CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 16 co-sponsors

Declares April 2026 National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois to raise awareness and align with national prevention efforts (no new funding or mandates).

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tom Weber

Summary of HR 767 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) — CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Purpose and Intent

Recognizes April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Emphasizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Aligns Illinois with national efforts and historical milestones related to child abuse prevention, including the origins of the Blue Ribbon Campaign and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Key Provisions and Provisions to Expect

Official proclamation by the Illinois House of Representatives recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Reiterates the ongoing commitment of Illinois to prevent child abuse, support affected individuals and families, and promote prevention activities statewide.

Provides historical context on:

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (original 1974 act and subsequent amendments)
Establishment of National Child Abuse Prevention Week in 1982 and National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983
Blue Ribbon Campaign origins and its evolution toward positive recognition of prevention efforts
National theme for 2026 by Prevent Child Abuse America: “Every day, we help positive childhood experience take root”

Affected Parties

General public in Illinois, with emphasis on:

Families and caregivers
Community organizations and stakeholders involved in child protection and prevention
State agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on child welfare and abuse prevention

The bill’s effect is largely symbolic (a formal recognition and public awareness message) rather than creating new programs or altering fiscal or regulatory requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Filed by Rep. Brandun Schweizer and co-sponsored by multiple representatives.

Assigned to the Adoption & Child Welfare Committee (as of April 27, 2026).

Subsequently moved to Rules Committee (April 7, 2026) and then placed on the calendar for consideration (May 5–6, 2026).

Status indicates a resolution recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, not a statute imposing new obligations or funding.

Impact and Practical Implications

Raises awareness about child abuse prevention within Illinois.

May serve as a foundation for future state initiatives, partnerships, or grant-seeking aimed at prevention programs, education, and community supports.

Encourages continued collaboration among families, communities, and organizations to support positive childhood experiences.

Sponsors and Support

Co-sponsors: Mike Crawford, Matt Hanson, Nicole La Ha, Michelle Mussman, Lisa Davis, Suzanne Ness, Brandun Schweizer, Regan Deering, Anthony DeLuca.

Supportive stance across multiple representatives, indicating broad legislative alignment with the preventive awareness goal.

Note: The bill functions primarily as a formal declaration to designate April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois. It does not detail new programs, funding, or regulatory changes, but it aligns state recognition with national advocacy efforts.