Rockford's MERIT Team Provides Medical Evaluations for Suspected Child Abuse

The program focuses on trauma-informed care and community education to prevent child abuse.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a child's hand reaching out, conveying the fragility and need for protection of young victims of abuse.A community-driven initiative provides specialized medical care and trauma-informed support for children suspected of abuse, underscoring the importance of vigilance and action to safeguard the most vulnerable.Rockford Today

The Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford is actively involved in community efforts to provide medical evaluations for children suspected of abuse or neglect. The team's approach is trauma-informed, and they also focus on educating families and the community on child abuse prevention.

Why it matters

Child abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on victims. MERIT's work in providing specialized medical evaluations and trauma-informed care, as well as community education, is crucial in addressing this problem and supporting vulnerable children in the Rockford area.

The details

MERIT receives referrals from agencies like DCFS, law enforcement, and other medical providers when there are suspicions of child abuse. The team then conducts the medical evaluations, ensuring no procedures cause pain to the child. MERIT also focuses on educating families and the community on child abuse prevention, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspected abuse. The addition of a social worker, funded through a grant, allows children who have experienced trauma to receive immediate therapeutic services.

  • April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  • On April 30, the University of Illinois College of Medicine will host a best-selling author to speak about child abuse prevention education.
  • On Friday at noon, a pinwheel ceremony is scheduled to be held at the College of Medicine to honor victims of abuse and neglect, their families, and supporters.

The players

Shannon Krueger

The director of the MERIT program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford.

Trevonne Thompson

The new Dean for the College of Medicine, who is in his fourth week on the job. As an emergency physician, he has witnessed the trauma victims of abuse endure and understands the need for appropriate examinations and trauma-informed care.

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What they’re saying

“MERIT receives referrals from agencies like DCFS, law enforcement and other medical providers when there are suspicions of child abuse. We take those referrals and then we do the medical evaluation for them.”

— Shannon Krueger, MERIT Director

“It's very important for community members to understand things to look for and to feel comfortable when they see something or see a child that's in need. They need to be able to report that to DCFS or authorities that can investigate and determine whether or not the child is safe at home.”

— Shannon Krueger, MERIT Director

What’s next

The University of Illinois College of Medicine will host a best-selling author to speak about child abuse prevention education on April 30. Additionally, a pinwheel ceremony is scheduled to be held on Friday at noon at the College of Medicine to honor victims of abuse and neglect, their families, and supporters.

The takeaway

MERIT's work in providing specialized medical evaluations and trauma-informed care, as well as community education, is crucial in addressing the issue of child abuse and supporting vulnerable children in the Rockford area. The program's efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month highlight the importance of raising awareness and taking action to protect children from harm.