Annual Report 2025
Court Programs & Activities
The 17th Circuit Judicial Speakers Bureau was established to help the community gain an understanding and knowledge of what can be a very complex legal system and the various programs in which the court is involved. The Judicial Speakers Bureau is comprised of judges who preside in both Boone County and Winnebago County. Judges are available to speak to any school, community group or civic organization in the 17th Circuit that would like to further their understanding of our court systems and the administration of justice. In 2025, judges not only visited various grade schools, but they also volunteered at Rockford Public School's Academy Expo and hosted students for the RPS 205's Job Shadow experience.
Guided tours of our court facilities are also available. These tours offer groups the opportunity to see firsthand the operations and inner workings of the several components which make up our Justice System. To arrange for a speaker or schedule a courthouse tour, contact the Court Administration Office.
Above: Hon. Amy Peterman visits a third grade class at Stone Creek School.
Below: Hon. Tamika Walker hosts students from RPS 205 for a job shadow experience.
Above: Hon. Amy Peterman visits a third grade class at Stone Creek School.
Below: Hon. Tamika Walker hosts students from RPS 205 for a job shadow experience.
National Adoption Day, occurring each November, is celebrated in the 17th Circuit with a gathering and celebration finalizing adoptions of children previously residing in foster care.
National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the estimated 100,000 children in foster care that are ready for adoption and waiting for a family. On this day, court staff, attorneys and social service agency professionals from all across the United States work together to finalize adoptions and celebrate all of the families participating in adoptions. Over the last twenty-one years on National Adoption Day, a total of 469 children have been adopted into permanent loving families in the 17th Circuit.