The Center believes that we must work to create long-term solutions, rather than take a band aid approach to prevention. Working comprehensively across systems and at multiple levels strengthens the outcomes we ultimately seek--creating safe homes, families and communities.  Our work on the after-school system in Illinois, and our new work on elder abuse prevention are examples of this long-term work. 

We invest in after-school programming as it is an essential violence prevention strategy.  Quality after-school programs provide safe spaces, as well as opportunities for children and youth to build the skills they need to be successful in life.  To strengthen Illinois's after-school programs and the entities that provide public funding for them, we are:

*leading a comprehensive effort to build a strong and skilled workforce;
*ensuring that programs are working towards proven outcomes that important to the welfare of children;
*maximizing resources by assisting our public agencies in coordinating their efforts; and
*advocating for a sustainable system of funding.

The senior population in Illinois is growing--and the vulnerability to abuse and exploitation is increasing.  Elder abuse rates have increased significantly in the past five years.  If we are to head them off, we must put prevention strategies to keep seniors safe now.  Our elder abuse prevention work was recently launched, but our efforts to create a long-term solution include:
*expanding the responsibility for prevention to systems outside of the aging system; *increase the awareness of abuse and exploitation with seniors themselves and those they regularly come in contact with like faith institutions, health care workers, and banking institutions; and
*coordinate services across existing systems.

All of our long-term solutions work is collaborative in nature, as the Center has historically been a leader in bringing groups together to work in partnership in creating  solutions to violence.  Our efforts include representatives of community-based organizations, public health, education, youth serving organizations, advocates, domestic violence and sexual assault providers, to local and state government agency representatives.