The five guiding principles of the 2020-2024 Violence Prevention Plan informed the updated plan goals and recommendations.
Foster belonging and social connectedness
Individuals, families, and communities can find acceptance and develop resiliency through healthy, peaceful relationships. Violence prevention programming can include relational opportunities based on developmental stages and risk factors.
Advance equity
Violence prevention programming can address inequities by partnering with individuals, families and communities who experience a disproportionate amount of risk factors. State agencies can address historical inequities by embedding communities' true voice in the decision-making processes.
Promote Safety
The ability to live without fear of harm is a fundamental human right and developmentally essential to individual, familial and community success. Violence prevention programming cannot only attempt to stop violence but also strive to develop culturally responsive, safe, and peaceful environments.
Support health
Violence prevention programming can build and sustain mentally and physically strong individuals, families, and communities. These trauma informed practices include policies and efforts that support staff in local organizations.
Engage state agencies in collaboration
Violence prevention programming takes place across many state agencies and are often focused on similar outcomes. We can work more effectively by communicating across agencies at least quarterly in which sharing resources, best practices and data is the norm. This coordination results in efficiency for funded agencies and improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities in Illinois.