National Child Abuse Prevention Month is underway with child welfare advocates calling for Illinoisans to get involved in ensuring the welfare of kids in peril. 

The issue of child abuse is getting significant attention these days as Marc Smith has become the latest leader trying to right the ship at the Department of Children and Family Services. Smith was recently picked by Governor J.B. Pritzker to become the 15th leader at the agency since 2003.

 A recent Office of Inspector General report has revealed that in the past two years, 98 children involved with DCFS have died. Safe Families For Children Downstate Director Ryan Mobley says there are some positive developments in the fight against child abuse.

He notes DCFS can't do it alone....

The recent interim director at DCFS said the agency needs to reduce caseloads and and lawmakers like Senator Andy Manar have called for the agency to refocus more of its effort on helping children in peril.