1 IN 4 CHILDREN EXPERIENCE ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Shelter Youth & Family Services provides a comprehensive array of services and resources, from emergency shelters to trauma-informed care, all aimed at preventing and ending the cycle of child abuse.
Child abuse and neglect disrupt safety, stability, and hope, and before a child can dream about their future, they must feel safe today. Prevention is where possibility starts.
This April, be The Spark of Hope and make your gift today. Each gift let’s Shelter help another child feel safe and supported again.
PREVENTION BEGINS WITH AWARENESS. RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE.
Shelter Youth & Family Services provides a comprehensive array of services and resources, from emergency shelters to trauma-informed care, all aimed at preventing and ending the cycle of child abuse.
Child abuse and neglect disrupt safety, stability, and hope, and before a child can dream about their future, they must feel safe today. Prevention is where possibility starts.
| SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE – Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries – Injuries inconsistent with explanations – Fear of certain adults – Frequent or repeated injuries | SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE – Extreme behavior changes – Developmental delays – Anxiety, withdrawal, or depression – Lack of attachment to caregivers |
| SIGNS OF NEGLECT – Poor hygiene or untreated medical needs – Frequent absence from school – Lack of supervision – Consistent hunger or fatigue | SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE – Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge – Difficulty walking or sitting – Sudden behavioral or emotional changes |
These warning signs do not always confirm abuse, but they indicate a child or family may need help or intervention.
Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
Reported suspected abuse confidentially to the Illinois DCFS hotline: 1-800-25-ABUSE.
April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, an observance first proclaimed in 1983 to raise awareness and encourage collective action to ensure children
grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
Communities across Chicago and the U.S. participate by hosting educational events, planting symbolic pinwheel gardens, sharing resources, and promoting positive parenting strategies. The pinwheel symbolizes the hope that every child can experience a happy, healthy childhood.
Preventing child abuse is a shared responsibility. Research consistently shows that early support for families, strong social networks, and access to services significantly reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.
KEY FACTS ABOUT CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. One in four children experience abuse or neglect.
Forms of child abuse include:
– Physical abuse – non-accidental injury such as hitting, burning, or shaking
– Emotional abuse – patterns of criticism, rejection, or withholding love
– Sexual abuse – exploitation or sexual activity involving a child
– Neglect – failure to provide basic physical, emotional, educational, or medical needs
Most children are harmed by someone they know and trust, including parents, relatives, or caregivers. Each year, millions of reports of suspected abuse are made in the United States, though experts believe many cases go unreported.
JOIN US FOR SHELTER’S OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING
April 29, 2026 | 4-6 PM
Join us as we officially open our doors—and our hearts—to the community during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Shelter Youth & Family Services invites you to a special Open House & Ribbon Cutting celebrating our commitment to protecting children, strengthening families, and building brighter futures. This meaningful event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how our programs create safety, stability, and hope for youth and families in our community.
Learn more.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS!
Martin Law, LLC – Our $5,000 Match Sponsor
SHINE SPONSOR
A Generous Shelter Board Member
FIELD OF HOPE SPONSORS
Wheeling Township
Boxer Property
OTHER PARTNERS
Arlington Heights Library
To discuss sponsor opportunities, email Shelter’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Christine Roerig.
