Offers legal representation in areas of civil law to low-income individuals and seniors. Legal matters include: Public Benefits: - Loss or denial of SSI, TANF, Veterans Benefits, SNAP (food stamps) Family Law: - Abuse or exploitation for persons facing domestic violence, elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. - Divorce and related relief for persons facing domestic violence Housing Law: - Evictions and lock-outs - Foreclosure defense - Loss or denial of subsidized housing benefits - Loss or denial of essential public utilities - Substandard housing conditions cases that cannot be addressed by other agencies Health Care: - Loss or denial of medical or nursing home care - Loss or denial of medical benefits (Medicaid, Medicare) - Guardianships and Powers of Attorney Other income benefits where alternative representation is unavailable: - Loss or denial of unemployment insurance - Social Security Disability benefits Tax Law: - Disputes or audits with the IRS - Appeals and cases in court - Protection from Collection - Innocent Spouse Relief - Tax-related Identity Theft - State tax issues (if a related federal tax issue) Eligible callers seeking counseling will receive immediate advice or a referral Note: Due to limited resources, not everyone can receive assistance. Visit the Additional Resources page on the website for additional information. For information regarding the agency's service area and office locations, please visit: https://pslegal.org/our-offices

Court services, including court advocates, assistance with filing Orders of Protection, follow-up on police reported incidents, referral information, available. Court will be unavailable from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. 505 North County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The Domestic Violence unit of Kane County's State's Attorney's office works to prosecute defendants accused of causing physical harm to a person with whom the defendant has a domestic relationship. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and/or economic abuse. Victim coordination and Orders of Protection are also completed in this office. The 16th Judicial Circuit of Kane County can also issue emergency protective orders, including: - Civil Order of Protection. - Criminal Order of Protection. - Stalking No Contact Order. - Civil No Contect Order - Firearms Restraining Order. Domestic relationships include: - A relationship with a family or household member, such as a spouse or former spouse, parents, children, stepchildren, and other persons related by blood or by current or previous marriage. - A person the survivor lives with or lived with in the past. - A person with whom the survivor shares a child. - A person with whom the survivor shares a blood relationship with because of a child. - A person the survivor is dating or dated in the past.

Helps victims of domestic and sexual violence navigate the legal systems and understand their rights. Advocates assist clients in obtaining protective orders, accompany clients to court, and provide support throughout the pursuit of safety at home, work, and school.

Survivors may access legal advocacy such as assistance with orders of protection, understanding court procedures, and other legal services. Medical advocacy is available for participant emergencies or to address their ongoing health concerns.

Services to help survivors of domestic violence, older adults, people with disabilities, and immigrant survivors of violence and trafficking: - Orders of Protection for people experiencing domestic violence. - Divorce, custody, or child support in cases involving domestic violence or child endangerment. - Elder abuse, including financial exploitation. - Other court orders to stop abuse, harassment, or stalking. - Immigration issues faced by survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. - Guardianships of minors and adults to ensure safety and stability.

The Office of the State's Attorney commences and prosecutes all criminal and traffic cases in the Circuit Court and initiates all dependency, neglect, abuse, and delinquency juvenile petitions and proceedings. The Office also commences and prosecutes all actions and proceedings brought by any County officer and defends actions and proceedings brought against the County or against County officers. In addition, the Office gives opinions to any County officer upon request and provides interpretation of the law relating to concerns of the County. The Office also provides child support enforcement services through a joint venture with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Provides legislative and victim advocacy services in addition to child support suits, facilitating criminal prosecution, and a number of additional court programs.

- Prosecutes all felony, misdemeanor and traffic crimes committed in Perry County. - Advises and represents the County Board and the elected and appointed officials of Perry County. - Assists those petitioning for Orders of Protection. - Goes to court to collect unpaid child support.

- Prosecutes all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic crimes committed in Piatt County. - Advises and represents the County Board and the elected and appointed officials of Piatt County. - Assists those petitioning for Orders of Protection. - Goes to court to collect unpaid child support.

Provides crisis shelter for those who are victims of domestic violence. In addition, the following services are provided for both domestic violence and sexual assault survivors: - Legal advocacy. - Medical advocacy. - Prevention education. - Supportive counseling. - Sexual assault victim therapy. - Children's counseling (domestic and sexual violence). - Case management.

Sojourn Shelter and Services provides advocacy, information, and support to the victims of domestic violence throughout both civil and criminal court proceedings. They assist clients in completing orders of protection and advocate for them before the presiding judges. They also provide community referrals and advocacy for clients. Offices are located in the Sangamon, Menard, Christian, Montgomery, and Logan County Courts Complexes. Court advocates assist domestic violence victims in filing for orders of protection and understand legal rights regarding domestic violence. Offices are also located in Logan, Menard, Christian, and Montgomery counties.

Rape crisis center services are available via the hotline. Sexual assault program services include: - Crisis intervention. - 24-hour response at medical facilities or police stations. - Assistance and support with medical and legal procedures. - Counseling for child and adult survivors of sexual assault. The YWCA also provides information and referral and extensive community education programs for: - Helping school children learn how to stay safe from abuse and how to report it. - Helping schools work against bullying. - Healthy Relationships groups for high school students. - Providing professional training on sexual harassment, sexual assault issues, and many related topics.

Legal assistance for low-income individuals and the elderly in civil matters involving basic needs. The type of services they provide range from telephone advice or brief service, to representation in court or at administrative hearings. Areas of legal assistance include: - Family Law (domestic violence, orders of protection, elder abuse, family violence, guardianship, bankruptcy). - Housing Law (landlord/tenant dispute, including evictions, foreclosures, fair housing issues). - Educational Law (children with disabilities, school suspensions, children's educational rights). - Consumer Law (identity theft, debt collection rights, consumer fraud). - Elder Law & Disability Rights (adult protective issues, guardianship issues). - Health and Economic Security (help obtaining/keeping public benefits, clearing/sealing criminal records).

Files proper paperwork needed to obtain an order of protection for victims of the following: - Domestic violence - Stalking - Harrassment - Bullying - Sexual assault Also accompanies victims in court and connects clients with legal assistance.

24/7 police service for the City of Lockport. The Police Department also operates the following programs: - Domestic Violence: Investigates claims and helps issue orders of protection. - Unwanted Medication Program: Disposal of any expired or no-longer-needed medication. - Does not accept IV bags, medical waste, sharp needles/syringes, or thermometers. - Safe Passage: Helps heroin and opiate addicts get into recovery. Partners with area treatment facilities to ensure immediate treatment.

The Domestic Violence unit of Kane County's State's Attorney's office works to prosecute defendants accused of causing physical harm to a person with whom the defendant has a domestic relationship. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and/or economic abuse. Victim coordination and Orders of Protection are also completed in this office. The 16th Judicial Circuit of Kane County can also issue emergency protective orders, including: - Civil Order of Protection. - Criminal Order of Protection. - Stalking No Contact Order. - Civil No Contect Order - Firearms Restraining Order. Domestic relationships include: - A relationship with a family or household member, such as a spouse or former spouse, parents, children, stepchildren, and other persons related by blood or by current or previous marriage. - A person the survivor lives with or lived with in the past. - A person with whom the survivor shares a child. - A person with whom the survivor shares a blood relationship with because of a child. - A person the survivor is dating or dated in the past.

Court Advocates assist victims of domestic violence by providing them with information about their legal rights, assisting with Orders of Protection, explaining the court procedures, and supporting victims through the court process. The Advocate also accompanies clients to the courtroom.

Prosecuting agency representing the citizens of Sangamon County and the victim(s) of crime. This office handles the following: - Felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases. - Juvenile court matters. - Child support enforcement. - Paternity suits. - Domestic violence/orders of protection. - Mental health hearings. Legal advisor and counselor for all county officials and chief prosecuting officer of the county. If someone feels that they are the victim of a crime (as opposed to a civil matter) they should report it to the police for investigation. After the investigation is complete, an Assistant's State's Attorney will discuss the matter and advise on filing a criminal case. Emergency referrals will be made to appropriate community service agencies as needed. Support is given to intimidated witnesses.

Confidential, around-the-clock legal and medical advocacy is available for suriviors and their families. Offers medical and legal advocacy. Medical Advocacy: Clove Alliance advocates are always available to support survivors, their families, and friends during a visit to the emergency room for a medical examination or evidence collection. Advocates can also accompany clients to any follow-up medical appointments, help them receive reimbursement for medical costs associated with the crime, and answer questions about the following: - Medical exams. - Evidence collection (rape kit). - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs). - Pregnancy and emergency contraception. - Medications. - Follow-up medical care. - Crime Victims Compensation through the Illinois Attorney General's Office. - Referrals. - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). Legal Advocacy: Clove Alliance staff advocates walk with survivors through the police and courtroom procedures, maintain an awareness of the status of each case, monitor the case throughout its legal proceedings, go to court with survivors (or for those who cannot attend), and keep survivors current on changes to their case. Legal advocates are available to answer questions about: - Reporting to law enforcement. - Crime victim's rights. - Statute of limitations. - Criminal justice proceedings. - Court process. - Sex offender registration. - Civil No Contact Orders. - Orders of Protection. - Automated victim notification (AVN) 1-866-566-8439. - Crime Victims Compensation through the Illinois Attorney General's Office. - Victim impact statements. - Victim Services Unit of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Stepping Stones is a sexual assault program focused on empowering survivors, their families, and their friends on the path of healing. Services include: - Confidential phone counseling and support. - In-person individual and family counseling. - Medical and legal advocacy to sexual assault survivors (all genders, no exclusion), their family and friends, regardless of when abuse/assault happened. - Assistance obtaining civil no contact orders and stalking no contact orders. - Education on sexual assault for professionals and others in the community. - Bullying and sexual assault prevention programs for all ages. - Prevention Education for K-12 students as part of Erin's Law. - Sexual Assault Survivor's Support Groups. Specific groups include: - Aid for Healing: Group for survivors with autism or intellectual disabilities. - College-Age Survivors. - Grounds for Hope: Group for survivors who identify as women. - LGBTQIA+. - Male Survivors: Group for survivors who identify as male. - Teens.

- Charged with the legal representation of the County. - Advises the County and its Elected Officials in civil litigation arising out of their official duties. - Represents the People of the State of Illinois in Criminal Prosecutions including traffic offenses and any crime occurring within the jurisdiction of the County. - Cases involving abuse or neglect of children or delinquency are also handled by this office.

- Prosecutes felony, misdemeanor and traffic offenses committed by adults. - Presents delinquent and abuse and neglect petitions to the judge in Juvenile Court. - Advises county officials in legal matters. - Defends the county against civil lawsuits. - Assists in the involuntary commitment of mentally ill persons into a mental health facility. - Provides an advocate to assist crime victims and witnesses throughout the course of a criminal prosecution.

Survivors who choose to may access legal advocacy such as assistance with civil no contact orders, understanding court procedures, and other legal services. Advocacy is also provided for victims at the emergency room, doctors' offices, or police stations.

- Prosecutes all felony, misdemeanor and traffic crimes committed within the County. - Advises and represents the County Board and the elected and appointed officials of the County. - Assists those petitioning for Orders of Protection. - Goes to court to collect unpaid child support.