April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month, and throughout the entire year, 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 Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has compiled a number of resources to use this coming April which has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month. These resources were designed for use at the parish level during the month of April and can easily be duplicated and distributed to your parishes and schools.

Available Online Resources

What the Catholic Church has done to effectively respond to sexual abuse by church personnel

Bulletin Announcements

Liturgy Guide in English and in Spanish

Child Abuse Prevention Blessing

Blessing for the Victim of a Crime or Oppression

Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal Prayer Brochure

Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal Poster – Two-sided English Side / Spanish Side

Rosary Guide for Healing and Protection: Online Version | Printable Booklet Version

Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal Prayer Card – Two-sided English Side / Spanish Side

Information regarding End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography And Trafficking (ECPAT)

Information on National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s TAKE 25 program

Child Abuse Prevention Month Material Order Form