DeKalb County, Illinois

Minutes of the
Law & Justice Committee

August 16, 2010

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LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTE

MINUTES

August 16, 2010

The Law and Justice Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, August 16, 2010 @ 6:30p.m. in the DeKalb County Legislative Center’s Freedom Room.  Chairman Marlene Allen called the meeting to order. Those present were Mike Stuckert, Anita Turner and Derek Tyson. Mr. Oncken was absent.  A quorum was present.  Others present were Janie Torma, Regina Harris and Margi Gilmour.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

            Moved by Mr. Stuckert, seconded by Mr. Tyson, and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes from July 2010.       

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

            Moved by Ms. Turner, seconded by Mr. Tyson, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda

CHILDREN’S WAITING ROOM UPDATE – MS. JANIE TORMA

Ms. Janie Torma, Executive Director of the Children’s Waiting Room, updated the committee on what they have been doing for the last year. 

She said that they have served 2201 children since they opened their doors almost 3 ½ years ago.  They have 2 teachers now and 3 substitute teachers, all with background checks performed on them.   Six children are the maximum amount at one time that they can watch.  They are looking for more space in the new courthouse if it is possible.

Ms. Torma said that they are always looking for new board books for the children.  Some of these children, she said, have never had a book of their own and this way they will.

The committee thanked Ms. Torma for her report.

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S REPORT

            Ms. Regina Harris, the DeKalb County Public Defender, said that they continue to be busy.  They have closed 60 more cases than they opened in July. 

            She explained that her office is in a temporary location at the  Community Outreach Building since the water in the courthouse basement incident.  Her office will be there for a little more while until their space in the courthouse basement is cleaned up. 

COURT SERVICES REPORTS – MS. MARGI GILMOUR

            Ms. Gilmour, Director of the DeKalb County Court Services Department, reported that in the Adult Report it shows that 15 new cases were opened in July. 

            Her Juvenile Report shows that they had 2 kids detained in July.  There was 1 for the 1^st time and 1 for the 8^th time.

            Ms. Gilmour said that placements will be over their budget in 2010.  Her Department should see one kid out of placement by December.

            Ms. Gilmour also told the committee that they have one young man in the Safehouse now who is doing really well.  He goes to DeKalb High School and is on the football team.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Ms. Turner, seconded by Mr. Tyson, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            _________________________________

                                                            Marlene Allen, Chairman

MA:mcs