Annual Report 2025
Justice Partner
Collaborations
Collaborating with justice partners can improve efficiencies and responses within the justice system.
The 17th Circuit Court is proud to be a part of a number of collaborative projects, including a number of local Coordinating Councils.
The Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Council, chaired by Hon. Donna Honzel, is a group formed pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act. Members include representatives from the court, local prosecutors and defense attorneys, law enforcement, local service agencies and municipal officials. There are currently three committees: Education, Mental Health and Youth Organization.
The Winnebago County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, chaired by the Chief Judge, is a group of various stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Members include representatives from the Court, law enforcement, local prosecutors and defense attorneys, and county and municipal officials. Their task is to ensure that all of the elements of the criminal justice system remain aware of their colleagues' efforts and activities. In addition, local crime and court data are analyzed to ascertain our current status and how improvements might be made.
The Council is tasked with providing a forum for the development of a community-based assessment of the local juvenile justice system, to develop a juvenile justice plan for the prevention of juvenile delinquency and to make recommendations to the county boards for more effectively utilizing existing community resources in dealing with juveniles found to be involved in crime. Additionally, the Council aims to analyze the risks, needs and characteristics of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system with the aim to develop strategies to prevent or mitigate juvenile delinquency, produce positive youth outcomes and enhance public safety.
17th Circuit Human Trafficking Court Response Team (HTCRT)
The 17th Circuit Court formed the HTCRT in 2023. Its mission is to enhance a coordinated response within the justice system to meet the needs of those impacted by human trafficking through trauma-informed practices and to raise awareness of human trafficking among justice system stakeholders by increasing education and training opportunities.