Over 1800 walkers statewide join with the Kane County Child Advocacy Center in Champions4Children Walk

Geneva, Illinois, June 1 – In May, over 1800 people walked in 25 locations throughout Illinois to show their support of Illinois’ abused children. It was the third annual Champions4Children Walk sponsored by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, and the first time a walk has been staged by the Child Advocacy Center here in Kane County.

The results are in and a dedicated band of over 65 walkers and donors helped to raise in excess of $5,000.00 to support the efforts of the Kane County Child Advocacy Center. The walk kicked off in Geneva and was led by State Senator Randy Hultgren, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, and Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez.

Established in 1994, the Kane County Child Advocacy Center is one of 700 such programs across the country that provide a more streamlined, child-friendly approach to intervening on behalf of children who have suffered sexual and severe physical abuse. The Child Advocacy Center utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse cases. Members of the multidisciplinary team include law enforcement officers, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ investigators, prosecutors, medical and mental health personnel and members of the Children’s Advocacy Center. All involved receive specialized training to deal with this unique population and decisions are made as a unit with the best interest of the children as a leading factor.

The multidisciplinary approach has also resulted in elimination of duplication of services that represent a savings of approximately $1,000.00 per case investigated, as well as an increase in the number of offenders held accountable for their actions. At the same time child victims receive coordinated response that includes healing services and assistance in coming through the aftermath of abuse.

“The weather held, people were happy, we raised a little money and we brought attention to the abused children here in Kane County. All in all a tremendous first effort by true Champions for Children.” said CAC Director Lori Chassee, as she thanked those in attendance for their dedication.