Press Releases

Bennett to join Illinois CASA advocates during virtual child abuse prevention event

: Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 08:57 AM

CASA Event

CHAMPAIGN – A virtual event to raise awareness and draw attention to child abuse, hosted by the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), will take place Wednesday, April 29.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will join statewide stakeholders on a Zoom call for the first Hands Across Illinois event to raise awareness and draw attention to child abuse.

Bennett and stakeholders will educate Illinois communities about child abuse, provide resources on how to report abuse, and challenge folks to support this important work, especially during this crisis.

“Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community,” Bennett said. “Now, more than ever, we need to raise awareness about child abuse prevention.”

Illinois CASA will livestream the event on their Facebook page at 12 p.m. For more information, please visit Illinois CASA’s website at illinoiscasa.org.

Bennett aims to raise awareness of online safety during Stay at Home Order

: Published: Monday, April 27, 2020 10:27 AM

CHAMPAIGN — In an effort to raise awareness of online safety during Child Abuse Prevention Month, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is offering tips on how images6CBWTLQE

parents can guide their children on making safe choices while using the internet.

“The internet has become a vital tool during this pandemic,” Bennett said. “While screen time is on the rise, this is a great time to talk with your kids about digital dangers.”

In addition to the economic and social stressors and uncertainty, parents are now faced with added challenges in keeping children safe online. While it is important to talk to children of all ages about online safety, the Crimes Against Children Research Center has found that teenagers are most vulnerable to online predators.

Common tips to teach children about online safety include being cautious about who to send personal information to, being careful about what they post to social media and reminding them that not everyone online is who they claim to be.

“It’s extremely important to ensure children’s online activities are safely monitored right now,” Bennett said. "I highly encourage anyone with children to take a moment to set some guidelines.”

For more tips and information, please visit the Crimes Against Children Research Center at http://unh.edu/ccrc/internet-crimes/safety_ed.html.

Bennett highlights National Volunteer Month, promotes community volunteerism

: Published: Friday, April 17, 2020 08:00 AM

CHAMPAIGN – Each April, individuals and organizations recognize the importance of volunteering. State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging local residents to volunteer to help give back to the community during this public health crisis.

“Volunteers are needed, and your help is crucial during this pandemic,” Bennett said. “You can still safely help your neighbor and the community while social distancing. Any support you can give will be incredibly valuable to support those working on the front line.”

A list of available volunteer opportunities are available on the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service website at Serve.Illinois.gov. Opportunities include community-based opportunities such as meal delivery and telephone wellness checks for local seniors through AgeSmart Community Resources.

Additionally, blood centers around the state are facing a decrease in blood donation appointments and cancellation of blood drives due to COVID-19. The American Red Cross is asking healthy and eligible residents to consider donating blood. To find a center near you, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Bennett is also asking residents and businesses to check their supplies for any new, unopened personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N-95 masks, gloves, goggles, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes that can be donated to local fire departments, police departments or hospitals. People who have items on hand they wish to donate should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include their address and the quantity of each item.

“Our friends and neighbors need us right now,” Bennett said. “Please check up on them and help those most vulnerable.”

Bennett announces Earth Day art contest winners

: Published: Thursday, April 16, 2020 09:19 AM

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the top two winners and recipients of new art kits from his Earth Day Art Contest Thursday.

In March, Senator Bennett launched an educational art contest in response to school closures to help keep students occupied at home. Students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade in Champaign County created original pieces of artwork centered around the theme of climate action in recognition of Earth Day on April 22.

The finalists’ artwork were divided into two groups, elementary and middle school, and put to a vote on Bennett’s Facebook page, where students and residents had the opportunity to choose the winners. The winning pieces will be put on display in the senator’s office and they will receive new art kits. The winners are Kathryn Williams and Samara McArthur.

“Schools are closed and kids are at home needing activities, so this was an educational opportunity that also promoted a little fun,” Bennett said. “I want to congratulate the winners and thank all of the students that participated in the contest. I look forward to displaying Kathryn and Samara’s work in my office and hope their new art kits will continue to encourage their artistic abilities.”

Bennett is now challenging students to print an ‘All In Illinois’ sign to color and display in their window.

“With the extension of the governor’s Stay at Home Order, take the pledge and stay in,” Bennett said. “This is a great opportunity to remind the community that we are all in this together.”

Elementary School