With the state starting to reopen, reports of child abuse are on the rise.

Child Protection Network Development Director Samantha Stevenson reports as of June there are approximately 400 children in foster care in DeWitt, Livingston, and McLean counties. That number is on pace with last year. The number of confirmed cases of child abuse in Central Illinois is tracking to double the number of cases from 2020.

Stevenson indicates that abuse during the pandemic and the lockdown could have gone unreported due to children having less access to support systems. 

Stevenson says school reopening has played a role in cases being reported with children having more access to mandated reporters. She is anticipating more reports of abuse during the lockdown to be reported as reopening continues.

Stevenson implores if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect contact the 24-hour child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-2873.