Macon County Safe From the Start Program

In fiscal year 2008, law enforcement agencies identified 798 children who were exposed to incidents of domestic and community violence.  Of these, 424 were age 5 or younger.  The total number of children referred to SFS in FY 08 was 376 involving 193 families.

Of the 193 families referred, 25 families with 53 children were opened for services. There are currently 20 families with 33 children receiving SFS services. Although the numbers of referrals and children have stayed relatively stable, a noted change is an increase in the severity of violence children have witnessed.  SFS is seeing children with more serious issues as a result of witnessing more insidious kinds of violence. Ourprogram has provided services to children who have witnessed homicides, and community violence is on the rise.  SFS has seen an increased number of referrals from DCFS for children who have been physically abused.

Illinois Stats for 2008
27,761 indicated for abuse and neglect
1430 for Macon Co Reports
582 Indicated investigations