Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center

06/11/2026

With June being National Internet Safety Month, this is the perfect time to continue raise awareness of internet risks and highlight online safety for children. Parents, please check out this parent’s guide to smart phone safety below
https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/netsmartz/downloadable/tipsheets/Parents%27%20Guide%20to%20Smartphone%20Safety.pdf

And For more resources visit MissingKids.org/NetSmartz/Resources

06/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Yy75RJ4f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Many District 186 schools will be serving free breakfast and lunch for children over the summer. Any child may receive a meal, they do not have to be enrolled in District 186.

Meals must be eaten onsite, they are not available for pickup or delivery. Please call District 186 Food Service at 217-525-3046 with any questions.

06/03/2026

Happy Hump Day! Parents, do you check in on your kids when they are using and engaging with their digital devices? scan this QR code for some awesome internet safety at home tips! Lets keep our kids safe online this summer!

06/01/2026

Happy Monday parents and educators! Do your kiddos play ROBLOX? If so, check out the info below!

DID YOU KNOW: according to gabb.com and NCMEC, Because tens of millions of children play Roblox daily, an exact number of predators on the platform is impossible to track. However, the FBI has warned that up to 500,000 predators are active across all online gaming platforms daily, and thousands of exploitation reports regarding Roblox are made annually to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Scan the QR code for gaming safely and how to start a conversation with your children

05/28/2026

ATTETNION PARENTS: With school coming to an end and summer approaching more kiddos will be spending extra time on their tablets, gaming systems, phones etc...Please Check out the QR code for further info on Online Threats and start a conversation with your kids.

05/22/2026

Encourage your child to communicate about their feelings.
Young people thrive when support comes early. Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help children and teens feel supported in reaching out. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk/young-people

05/22/2026

Important information for parents to know as the use of AI becomes more common.

Most of us share photos of the kids we love without a second thought. But in today’s digital world, even those everyday moments can carry risks.

In a new Washington Times op-ed written by NCA CEO Teresa Huizar, she explores why it’s worth pausing before we post, and how we can better protect kids online: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/may/19/dangers-posting-pictures-child-online/

05/21/2026

Listen to and empathize with your child’s experiences.
Sometimes the most important step is listening. Taking time to listen to the concerns of a young person in your life can help them feel safe sharing what they’re experiencing. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families

05/20/2026

It's tough being a kid in today's society. We often don't think of kids dealing with stress or depression because they're kids and life should be easy, fun and happy-go lucky however, most times kids isolate or hide there feelings.
There are a plethora of stressors that many kids face such as digital pressures( gaming, social media, online bullying), high academic expectations, exposure to adult level global crises and trying to navigate their world in today's society.

Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice when something feels different. Changes in mood, sleep, appetite or behavior may signal a young person needs support. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child

05/19/2026

Did you know May is National Mental Health Awareness Month! If you don't already, talk with your kids about mental health openly. That way, they know that mental health is an important part of their overall well-being and that emotional struggles are nothing to be ashamed of.

Mental health conditions are medical conditions and people living with them are more than a diagnosis. This , let’s lead with understanding. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health