MERIT presents the Protecting Innocence Symposium 2026
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford’s Medical Evaluation and Response Initiative Team (MERIT) doesn’t just provide clinical support to abused children of the community; it also educates the community to ensure safety for all.
Learning objectives:
• Analyze the role of prevention, family strengthening and systems collaboration in protecting children and promoting family well-being.
• Identify indicators of child abuse, grooming, sexual exploitation and barriers to disclosure that impact child safety and outcomes.
• Evaluate opportunities to strengthen organizational, community and system-level approaches to preventing child maltreatment and exploitation and promoting child safety.
Event speakers:
• Melissa Box, LCSW, MPH, deputy director with the Division of Prevention, Community Connection and Intact Family Services for the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. Topic: Family Strengthening and Family Safety: Transformation at Illinois DCFS.
• Patricia Lewis, ESQ, chief executive officer with Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children. Topic: Strengthening Organizational Policies and Procedures: Preventing Abuse, Recognizing Grooming and Responding Appropriately.
• Dana Miller, associate with the National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wis. Topic: Online Exploitation & Sextortion: Awareness & Response.
• Stephen Mills, speaker and author. Topic: It Takes a Village: How Communities Enable Child Sex Predators.
Professionals who work with children and families, including physicians, mental health professionals, educators, school personnel, law enforcement, social workers, child advocacy professionals, multidisciplinary team members and representatives from child-serving organizations are invited to attend this year’s event. University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford students, residents, staff, and faculty are also invited to participate. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how we can strengthen systems, enhance collaboration, and work together to protect children.
Register your attendance by Oct. 9, 2026.