The Guardian Center

06/01/2026

Thank you to those who donated from our wishlist. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. We countinue to keep this list updated on our current needs.

05/29/2026

Could your kid be blackmailed? Yes.

Predators who use s*xtortion against kids are counting on your child being too afraid to tell their parents that someone has n**e photos of them. Many kids continue to meet the demands of predators because they are scared to talk to their parents. These kids are essentially held hostage to ongoing demands for money, s*x, more pictures, more videos, and other things.

This is a serious conversation parents should have with their kids before it ever happens.

I know many parents want to believe they have instilled enough values and caution that their child would never send inappropriate or illegal photos. The reality is that even great kids from great families make mistakes sometimes. With how desensitized many kids have become through social media, there is a high likelihood your child may someday send some type of photo that could later be used against them.

Let your kids know ahead of time that there may be consequences, but there will also be understanding, support, and learning opportunities.

What should your kids do if they know one of their friends has sent out a photo or is being extorted?

In our house, we regularly do tabletop scenarios and walk through possible actions, reactions, and short-term and long-term consequences. Talking about these situations as a family helps kids understand that you, as a parent, are on their team, especially when they make mistakes.

As a School Resource Officer, I try to help kids understand that the bigger the mistake, the more they need trusted adults like parents, teachers, counselors, or law enforcement to help them. I make sure they know I am on their team no matter what may have happened. The legal consequences of some online mistakes are minor compared to the real-world consequences of letting bad people control your life.

I would also like parents to understand that police officers, especially SROs, are here to help kids. Most of us would much rather see a parent handle a problem than see a judge involved. Sometimes families need extra support, and that’s when the court system may become part of the solution.

Happy Parenting!
Officer Gomez

05/21/2026

This year, 5 children have died in hot cars nationwide, with 3 incidents reported in the past two days, a tragic reminder that we can all take steps to help prevent hot car deaths. It only takes a few minutes for a car to heat up and become deadly to a child inside. As summer temperatures rise, more kids are at risk. It's never OK to leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute, and not even with the window cracked or the car running. To learn more about protecting kids from hot cars: https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/hot-cars

.Look.Lock

05/19/2026

We’re working to restock our family rooms with activities and comfort items for children visiting our office. We want every child to feel welcome, safe, and occupied while they are here.

If you’d like to help, we’ve created a wish list of needed items. Any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated and will make a difference for the families we serve.

Thank you for supporting our community and helping us create a kid-friendly space. ❤️

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

We have to keep listening to children, paying attention, and having uncomfortable conversations when necessary.

05/12/2026

Congratulations to our director, Sheryl Woodham on receiving the Bud Cramer Award. Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping children affected by abuse changes lives every single day.

05/01/2026

Words cannot express the importance of each of these team member agencies and this is only a portion of those who work with The Guardian Center to keep kids safe! Thank you for all listening, for believing, for advocating and for getting justice for children and teens. The world needs more people like you who are willing to be part of the solution!

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

A massive thank you to all the communities, organizations, chambers of commerce, and businesses who participated in Child Abuse Prevention Month by putting out blue lights, giving discounts, inviting Ribby to visit, or created special drinks or baked items! Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Southern Illinois. The Guardian Center appreciates you all!!