Kendall County State's Attorney: New domestic violence response team 'going well'

YORKVILLE – The Kendall County State's Attorney updated the Kendall County Board on two judicial system-related programs during the County Board meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis said the Kendall County Domestic Violence Response Team, which was created in October 2019 and began its work in January 2020, has staffed over 72 domestic violence cases as of June 30. He said 16 orders of protection related to those cases have been filed by victims with the help of his office and the team also was able to get housing for two individuals who needed it.

"It seems to be going well," Weis said. " ... It's still too early to tell, but people have been receptive and reaching out to us, so that's a good thing."

Representatives had said the group is meant to take a more streamlined and proactive approach to how domestic violence and abuse cases are addressed within the county and its courts and getting more immediate help for victims.

Meanwhile, Weis said, the process of opening a mental health court in Kendall County continues to move forward. Team members of the proposed court currently are finalizing required policies and procedures to be certified as an approved mental health court with the state.

Weis said there has been a lot of support from law enforcement, service providers and the community for the proposed plan.

"We've got candidates waiting," Weis said.

Weis said the goal remains to have the new mental health court in operation by the end of this year.