Child Abuse, Neglect Can Happen in Any Family

(Undated) -- More than 30-thousand confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect are investigated each year in Illinois. And during April, child welfare workers have been raising awareness about the problem as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Roy Harley with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois says one of the biggest misconceptions is that these problems occur only within families that are economically disadvantaged – but that isn't the case. Harley says awareness of the tremendous cost of child abuse and neglect has grown in recent years, but more could be done to educate families, as well as child welfare and government agencies, about the problem. He adds everyone can be involved in the solution, whether it’s learning to be an effective parent or supporting a neighbor or friend who needs help with their children.