ROCHELLE – Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect. In 2023, Illinois recorded over 45,000 reports of suspected child abuse, with more than 13,000 confirmed cases affecting children across the state.
The mayor noted on Monday night the vital role of community partnerships, including courts, social services, schools, law enforcement, and organizations.
“ Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center plays a crucial role in our community by providing support to child victims of abuse and their families, ensuring that children have a safe and caring environment to begin the healing process,” he said. “And whereas all citizens should become aware of child abuse within the community, and to become involved in its prevention and supporting parents and caregivers to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment.”
(Jessica Cash, LPC, MA Executive Director/Forensic Interviewer Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center is presented a proclamation by Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows)
