Two Rivers Child Advocacy Center

05/13/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

• Mental illnesses are medical conditions involving changes in emotion, appetite, thinking, or behavior that can affect daily functioning.

• Serious mental illness can substantially interfere with major life activities, including work, school, relationships, and self-care.

• Economic instability, housing insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare can increase stress and worsen mental health conditions.

• Chronic stress related to financial hardship or unstable housing can contribute to the development or worsening of serious mental illness.

• Early support, including access to stable housing, employment assistance, healthcare, and community programs, improves long-term stability and well-being.

• When people feel respected and understood, they are more likely to seek care and remain connected to services

05/08/2026

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is now behind us, however, it’s important to remember that protecting children does not end in April. Prevention can happen every day.

For parents and caregivers, small actions can make a meaningful difference. Experts recommend several ways families can strengthen protective environments for children:

1️⃣ Encourage open conversations about bodies. Use correct names for body parts and remove shame so children feel comfortable asking questions and speaking up.

2️⃣ Teach personal safety skills. Help children practice saying “no,” stepping away, or speaking up when something feels uncomfortable—even with adults.

3️⃣ Support bodily autonomy. Children should know their body belongs to them, including choosing when they want to give hugs or other affection.

4️⃣ Stay aware of your child’s environment. Pay attention to the adults, caregivers, and online spaces in your child’s life, and reinforce that safety secrets are never okay.

These ongoing conversations help build trust and confidence which are two powerful tools that help children seek help when something does not feel right.

Two Rivers CAC works every day to support children and families impacted by abuse. Healing happens here, and prevention begins with informed, supportive communities.

Image result from ymcasm.org

05/01/2026

Special thanks to an anonymous donor who dropped off these sweet hygiene baskets for teens.

04/29/2026

What are ACES? This article explains risk factors and prevention.

This page defines adverse childhood experiences, presents the latest data, and describes outcomes.

04/22/2026

If you suspect child abuse or neglect you have a social responsibility to report it to Illinois DCFS. Bystander intervention and reporting are crucial.

If you suspect child abuse, call 1-800-25ABUSE or visit childabuse.illinois.gov

Bystander intervention is crucial, but it is not without its complexities. Recognizing the signs of various forms of abuse...

04/17/2026

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention®.

Each April, communities across the country come together to plant thousands of blue pinwheels, a powerful visual symbol of our collective commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. But what do these blue and silver pinwheels represent?

Blue pinwheels’ meaning is far beyond their bright color and spinning blades. It is a visual reminder of the happy, healthy, and carefree childhoods all children deserve. The pinwheel reflects hope, resilience, and the promise of a safer future for every child.

Throughout April, celebrate the lives you touch and those who have touched yours by honoring them with a pinwheel

04/13/2026

We were surprised by a group of students who brought donations for goody bags and our comfort corner! Every child that visits the CAC receives a goody bag with snacks and activities, as well as access to hygiene and self-care products. We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the students and teachers involved in this generous donation!

04/09/2026

Wear blue TOMORROW, Friday, April 10, 2026 to show your support for Child Abuse Prevention!

04/02/2026

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help parents, other caregivers, and communities protect children and strengthen families.

Illinois Statistics

Today, there will be 222 reports of abuse in Illinois.

1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. This would equal 293,319 children in Illinois.

In FY23, 12,513 children received critical services at an Illinois Children’s Advocacy Center. The network of CACs serves 102 of our 102 counties

03/27/2026

Call 1-800-25ABUSE to report suspected child abuse.

03/19/2026

Two Rivers Child Advocacy Center would like to thank the Women's Association of First EPC in Anna, IL for stocking up our "comfort corner". These much needed hygeine items are given to our clients and caregivers, as needed, in times of crisis. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated!