The pinwheel, a classic children's toy driven by wind, is the symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month, representing the month's theme, "Turning Choices into Change. Preventing Child Abuse Together."

"It's about how the winds of change can help prevent child abuse and neglect," said Theresa Williams of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois' Marion office. "If we can help people make positive choices, we can make a difference in a child's life. And by working together, we can bring about positive changes to children and families."

Last year, more than 3,600 Southern Illinois child abuse or neglect reports were made to the state's Department of Children and Family Services. Of those reports, all of which were investigated, DCFS found credible evidence to substantiate neglect or abuse in 970 of the calls, according to information obtained from Kendall Marlowe, DCFS acting deputy director of communications.

In addition, DCFS determined two deaths were caused by child abuse or neglect in the southern 17 counties.

While Williams said she feels some progress has been made in the fight against child abuse and neglect, "We still have a long way to go."

Williams said the methamphetamine epidemic in recent years "brought a lot of children into the child welfare system."

Other common stressors that can add to the abuse and neglect problem, she said, include social isolation and a lack of support, both fairly common in rural areas like Southern Illinois.

But unlike some rural areas, she said, Southern Illinois does not lack in resources to help those in need.

She said the region has been proactive in its approach to preventing child abuse and neglect with agencies working together to help children and families. Also, she said she has seen awareness of the problem increase over the past 10 years.

"I think there is a lot more awareness now. More groups are doing child abuse prevention activities. They are meeting together on a regular basis to talk about preventing child abuse and neglect. They are trying to keep the information out there year-round, not just in April," Williams said. "I feel we are making progress. Everyone has a role to play whether it is volunteering, telling someone what the signs and symptoms of abuse are or being a trusted adult that a child can come to."

A number of activities were scheduled during April to raise awareness.

Upcoming activities include a cybersafety workshop Tuesday in Murphysboro and a family fun day in Du Quoin on April 26. For more information or help in locating resources, visit www.preventchildabuseillinois.org or call the organization's Marion office at 997-7855 Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect should call the DCFS child abuse hotline at (800) 25ABUSE.

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DETAILS

Indicated reports of child abuse and neglect

1999: 442

2000: 929

2001: 813

2002: 737

2003: 860

2004: 876

2005: 925

2006: 863

2007: 970

Indicated deaths caused by child abuse or neglect

1999: 1

2000: 5

2001: 3

2002: 6

2003: 2

2004: 2

2005: 1

2006: 3

2007: 2

Totals include reports from Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Washington and Williamson counties.

SOURCE: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services