April 13, 2001
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) - Authorities in Illinois hope that a pilot program aimed at helping young children who become victims of violence or see violent acts will become a model for similar efforts across the country.
“Safe from the Start” began in January in Cook County, Peoria and Granite City. Organizers say that cooperation between police officers, social workers and others who deal with children exposed to violence is essential.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., plans to introduce a bill that would appropriate $50 million for similar programs in other states.
Experts say that more than 3 million children witness domestic violence every year.