The Child Protection Network (CPN) has released local and statewide child abuse statistics from 2020.

Samantha Stevenson with CPN indicates DCFS received twenty percent fewer reports of child abuse in 2020 than in 2019. She says the COVID lockdown prevented cases from being reported. Locally there were over 20,000 cases reported last year.

Stevenson says sometimes children will be placed in foster care while an investigation is ongoing. Last year there were over 220 children locally in foster care. Of those in foster care, several received services from a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

Studies have found that eighty percent of children in foster care have significant mental health issues. The Children's Advocacy Center provides counseling and therapy for these youth, according to Stevenson.

To learn more about the Child Protection Network, visit mcleancpn.org, call (309) 445-2280, or any of their social media platforms.