Children’s Advocacy Centers makes plea for funding

From Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, representing the 38 Children’s Advocacy Centers in Illinois, has issued a call to action for the public to express their concerns to legislators.

Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state of Illinois have not received compensation, some of them since June of last year, for their services.

While serving more than 11,000 children annually who have reported sexual or physical abuse, Children’s Advocacy Centers, which serve 85 of the 102 counties in the state, have remained open to children and their families without funding from the state of Illinois.

Billie Larkin, executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, said: “Children’s Advocacy Centers need the public’s help. We ask you to contact your legislators. Call the governor’s office. Call the comptroller’s office. Push hard for compensation for our centers. We are not asking for new dollars. We are merely asking to be compensated for over six months worth of work done by Children’s Advocacy Centers on behalf of abused children in the state.”

Larkin added, “Without payment, positions that are already restricted due to funding will face extinction.”

Locally, the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center is facing a $130,000 deficit, according to Director Kathy Pomahac.

Larkin said it is not about politics, it is about the children of our state, adding: “It is time to quit the blaming; the children of our state are not involved in politics. We need the help of the public to bring awareness to our elected officials.”

Children’s Advocacy Centers requests that you contact your state elected officials to voice your concerns.