April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month Judge Jennifer Clifford, Chairperson of the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC), announces that April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. The community is encouraged to support the multiple community awareness activities planned throughout the month, beginning with Wear Blue Day on April 7th. Community awareness activities seek to provide education and honor those who have been impacted by child abuse in Winnebago and Boone counties. The FVCC has planned awareness activities throughout the month of April including its annual Hands Around the Courthouse event scheduled for April 27th at 12noon at the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center located at 650 W. State St. This year, Boone County will host an inaugural Hands Around the Park event on April 14th at 12noon at Big Thunder Park across from the Boone County Courthouse. Additional information about planned events can be found on this calendar or by visiting the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council Facebook page. Honorable Jennifer Clifford commented, “We have several opportunities throughout the month of April to learn about the tremendous impact of child abuse and neglect in both the Winnebago and Boone County communities as well as the amazing organizations that help children and their families. We are thankful for the multiple organizations that partner with us not only in April but throughout the entire year to address our community’s response to child abuse and neglect.” The 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council is funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and serves Boone and Winnebago counties. The FVCC serves as a forum to coordinate community and professional efforts to address family violence, including domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse. For more information about the work of the FVCC, contact Nicole Ticknor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. PDF of Press Release
