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Lake County proclaims April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month; JFS outlines outreach
Summary
The Lake County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Job and Family Services described outreach plans, noted nearly 1,500 children-safety calls in 2025, and announced awareness events and materials for residents.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners on Thursday adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Mary Udyks, assistant administrator for the children and adult services division at the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services, told the board the department responded to nearly 1,500 calls in 2025 involving alleged abuse, neglect or other serious child-safety concerns and urged community vigilance. "Protecting children is not just the responsibility of one agency; it is the responsibility of all of us," Udyks said.
The department said it will distribute blue wristbands and educational materials to schools, childcare centers, churches and community partners. It also plans a planting of blue-and-silver pinwheels at the Job and Family Services building on April 8 and will participate in a statewide "wear blue" day on the same date to raise awareness.
Commissioner McIntosh thanked the department for its work and called attention to the partnership among law enforcement, courts and social-service staff that he said is needed to protect children across Lake County.
The board voted to adopt the proclamation during the meeting; the chair declared the proclamation official following affirmative votes from the commissioners present. The department said pins, wristbands and pinwheels would be available after the meeting for those who wish to promote awareness.
