days of Action, April 18-22, this Child Abuse Prevention Month!

At PCA Illinois, we offer many valuable trainings, all in an effort to educate others and prevent child abuse. We've recently updated our prevention trainings information sheet to include all of our new programs. Download our updated Trainings Slick to learn more about our new prevention trainings, including DEC Awareness trainings, Parent Cafes, and more!