|
April 11, 2023
Justice for All
Dear residents and community leaders,
In March, for Women’s History Month, we highlighted the achievements of women in the legal community and in our office. We know that there is so much more to achieve when it comes to equity, but we are proud of the achievements of our Lake County judges, supervisors, and community leaders who are women.
On March 6, our office was proud to co-sponsor the Second Annual School Safety Conference with Dr. Michael Karner, Reginal Superintendent of Schools and Sheriff John Idleburg. Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. We must work in every community to support families and children who need resources and to make sure that our schools have comprehensive safety plans for targeted violence events. Chief Joe Fusz and I presented on the role of schools in the process surrounding Illinois State Police “clear & present danger” notifications. In April, look for a new public awareness campaign from our office focusing on how we can limit access to firearms through the work of our Courts and State Police partners.
We look forward to educating the public about our office’s support for victims in April during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Yours,
April - Child Abuse Prevention Month
Carrie Wings (left), Chris Burnside-Newman (right)
Throughout April, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) will be promoting their Blue Kids Program for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every year, this program encourages local businesses, schools, and the community to have conversations about child abuse.
Chris Burnside-Newman and Carrie Wings are victim specialists at the LCCAC and put huge efforts into organizing the Blue Kids campaign every year. On March 28, an open house was held at the LCCAC for community partners to pick up their Blue Kids materials such as posters, education material, and other displays.
“Our community partners are amazing. Each year more organizations choose to participate, and they help us create and spread the message,” Chris said.
Chris and Carrie believe that educating parents, caregivers, and the community at large about the reality of child abuse is vitally important. Part of educating the community is destroying myths and reminding everyone that if they see something, to never be afraid to speak up.
“Everyone benefits when children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” Carrie said.
Find ways to help prevent and spread awareness about child abuse by visiting the LCCAC’s website.
Lake County School Safety Conference
Throughout the day, experts from all over the nation gave presentations on warning signs, mental health, and school safety. Our office discussed the role the legal system plays in reducing risk inside the schools.
State’s Attorney Rinehart and Chief Joe Fusz discussed how schools can notify the Illinois State Police about students who may be a threat to others. Chief Karen Levi and Children’s Advocacy Center Director Carrie Flanigan presented on how schools should report crimes to our law enforcement partners.
Thank you to the amazing presenters and to the hundreds of teachers, counselors, administrators, social workers, school resource officers, and law enforcement leaders who work every day to make our schools safer, our community healthier, and our children's lives better.
Diversion and Deflection - Harm Reduction: The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Substance Use Disorder
It was great being able to bring law enforcement, treatment providers, and community members together to discuss the rising numbers of opioid overdoses and the way we can all play a part in reducing these numbers. Having conversations like these are key to connecting individuals who suffer from an addiction to the treatment they need.
Upcoming Events
Tuneful Tea Event - Sunday, April 23
 You’re invited for an afternoon of music and merriment to benefit the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center. Make sure to RSVP and read more about the performers. Deadline to register is April 18.
Victims’ Rights Film Showing: The Amendment – Wednesday, April 26
The event will include a resource fair and a discussion about the film and victims’ rights in Illinois. Make you RSVP.
Lake County Juvenile Justice Council 2nd Annual Spring Seminar – May 5, 2023
Diversion and Deflection – Mental Health: Compassionate Responses to Behavioral Health Crisis – Wednesday May 10
 Join us as our office and the Lake County Sheriff's Office continues the Lake County Diversion and Deflection Series. The topic on May 10 will be Mental Health: Compassionate Responses to Behavioral Health Crisis. Keep a look out for the location on our Facebook page.
|
