Educators, counselors, clergy, youth leaders, advocates, and decision-makers: children need adults willing to act early, ask harder questions, and choose protection over silence.

In my twenties, while building a life and trying to heal, I carried this alone. As a mandated reporter, I was shocked by what I encountered in Wisconsin: decades of reports, a clear pattern, and still no protective response strong enough to limit access to children.

I kept going because the pattern of harm should have been identified and acted on long before I became part of it.

I carried what systems should have.

Illinois DCFS centrally logged Kerri’s 2026 report of her own childhood abuse, which occurred primarily in Wisconsin from 2010–2012. Kenosha CPS has no record of the same abuse.

Kerri lived in Illinois while attending school in Wisconsin. Her minor residency was never discussed when she filed the Kenosha police report, and neither Illinois nor potential federal jurisdiction was explored.