Franklin-Williamson "CAC"

Hello everyone, this is Hilary Chandler with the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center, AKA the "CAC ". This time in the newsletter you will find out about our building updates, how the CAC has handled Covid19, The Blue Kid campaign, and ways you can help us at the CAC! We hope you enjoy reading a little update from us!

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I hope this note finds you and your family healthy and as well as can be hoped for during these trying times. The past few months have been difficult to say the least and have challenged everything that we knew and everything that was comfortable. However, the safety and protection of children remains paramount during this crisis, and I want to assure you that we are still here for you and your family when you need us.

As Illinois moves into Phase 4 at the end of this month and everyone begins to move back into their daily routines, we must all continue to be vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. As a business that is in the business of caring for children and families, we have to be mindful of keeping everyone protected while in our facility. Visits to the CAC may feel a little different for a while, and while change is never easy, we are asking for everyone’s patience and support during this time.

Illinois continues to promote the use of face coverings and social distancing, and the FWCAC is following all recommended guidelines at this time. We will continue to do so while continuing to serve and meet the needs of our clients and their families. Some of the safety measures that we have put in place are:

· Everyone entering the building must wear a face covering/mask for the duration of their time here. This includes our team members, the child and family, and all staff members.

· We have installed hand sanitizer dispensers at each door at the CAC for clients and team members to use immediately upon entry and exit.

· Everyone who enters the CAC will have their temperature checked and will be asked a few questions for a health screening.

· All common areas are being wiped down/sanitized frequently including before and after each appointment with appropriate cleaners.

· Clients have the option to participate in counseling services via telehealth or in person with the same safety measures while in the building.

Again, we realize that some of these measures are not the most comfortable, but we have worked hard to put your safety, as well as the safety of our staff and MDT partners, as our priority while continuing to provide quality services that you expect from us.

Stay well and thank you for your understanding.

Every year in April we celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month! Some people celebrate by wearing blue, putting a blue light bulb on their porch, making Facebook posts to draw attention to child abuse, and some people celebrate by sponsoring Blue Kids signage from the FWCAC!

The FWCAC is so thankful to all of the wonderful people/businesses that sponsored Blue Kids this year!

Huge thank you to:

Bank of Herrin (Marion, Herrin, Energy, Cambria, Carterville branches)

Tabor Services

All Stars and Stitches

State Representative-Dave Severin

SIU Credit Union-Energy Branch

Barry and Leann Biggerstaff

Village of Energy

Herrin Church of Christ

Deb Payne

Monte and Bonnie Franklin

Linda Lattuada

Southern Illinois Bank

Property with TLC

Southside Lumber

City of Herrin

Evan Owens

The Insurance House-Clay Bradley

We appreciate your donation to the CAC as well as your help bringing attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month!

At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, a CAC friend, Jean Patrick, immediately reached out to us and donated handmade masks for our staff, victims and their families to wear while at the center for interviews! Thank you Jean for your hard work to make these for us! Your generosity kept us all safe and available to the children and families during this crisis. We greatly appreciate it!

The CAC received a $2,000 donation from Southern Illinois Bank. We were chosen as one of several local benefactors of their philanthropic giving due to COVID-19. The donation will be used to support our mission and services during this time. Pictured from left to right: Ralph Graham, Executive Director Leah Brown and Kelly Green! Thank you Southern Illinois Bank for all of your support!

It is always important to be aware of the signs of abuse, but during this time when kids are stuck at home and away from schools and other activities it is important to be paying extra attention to the children you come into contact with. If you see something that you believe is a sign of abuse please contact the Child Abuse Hotline and make a report. Kids need us now more than ever before.

The Illinois Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE) has seen a 50% decrease in calls and Illinois Children's Advocacy Centers are seeing a significant drop of referrals 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.

If you have any questions regarding reporting abuse please call the CAC at 618-942-3800 and we would be happy to help.

For more resources please visit: https://www.childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org/resources

Love home improvement projects and are handy with tools? We always have a "honey-do" list of projects that we hope to get completed and could use your time and talents to do so!

Love to cut coupons and buy in bulk?? We provide snacks for all of the children who come to our office for counseling, as well as, snacks for children after they complete their forensic interview. Juice boxes, individual bags of snacks, granola bars, mini bottles of water, and fruit snacks are always very much appreciate and in high demand around the office. We can also always use paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, Clorox wipes, Lysol Spray, etc

Do you have an interest in working with other community members and a desire to serve on the Board of Directors? Give us a call and let's talk!

There are so many creative ways that you can support your local CAC!

The Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center

is dedicated to serving the best interests of children

who have been sexually or physically abused.

We, at the Center, are their Voice.

WE believe:

All children should be free of abuse and neglect.

All children should have the opportunity

to develop to their fullest potential in

a safe and loving environment.

It is in the best interest of abused children to have

collaboration among agencies

working on their behalf.

It is important to educate the public on the issues

of child abuse and neglect.