THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES IS LAUNCHING A NEW CAMPAIGN TO HELP PROTECT KIDS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. 

CALLS TO REPORT SUSPECTED CASES OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT ARE DOWN BY 57 PERCENT RIGHT NOW, BUT THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN IT'S HAPPENING LESS OFTEN SAYS D-C-F-S SPOKESPERSON DEBORAH LOPEZ.

SHE SAYS KIDS CURRENTLY HAVE LESS CONTACT WITH ADULTS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SO THEY'VE KICKED OFF THE "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" CAMPAIGN. POSTERS ARE BEING PUT UP IN PEDIATRICIAN OFFICES ACROSS ILLINOIS...LETTING KIDS KNOW IT'S NEVER OKAY FOR SOMEONE TO CAUSE THEM HARM.

THE "YOU ARE NOT ALONE CAMPAIGN" STRESSES TO KIDS THAT IT'S NEVER OKAY FOR ANYONE TO HURT OR NEGLECT THEM, AND URGES THEM TO CALL THE STATE'S CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE AT: 1-800-25-ABUSE IF THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS AT HOME.