The Protective Services Team
Our mission is not only to identify and treat child victims of abuse and neglect, but to help prevent future cases. Here at Children's Memorial Hospital we are committed to working with our community to prevent child abuse before it happens. Our website has information and resources for professionals, parents, and the community about the prevention, identification, and treatment of child maltreatment. Abuse and neglect affects a large number of children and has serious implications for their futures.
Fortunately child abuse and neglect are preventable — and you can help.
To report suspected child abuse and neglect in Illinois, call 1.800.25.ABUSE (1.800.252.2873)
- You can prevent child abuse by recognizing situations and stresses that trigger child abuse. Reach out and help families to be the positive parents they want to be. Empathize and listen to families who are stressed by their parenting responsibilities, and if it is appropriate, lend a helping hand.
- If the child or family needs professional help, you may be able to help them locate resources or at least encourage them to seek appropriate help.
- You can also help stop child abuse by recognizing signs that a child has been maltreated and notifying the appropriate authorities.
Remember, you can make a difference to a child and family, and just may save a child's life.
Scope of the problem
Child maltreatment affects many of our children and negatively impacts their long-term outcomes. Child maltreatment also has serious implications for everyone, since we will all ultimately share the cost of this maltreatment.
Child protective systems determine that about 1 million children are abused or neglected in the United States each year. Unfortunately, this number underestimates the true extent of the problem. The actual number of children who are maltreated is probably about 40 times higher. Child maltreatment is not always recognized. Even when identified, child abuse and neglect may not be reported and effective intervention may not take place.
Child maltreatment has devastating consequences for its victims. At least 1,750 children die each year because of child maltreatment. Many other victims suffer brain damage and other permanent disabilities as a result of trauma. Child maltreatment affects the brain's development and can cause problems with emotional regulation, impulse control, attention, memory and cognitive ability (IQ). These negative experiences in childhood may continue to affect the health and well-being of these victims as adults. Many adults who have been maltreated during childhood have more physical and mental health problems than adults who did not suffer abuse during childhood. Many criminals experienced maltreatment as a child, and some children who are abused grow up to abuse their own children.
Everyone shares the burden that abuse and neglect brings to society.