Jacksonville Marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, Seeks More Volunteers

Advocacy groups raise awareness and recruit CASA volunteers to support children in the court system

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic child's toy repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the community's focus on child abuse prevention.A vibrant visual representation of the community's efforts to raise awareness and support for child abuse prevention during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.Jacksonville Today

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children in Jacksonville, Illinois are working to raise awareness about child abuse and recruit more volunteers for their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The organization serves over 500 children across 11 counties, providing services like forensic interviews, connections to resources, and volunteer advocates to support children going through the court system.

Why it matters

Child abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on victims. By raising awareness and recruiting more volunteers, the Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children aim to ensure more children receive the support and resources they need during difficult legal proceedings.

The details

The Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children provides a range of services to support children who have experienced abuse or trauma, including forensic interviews, connections to community resources, and CASA volunteers who advocate for children in the court system. During April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the organization is holding events and activities to bring attention to the issue of child abuse and the need for more volunteers.

  • April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  • On Friday, Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard issued a proclamation recognizing the month and the work of the Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children.

The players

Amber Range

A forensic interviewer and CASA coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children.

Chris Brierton

The CASA coordinator and recruiter for the Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children.

Andy Ezard

The mayor of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children

An organization that serves over 500 children across 11 counties, providing services like forensic interviews, connections to resources, and volunteer advocates to support children going through the court system.

Department of Children and Family Services

The state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With April being Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, we try to bring attention to that. Our pinwheels and signs are planted to bring visual awareness.”

— Chris Brierton, CASA coordinator and recruiter

“I always look forward to this proclamation in April because it gives everyone a chance to reflect on what we've done to help others. We all realize that those that are going through abuse and those helping those that are abused need help. Our community has always been compassionate for those in need. Collectively, the people in the room this morning are getting the job done as well as they can.”

— Andy Ezard, Mayor of Jacksonville

“We help children who are the victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse. We provide a safe place to interview those children. We work with local law enforcement, state's attorneys, (the Department of Children and Family Services) and medical providers to see those cases through the criminal court system.”

— Amber Range, Forensic interviewer and CASA coordinator

“Our goal is for each child to have their own volunteer, but we are a long way from that. Our volunteers are the eyes and ears and boots on the ground in these situations.”

— Chris Brierton, CASA coordinator and recruiter

What’s next

The Child Advocacy Center and Advocacy Network for Children are actively recruiting more CASA volunteers to support children in the court system. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can contact Chris Brierton at 217-430-0537.

The takeaway

This Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign highlights the critical role that volunteer advocates play in supporting children who have experienced abuse or trauma as they navigate the court system. By raising awareness and recruiting more CASA volunteers, the organization aims to ensure more children receive the support they need during these difficult legal proceedings.