Title
Joint resolution authorizing and supporting the establishment of a Lake County Sexual Assault Coordinating Council.
Staff Summary
· A county-wide council coordinating the investigation, prosecution and management of sexual assault cases that will benefit the entire County.
· The proposed Council will be established by State’s Attorney Michael Waller, Circuit Judge Victoria Rosetti, Gurnee Police Chief Robert Jones, Superintendent of Regional Office of Education Roycealee Wood, and Zacharias Center Executive Director Torrie Flink.
· The proposed Council’s bylaws, which establish the Council’s membership and operating guidelines, are attached for review and approval.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Lake County has long been a leader in the area of Criminal Justice in establishing cooperative and innovative programs in law enforcement, education, prevention, intervention and treatment; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board has previously established three county-wide coalitions: Lake County Domestic Violence Council (1994), Lake County Juvenile Justice Council (1999), and Lake County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (2003); and
WHEREAS, those coalitions have successfully sponsored and developed programs that have improved Lake County’s handling of domestic violence cases, the Lake County Juvenile Justice System, the Lake County Criminal Justice System, and have enhanced public safety in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has long been a leader in handling sexual abuse and sexual assault cases; and
WHEREAS, the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (formerly LACASA) was established in 1983 and the Lake County Children=s Advocacy Center was established in 1987: both programs were pioneers in sensitively and effectively dealing with sexual assault and sexual abuse cases; and
WHEREAS, a consensus has developed among law enforcement, the judiciary, victim advocates and other professionals that believe the Lake County Criminal Justice System would benefit from the...
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