A state-funded program designed to help families in crisis and protect children from abuse and neglect was launched today in the Austin and North Lawndale communities.
The Safe Child Initiative will connect churches, social service agencies, health care providers and citizens with families in need of counseling or services.
The pilot program, which may be implemented in other communities, is focusing on these two communities because of the high number of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services clients living there and the support of local organizations, said U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.).
“It’s a tremendous display of what can happen with collaboration and cooperation between grass roots organizations, community partners and government agencies,” he said.
Davis, alongside representatives from DCFS, the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and several other local agencies, announced the effort this morning at the program’s new offices in North Lawndale.
DCFS will fund the program, which includes a 24-hour locally based hot line and a project coordinator who will match local resources with DCFS families.
“During stressful times, parents need supportive resources to help them deal with various circumstances that life places in front of them,” said DCFS Director Jess McDonald. “We are stepping forward to provide an array of resources directly to this community.”
Davis said the program stems from a dialogue that began at a town hall meeting he held in June on the needs of children in his 7th Congressional District, which includes the West Side neighborhoods of Austin and North Lawndale.
“We know it’s not a panacea, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.
The hot line number is 1-800-KID-4345.