Science tells us that children and teens currently have the lowest risk for serious illness related to Coronavirus. But, with the unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic, children in normally functioning families are now at greater risk of child abuse and neglect as their financially stressed parents unaccustomed to providing round-the-clock care are pushed to the edge. Worse yet, kids kept home from school are kept away from those who are the typical reporters of suspected abuse, such as teachers, social workers, and school counselors.

Parenting is hard under the best of circumstances. Statistics reveal that 1 in 5 children in Illinois will be the victim of child abuse by the age of 18. The time for us to work together to protect children and strengthen families is now! During Child Abuse Prevention Month, your actions and our collective voices have the power to raise awareness and prevent child abuse. Get involved and make a difference! 

Click here to read the USA Today article about risk factors for child abuse during the pandemic: "We don't want this health pandemic to become an abuse pandemic."

OUR RACE HAS GONE VIRTUAL! Run for it...or walk in Shelter's 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz

What YOU can do to show your support!

Shelter's Healthy Families Program Stops Child Abuse Before it Has a Chance to Start.

Because abuse often perpetuates, breaking the cycle is crucial. The Healthy Families program is an intensive home visiting program for at-risk, first-time parents. The program is voluntary, confidential and free. Our multi-lingual staff works with parents during a child's most formative years--from birth through age 5--to create safe and healthy environments for their babies. Through regular home visits, we teach parents fundamental skills such as stress management, effective discipline, health care and nutrition, and connect them to critical community resources. In the past year, Shelter has provided 55 first-time families with the support and resources needed to stop abuse before it has a chance to start. In recent weeks, our staff has been unable to visit families, so instead has provided "face-to-face" support through video chats and phone calls. Link to our Blog Post: News from the Trenches to read an interview with our Healthy Families' Program Director. 

Many of our families are currently struggling to make ends meet due to the temporary loss of jobs or decreased hours of work. There is an immediate need for basic necessities such as food, toilet paper, diapers and wipes. You can help by purchasing gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Amazon and sending them directly to our email at shelter@shelter-inc..org. They will either be forwarded to the families who need them or we will purchase items and have them delivered directly to their homes. 

knows the child such as a parent, relative, neighbor, friend of the family or trusted adult like a teacher, mentor or coach. Child abuse can happen wherever children live, sleep, learn or play. Each year, close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse are filed in the U.S. One victim of child abuse is one too many!