#Essential4Kids: Resources to Protect Kids From Abuse During COVID-Crisis
In times of crisis and economic insecurity, rates of child abuse and neglect increase. However, the Illinois hotline has seen a 50% decrease in calls and CACs are seeing a significant drop of referrals dramatically during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. When children stay at home, they are isolated from places where adults often look out for their safety and well-being including schools, child care facilities, places of worship and other public areas.
We need all adults to step up: family members, neighbors, essential workers serving families in grocery stores and pharmacies and delivering goods to homes and school professionals who are still working with children virtually. ALL ADULTS need to be aware of their responsibility to protect children.
You are essential to child safety during this time. Below you will find information on how to recognize that a child is unsafe and respond. These resources are designed for essential workers serving on the ground to keep our communities running during the COVID-19 crisis, school professionals during this time of virtual learning, and the general public.
Raise awareness. Awareness and advocacy are critical to child abuse prevention and intervention. Share this page, the resources and videos on social media or make your own! Use the hashtag #Essential4Kids so we can keep track of your advocacy.
Join us. YOU are #Essential4Kids
Online Training Resource Links
NCAC Virtual Training Center
Free online trainings on a variety of topics featuring experts on child abuse related topics, including Administration, CSEC, Interviewing, Law Enforcement, Legal, Medical, Mental Health, Prevention, Advocacy, Wellness.
Child Victim Web
A multimedia, online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children and adolescents who have experienced sexual and physical abuse.
Accreditation Boot Camp
This self-paced 10-hour training is designed to provide an overview of the accreditation process, provide participants with a framework for developing their application, and help them understand what to expect during a site visit.
Child Welfare Tip Sheets
Tip sheets are designed for service providers to share with parents and caregivers in the context of a particular concern or question. They are not intended to tell the whole story; they merely provide a starting point for a discussion between parent and provider that is grounded in the protective factors. The information is easy to read and focuses on concrete steps that parents can take to strengthen their family. We encourage you to make additional copies of those resources that are most useful to the families with whom you work. Tip sheets can be downloaded individually or as a packet in English and Spanish.
Tip Sheets
Board of Directors Blue Print Model
This online training presented by the Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center is designed specifically for those who serve on children’s advocacy boards. This training assists boards with the overview of a CAC, roles and responsibilities, supporting the Executive Director, and Vicarious Trauma.
Board of Directors Blue Print
Victim Assistance Training
Foundational on-demand Web-based victim assistance training program.
OVC VAT Training
EduNet 2.0 Midwest Regional CAC Webinar Series
Site provides live monthly webinars on a variety of topics and disciplines featuring experts on child abuse, as well as archived webinars.
MRCAC webinars
Illinois Attorney General Victims Assistance Academy Application
This training is intensive study in victimology, victim’s rights, services, and issues to working specifically with crime victims in Illinois.
Illinois Attorney General Victims Assistance Academy Application
Child Abuse Library Online (CALiO Collections)
CALIO Collections is an assortment of over 3,900 unrestricted full-text publications, videos, audio files, articles, reports and more.
CALiO Library
Illinois Healthcare Providers for Child Abuse & Neglect Investigations Directory
The Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an accredited chapter member of the National Children's Alliance
Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois 400 S. 9th St., Suite 101 • Springfield, IL 62701 • 217.528.2224