April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month adults should call attention to better understanding their responsibility to protect children from abuse, both as citizens of the state of Illinois, and as members of the church community.

The following information provides a review and reminder of who is a mandated reporter and what role that reporter plays in carrying out the child protection effort. The information here is taken from both the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Church Personnel and the Department of Children and Family (DCFS) Services Web site.