‘Blue Kids’ campaign supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month

Caritas Family Solutions is partnering with the community to promote the “Blue Kids” campaign in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The campaign aims to bring awareness to child abuse and neglect by the distribution of “Blue Kid” cards.

Caritas Family Solutions, a child welfare and family services agency, has partnered with several local businesses, churches and organizations, including Lindenwood Psychology Students Association, Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville and others to distribute the Blue Kid cards. Cards can be purchased at Cecena’s Jewelry in Shiloh as well as Advance Title Solutions and Associated Physicians Group, both in O’Fallon, and Hideg Pharmacy in Belleville and Caritas Headquarters at 8601 W. Main St. in Belleville. The cards can also be purchased online at caritasfamilysolutions.org.

“Blue Kids” comes from the Blue Ribbon Campaign that started in 1989 as one woman’s tribute to her grandson. She tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna to symbolize her grandson’s death at the hands of his mother’s abusive partner. The campaign is also focused on educating individuals and groups on how to better protect children in their community from child abuse. Similarly, the Blue Kid cards symbolize abused and neglected children and are used to bring attention to the widespread issue.

Caritas Family Solutions serves more than 1,200 abused and neglected children per year in Southern and Central Illinois. Blue Kid cards will be displayed at local establishments and Caritas’ headquarters.

For more information on the Blue Kids Campaign, contact Kyle Williams at 618-213-8716 or email kyle.williams@caritasfamily.org.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 9:38 AM with the headline "‘Blue Kids’ campaign supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month."