April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. April House Children’s Advocacy Center, 501 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, recognized the month with a “Pinwheels for Prevention” event on Friday, April 12, 2019, at 12:15 p.m. Executive Director Carrie Melton stated, “April is a time to recognize those who serve and support vulnerable children in Whiteside County, through a multidisciplinary effort: Law Enforcement, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Medical partners, and State’s Attorney Office.”
“Things are status quo [at this time of year],” said Melton, and “running very smoothly. We are looking for the best way to work together. In September I will start a year of accreditation work.”
State’s Attorney Costello stated, “We are very fortunate in Whiteside County to have a place like April House. Children tell their story, so we can figure out what’s going on. They only have to tell that story once in the investigation phase[, because interviews are video recorded. There are] professional, well-trained staff [who are] an asset to our County.”
Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker recalled “back in 2006 when we started April House. It keeps getting better and better. The Sheriff’s Office loves working with April House.”
Sterling Police Chief Tim Morgan noted it is “unfortunate that we have [to have an agency like] April House. One hundred forty-two is just a fraction of what is being reported. April House is a huge benefit to Sterling. I am proud that [Certified Comfort Dog] Brinkley is available; she has been used. I feel for my Officers who have to come here and listen [to] interviews.”
Participants were invited to “plant” a pinwheel in the front yard. In 2008, the lively pinwheel became the National symbol for a carefree, innocent childhood, in opposition to the effects of child abuse.
This year, 142 pinwheels were planted, the number of children served at April House in 2018. April House is the only agency of its kind in Whiteside County. The Center works closely with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to investigate, coordinate, and provide resources, in cases involving child sexual abuse, severe child physical abuse, sexual exploitation, child pornography, neglect, and exposure to violence. “Most cases don’t make it to court,” said Melton. April House offers healing and refers families for further counseling.
Left-to-right on the porch and steps are State’s Attorney Terry Costello; Detective Michael Leighton; Sheriff John Booker; Executive Director Melton; Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton; Albany Police Chief Wyatt Hayvert; Forensic Interviewer Lisa Zacharski; Victim Advocate and Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator Diane Heath; Donna Gericke.
In front are Sterling Police Chief Tim Morgan; Heather Bush; Pam Muur; Tekla Martin holding Certified Comfort Dog Brinkley; April House Board President Kristina Kaecker; April House Board Secretary Melissa Ryan-Bergstrom; the Meltons’ neighbor Joan Grimm; Sara Young; Liz Buckwalter; County Board member Sue Britt; Don King; James Britt.
Pinwheel pastry from Aurrielio’s Bake Shop, 517 Locust Street, Sterling, IL, was an appropriate treat.
