CHICAGO – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois, and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is reminding Illinoisans what they can do they can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our Stay at Home Order poses unique risks for children who are living in abusive environments,” Feigenholtz said. “It’s critical that friends and neighbors continue to stay alert and report any suspicions they have to DCFS.”

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you can call the Department of Children and Family Services’ Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (22873).

Hotline staff is working at full capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains available to take calls 24 hours a day. Child abuse specialists continue to respond to hotline calls and assess child safety with face-to-face contact within 24 hours.

“We all have a responsibility to help prevent abuse and neglect,” Feigenholtz said. “If you suspect a child may be being abused, I strongly urge you to call the hotline and notify the authorities.”

Feigenholtz’s office is closed for the duration of the Stay at Home Order, but can still be reached at 773-296-4141 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – During this time of stress and exhaustion, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is joining the Illinois Department of Children and Family services to remind parents of the steps they can take to ensure their children are safe when they sleep.

“Practicing sleep safety is so important but can be overlooked by busy parents,” Feigenholtz said. “I know everyone has a lot on their minds right now, but it’s critical that parents continue to focus on safe practices when they put their children to bed.”

DCFS has outline the ABC’s of safe sleeping practices. A child should never be alone and never sleeping with someone else, should be placed on their back and not on their sides or stomach, and should be in a crib rather than on a bed or a couch. 

Unsafe sleep is one of the leading causes of death for children one year old and younger. Between January 1 and June 30 of 2019, 53 infants died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely. 

Babies are the safest when they are alone in a crib with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheets. The crib should not have any pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. Additionally, a baby should never be put to sleep on an adult bed or couch.

“It only takes a moment to make sure children are safe when they’re put to bed, but that moment could be the difference between life and death,” Feigenholtz said.

CHICAGO – With Illinois’ Stay at Home Order extended through April 30, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz,  along with State Representatives Ann Williams and Yoni Pizer, will host a virtual forum focused on mental health and wellness during the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 outbreak and Stay at Home Order are particularly difficult for people with mental health challenges,” Feigenholtz said.  “The goal of this forum is to connect constituents with expert panelists who can provide a toolbox of coping mechanisms, tips and mental health resources.”

The forum will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, April 15 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. with mental health experts, including:

• ​Alexa James, LCSW – Executive Director,  NAMI Chicago,
• ​Carri Hill, Ph.D. – Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Jewish Child and Family Services,
• ​Hossam Mahmoud, M.D. M.P.H. – Medical Director, Insight + Regroup.

Following presentations from the panelists, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

“This is a great opportunity to connect with others and learn more about what you can do to stay well during the Stay at Home Order,” Feigenholtz said. “I encourage everyone to make time and participate.”

A form to RSVP for the forum and receive a Zoom link to participate is available here.

Those who are unable to participate in the forum are encouraged to take advantage of available mental health resources. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a help line at 833-626-4244 for individuals facing mental health crises. You can also text NAMI to 741741 for support through text messages.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) expressed her support Wednesday for the investments in the Department of Children and Family Services and public education included in Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget.

The proposal included a $147 million funding increase to solve longstanding problems at DCFS, the state’s child welfare agency.

“For years, we’ve heard horror stories about abuse and neglect of children under DCFS care,” Feigenholtz said. “It’s time to take serious action to ensure Illinois youth receive the best possible care, and this new funding is going to be a major boost as we work to revamp the agency.”