Welcome to the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois E-mail Newsletter! We look forward to bringing you child abuse prevention information, free trainings, free material, and updates about our prevention efforts throughout the state.
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 2014 Conference registration is open.
The Annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference is a two-day conference that offers access to national speakers and cutting-edge information in the field of child abuse prevention, intervention and best practices. The 2014 conference theme is: Caring for Today's Children & Safeguarding Their Tomorrow. The conference will be held in Springfield, Illinois, on November 6th and 7th. Learn more and register today.
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 Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Most often the victims of domestic violence are women and children. Children who live with domestic violence face many risks, such as the risk of exposure to traumatic events, the risk of neglect, the risk of being directly abused and the risk of losing one or both parents. Whether or not the children are physically abused, they often suffer emotional and psychological trauma from living in homes where there is violence. Even if the children do not observe the violence, statistics indicate that 90% are aware that it is occurring by hearing the violence or experiencing the aftermath of the violent act. Some ways that you can show your support during the month of October and raise awareness about domestic violence include: - Wear a purple ribbon during the month of October to remember and honor those that have lost their lives to domestic violence. Tell others why ending domestic violence is important to you.
- Educate yourself about domestic violence. Learn some facts and tell others what you have learned.
- Talk to your children and teenagers about healthy relationships.
- Find out what activities or events are happening in your community that raise awareness about domestic violence and show your support by getting involved.
For more information or to schedule a training in your area on The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children, please contact Tarra Winters at 618-583-2116 or [email protected].
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 Dating Violence a Leading Cause of Adolescent ER Visits
Dating violence was at the root of about one in every six emergency department visits for adolescents during the last year, according to new data. The study, published online in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, also linked dating violence among teens to alcohol, drug use, and depression. Based on emergency department interviews, just over 18 percent of girls and 12 percent of boys reported being involved in relationship violence, either as a victim or as a perpetrator. "With this many youth and adolescents experiencing either dating victimization or dating aggression, it's dangerously easy for the behavior to become 'normalized,'" said lead study author Vijay Singh of the University of Michigan Injury Center. "Simply treating the injury and not assessing for dating violence loses an opportunity for injury prevention and breaking the cycle of violence."
Information from Channing Bete.
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 Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention: The Role of the Educator
Educators may be the single most important group in the prevention and recognition of child sexual abuse. Not only do they interact with large numbers of children and their parents, but children who disclose abuse often tell their teacher, guidance counselor, or other trusted school employee.
School personnel are the source of over 50% of abuse reports made by professionals to authorities.
Despite this, only about one-third of educators receive child sexual abuse training, either as part of their teacher training coursework or through continuing education. In fact, 24% of teachers report that they have never received instruction, either oral or written, on their state's mandated reporting process.
Now that school is back in session, do you know if your child's teacher, coach or other school personnel are trained in how to better protect children? Please inquire with your child's teacher or school principal about how they protect children and if they have had appropriate training.
For more information or to schedule a 'Stewards of Children' Training, a child sexual abuse prevention training for all adults, please contact Jennifer Samartano at [email protected] or call 630-701-4710.
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 Halloween Safety Tips
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.
Hard Facts
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Top Tips
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child's vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
- When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
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 The ABC's of Safe Sleep
Sleep suffocation was the leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois in 2012, when 40 indicated deaths (44 percent) were caused by unsafe sleep conditions. Most deaths occurred when parents slept with a newborn or infant in their bed and unknowingly rolled over and smothered the child. In other instances, parents put a newborn or infant to sleep on an adult mattress or couch, in a bed with covers that were unsafe or on their stomachs. All these factors contribute to a risk of suffocation. Learn more.
Source: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
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Happiest Baby on the Block
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Happiest Baby Become a Certified Educator for The Happiest Baby on the Block. Happiest Baby on the Block is a technique developed by Dr. Harvey Karp to sooth a crying baby. The technique mimics the environment of the womb and provides a 4th trimester for the baby. If you would like to become a part of our network at our discounted rate please contact Belinda Farr at [email protected]. Prevent Child Abuse Illinois can also provide Happiest Baby training for your clients. Please contact Belinda Farr to schedule a training. Shaken Baby SyndromeWould you like to have a Shaken Baby Syndrome Train the Trainer in your area. Please contact Belinda Farr at [email protected] .
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Child Abuse Prevention Month is in April.
Child Abuse Prevention Month is in April. It's never to early to begin planning your events and awareness programs. If you already have an event scheduled for April 2015, please take a moment to add it to our CAP Month Calendar. The calendar is distributed statewide, as well as available online. Enter your event.
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