Above / A banner outside the DuPage Historical Museum promotes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. For CASA of DuPage County and its judges, child abuse prevention is a priority every day, every month. (Photo courtesy Julie Walsh for CASA of DuPage)
CASA of DuPage County Report
Wheaton, IL –CASA of DuPage County staff gathered with DuPage County Chief Judge Bonnie Wheaton, Presiding Judge Richard Felice, Circuit Judge Chantelle Porter and Associate Judge Kishori Tank to recognize the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. For CASA of DuPage County and these judges, child abuse prevention is always a priority.
CASA of DuPage County staff tied blue ribbons at the entrance to the DuPage County Courthouse in observance of this important community issue. The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in the spring of 1989 when Bonnie Finney of Virginia tied a ribbon on her car to acknowledge the loss of her three-year-old grandson who was a victim of abuse. She encouraged her neighbors to do the same to bring her community together to protect children. The blue ribbon has been the national symbol for child abuse prevention ever since.
To further recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month, CASA of DuPage County partnered with MOORE Toys & Gadgets of Wheaton, Wheaton Park District, DuPage County Historical Museum, and Wheaton Junior Woman’s Club to display large banners and blue pinwheels. Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. The pinwheel represents hope that every child will be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment.
While this month raises awareness about protecting children, CASA of DuPage County and CASA programs nationwide remain dedicated year-round to advocating for the best interests of children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect through court-appointed advocacy. CASA of DuPage County encourages everyone in the community to play a role in keeping children safe. If you see something that you think is just not right related to the safety of a child, call the DCFS hotline 1-800-25-ABUSE.
CASA of DuPage County
CASA of DuPage County is a nonprofit community organization supporting children who have been abused or neglected and removed from their unsafe homes. CASA of DuPage County advocates for children who are abused and neglected by recruiting, training and supporting volunteer advocates to represent each child’s best interests in the court and in the community. The organization has 150 trained community volunteers who are actively advocating for more than 400 children annually.
Learn more about CASA of DuPage County programs by visiting the website at dupagecasa.org.
