Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois (CACI)

06/19/2026

The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI) offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

06/17/2026

Gaming can be a fun and social space for kids and teens, but it also comes with real online safety risks that caregivers need to stay aware of.

Online safety is not only up to the child—it’s something adults actively support through ongoing conversations, checking privacy settings, understanding the platforms being used, and encouraging kids to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

We’re sharing a helpful resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children with practical tips for keeping kids safer while gaming and navigating online spaces.

06/10/2026

☀️ Summer break means more free time—and often more screen time. Increased online activity can also mean increased exposure to potential online dangers.

This Internet Safety Month, take time to talk with your kids about staying safe online, protecting personal information, and coming to a trusted adult if something doesn't feel right.

Check out the Know2Protect family guide for tips and resources, and help spread the word about online safety this summer!

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

After nine years of dedicated service to Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois, we want to extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes to Mike Burns, our Statewide MDT Coordinator, as he begins his next chapter.

Throughout his time with CACI, Mike has been an invaluable resource and trusted partner for multidisciplinary team members and Children's Advocacy Centers across Illinois. His knowledge, commitment, and unwavering support have strengthened our network and helped countless professionals better serve children and families.

Please join us in thanking Mike for his dedication and wishing him continued success in all that lies ahead. We know he will continue making a difference.

06/01/2026

Thank you to State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Michelle Mussman for serving as Chief Sponsors of SB 3510 (Crimes Against Children) and for their unwavering commitment to protecting Illinois children.

With overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Illinois Senate and House, SB 3510 passed to strengthen protections for children by improving coordination among child protection professionals, expanding access to forensic interviews for child trafficking victims, increasing accountability for repeat child endangerment, and closing critical loopholes that can leave children at risk.

Importantly, the legislation ensures that children and families are informed of their right to request a forensic interview at a Children's Advocacy Center, helping connect them to trauma-informed services and support when they need it most.

We are grateful for the strong bipartisan support that made this important legislation possible. Together, we are building a stronger system of protection and healing for Illinois children and families.

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed Monday, May 25.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

This week, we lost a true champion for children, and Illinois lost a powerful voice for what is right.

I had the honor of knowing Lisa Mathey through our shared work for children across Illinois. The greatest impact she had on me was her relentless willingness to speak up when others were ready to move on. In every meeting we shared, Lisa would respectfully, thoughtfully, and persistently raise her voice when she believed something still needed to be said.

She always led with best practice and what was truly best for children — no matter how difficult or uncomfortable the conversation. Her spirit was both kind and fierce, and it left a lasting impression on me and so many others fortunate enough to work beside her.

I want her family and all who loved her most know how deeply her advocacy impacted this work, not only for children today, but for generations to come.

Thank you, Lisa. Your voice mattered, and your legacy will continue through the lives and systems you helped change 💙 ~Kim

View Lisa Marie Mathey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.