Chief Judge John S. Lowry is pleased to announce that the 17^th Judicial Circuit Court’s Domestic Violence Coordinated Court in Winnebago County, Illinois, has once again been selected by the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to serve as a national Domestic Violence Mentor Court.

The $150,000.00 supplemental award recognizes well-established specialized courts and enables them to guide novice or developing courts and court-based programs seeking to significantly improve their responses to domestic violence cases. The Winnebago County Domestic Violence Coordinated Court was one of five courts in the country given this designation. These well-established courts serve as national models and share their expertise by hosting site visits, linking courts with peers facing similar challenges, and assisting other domestic violence courts to implement best practices to respond effectively to these difficult cases.

This marks the fourth time the Winnebago County Domestic Violence Coordinated Court has been named a Domestic Violence Mentor Court.  Most recently, the court has provided technical assistance and mentorship to courts in Wisconsin, Oregon, New York, and Springfield, Illinois.

Judge Joseph P. Bruscato, Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Coordinated Court and Family Division commented, “We are grateful to the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women for continuing to recognize the dedication and innovative practices of our Domestic Violence Coordinated Court. The opportunity to shape the justice system’s response to domestic violence on a national level is an honor and speaks to the to the dedication and expertise of our jurisdiction around these matters. We look forward to continuing to share our practices with other courts and contribute to national best practices around offender accountability, survivor safety, and procedural fairness.”

For more information about the Domestic Violence Coordinated Court or the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Award, contact Nicole Ticknor, Deputy Court Administrator.

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Judge Jennifer Clifford, Chairperson of the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC) and co-chair of the Statewide FVCC, announces that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The community is encouraged to support the multiple community awareness activities planned throughout the month to provide education and honor those who have been impacted by violence in Winnebago and Boone counties.

The FVCC has planned many awareness activities throughout the month of October including virtual lunch and learns, proclamations, information booths and the annual Shining the Light ceremonies to take place in Winnebago and Boone Counties. The annual Shining the Light on Domestic Violence ceremony for Winnebago County will be held at Crusader Community Health on West State Street on Thursday, October 23^rd at 5:30pm. Boone County’s annual Shining the Light on Domestic Violence Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 7^th at 5:00pm at Senior Connections. Additional information about planned events can be found by visiting the 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council Facebook page or by signing up for the mailing list at bit.ly/FVCClist.

Judge Clifford commented, “We hope many take advantage of the opportunities throughout the month of October to learn about domestic violence and prevention efforts against domestic violence that exist here in our community, as well as show support to the survivors and families impacted by violence. We are thankful for the multiple organizations that partner with us not only in October but throughout the entire year to address our community’s response to domestic violence.”

The 17th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council is funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and serves Boone and Winnebago counties. The FVCC serves as a forum to coordinate community and professional efforts to address family violence, including domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse. For more information about the work of the FVCC, contact Nicole Ticknor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The 17^th Judicial Circuit has unanimously selected Circuit Judge Brendan A. Maher to serve as its next chief judge starting January 1, 2026.

“The Circuit has made an excellent selection,” said current Chief Judge John S. Lowry.  “Judge Maher brings a breadth of experience and collaborative spirit to the role of chief judge and he has the full support of his colleagues.”

Judge Maher was appointed to the bench on August 2, 2010, by the Illinois Supreme Court and was thereafter elected to a full term in November 2012. Since that time, he has served the citizens of Boone and Winnebago Counties with dedication and distinction. He currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division and oversees a felony criminal caseload in Winnebago County.

A graduate of Augustana College and Valparaiso University School of Law, Judge Maher began his career in private practice at WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, where he served from 1997 to 2008. He later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, before his appointment to the bench.

Judge Maher stated, “It is a distinct honor to be chosen by my colleagues to serve in this capacity.  I look forward to continuing the 17^th Judicial Circuit Court’s longstanding tradition of excellence, while further advancing efficiency and fostering enhanced collaboration across Boone and Winnebago Counties.”

The chief judge of a judicial circuit oversees the administrative functions of the court system and works with court stakeholders to ensure fair and efficient operations.

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Rockford, Illinois— Judge Janet R. Holmgren, Presiding Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Court is pleased to announce the program celebrated its 36^th graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Courtroom 217 at the Winnebago County Courthouse.  Two participants graduated from TIP Court on June 18, successfully fulfilling all program requirements and bringing the total number of graduates to 217 since the program’s inception in 2005.

The goal of TIP Court is to provide participants with the treatment and case management services necessary to support stability and sustained recovery, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of future offenses. The program is voluntary and the average length of participation is two and a half years of structured support and supervision.

TIP Court is a specialized problem-solving court program that provides wrap-around therapeutic services and intensive court supervision to persons in the criminal justice system who have a serious and persistent mental illness.  A multi-disciplinary team of clinical and justice professionals closely supervise each participant’s compliance with treatment and probation supervision requirements. Participants are held accountable for meeting their treatment plan requirements through intensive probation supervision and regular court appearances before Judge Holmgren.. 

Please contact Emily Behnke for more information about TIP Court and the 36^th graduation ceremony. 

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Judge Janet R. Holmgren, Presiding Judge of the Problem-Solving Courts Division, is pleased to announce that the Winnebago County Adult Drug Court held its 54^th graduation ceremony on May 14, 2025.  Eight Drug Court participants successfully completed all of the Drug Court program requirements and were honored at this graduation ceremony. Including these 8 graduates, a total of 763 participants have successfully completed Drug Court since the program began in 1996.

Drug Court, which began in 1996, is an intensive problem-solving court program that targets persons in the criminal justice system who are physically dependent upon drugs and/or alcohol.  Participants voluntarily consent to participate in the program which provides them with a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment services in order to successfully achieve and maintain sobriety.  A multi-disciplinary team of clinical and justice professionals closely supervise each participant’s compliance with treatment and probation supervision requirements and hold them accountable through frequent court appearances before Judge Holmgren, random and frequent drug testing, and intensive probation supervision.

“The purpose of Drug Court is to improve the quality of life for the individual participants, their families and our community by restoring them to a safe and sober lifestyle which in turn dramatically reduces the likelihood that they will commit new offenses because of their addiction,” stated Judge Holmgren.  “Each of our graduates has a compelling story about the destructive impact and struggles caused by their disease and how they utilized the resources and supports of Drug Court, make it possible for them to restore and rebuild their health and relationships with their families, keep and retain employment and/or pursue their education and overall, giving them the opportunities to be positive, contributing members of our community.”

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The 17th Circuit Court of Illinois proudly recognizes Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as National Interpreter Appreciation Day, and honors the vital work of court interpreters and their indispensable contributions to the administration of justice.

Court interpreters are a critical part of our judicial system. Every day, they ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency or those with hearing or speech impairments can fully participate in court proceedings. Without their expertise, meaningful access to justice would not be possible for many.

In 2024, court interpreters in the 17th Circuit Court assisted with 11,371 events, providing interpretation services in over 37 different languages. This remarkable service reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community and the court's commitment to equal access to the justice system.

The Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Ethics for Interpreters affirms the essential role of interpreters, stating:
"Many persons who come before the courts are prevented from full participation in the proceedings due to limited English proficiency, or a speech or hearing impairment. It is essential that the resulting communication barrier be removed, to the extent possible, so that these persons are placed in the same position as similarly situated persons for whom there is no such barrier."

As officers of the court, court interpreters serve not only as linguistic facilitators but also as impartial and highly trained professionals who uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

“Court interpretation is a specialized discipline vital to the administration of justice,” said Trial Court Administrator Tom Jakeway. “Our interpreters—both staff and contract professionals—are highly skilled and deeply committed individuals, and we celebrate their unwavering dedication to making justice accessible to all.”

The 17th Circuit Court expresses its deepest appreciation to the interpreters who serve our community with accuracy, ethics, and compassion.

For more information about interpreter services in the 17th Circuit Court, please visit link.

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Winnebago County and the 17^th Judicial Circuit Court are pleased to announce that renovation work on the new Family Court Center is officially underway. This significant project is designed to better serve families and individuals throughout our community, with completion anticipated by Summer 2026.  Once completed, the renovated structure will support a user-friendly, litigant-focused court process, offering Family Court participants a building that is easy to navigate and more responsive to their needs.

As part of this exciting development, the main courthouse entrance will temporarily relocate to 403 Elm Street beginning May 5, 2025. The temporary entrance is located one block south of the current entrance, directly across from the Winnebago County Administration Building, near the corner of Church Street and Elm Street.

“We are thrilled to be transforming the former Public Safety Building into a vibrant, purpose-driven space to meet the needs of the public,” said Winnebago County Chairman Joseph V. Chiarelli. “The new Family Court Center will enhance access to justice and provide a more supportive environment for our community. It represents a significant investment in the well-being of families and children, and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating safe, accessible, and modern spaces for all who rely on our court system.”

The new Family Court Center is being made possible through funding from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), as well as a significant investment by the Winnebago County Board.  Once completed, the facility will feature:

• Modernized courtrooms
• An enhanced Domestic Violence Assistance Center
• A reimagined jury assembly room
• A welcoming children’s waiting room

“We are grateful to Chairman Chiarelli and the Winnebago County Board for their vision and investment in this renovation project,” said 17^th Circuit Chief Judge John S. Lowry. “The new Family Court Center represents more than just bricks and mortar—it is a commitment to providing a more compassionate, accessible, and effective justice system for the families we serve. This facility will stand as a cornerstone of support and hope for individuals during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

The community’s patience and support are greatly appreciated during this period of transition and growth.

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The Winnebago County Juvenile Detention is pleased to announce the facility has passed its PREA Audit becoming the fourth out of fifteen statewide facilities to receive this recognition.  PREA stands for Prison Rape Elimination Act and is a federal law enacted in 2003. The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) established forty-three PREA standards to help guide facility practices to keep residents safe from sexual abuse and sexual harassment.  These PREA standards are required guidelines used by USDOJ Certified PREA Auditors to determine compliance with PREA Law. 

Over the course of the past six months, the dedicated staff at the detention center worked hard to satisfy the stringent PREA requirements, receiving guidance from PREA Consulting, LLC.

Recent areas of focus included expanding staff for direct supervision, enhancing PREA signage, improving PREA investigation forms used during inquiries, developing and implementing a direct supervision staffing schedule, providing resident education on PREA, conducting training for both residents and staff on PREA, and increasing accessibility to reporting channels and PREA procedures for residents.

The certification is the direct result of the efforts of the entire detention staff, particularly PREA Coordinator Rachael Carmack, Superintendent Julie McCray-Grotto and Assistant Superintendent Richard Ritt. 

“The best thing about receiving PREA compliance is that we’re continuously building a lasting culture that protects our residents so they can focus on developing their bright futures,” said PREA Coordinator Rachael Carmack.

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On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the Seventeenth Circuit Court celebrated its nineteenth annual National Adoption Day Celebration at the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center.  At this event, Judge Francis M. Martinez along with Circuit Clerk Tom Klein, local social service agencies (Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Youth Service Bureau, Brightpoint, Camelot Care Center and Greenlight Family Services) and other court personnel volunteered their time to finalize 14 adoptions of children previously residing in foster care.

National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the estimated 108,000 children in foster care that are ready for adoption and waiting for a family.  On this day, members of the judiciary, 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 years, a total of 450 children have been adopted into permanent loving families in celebration of National Adoption Day in the 17^th Circuit Court of Illinois.  

Chief Judge John S. Lowry stated, “It is a great privilege to play a role in creating permanent, loving homes for the children and families involved in National Adoption Day.  Today is truly a day of celebration.” Judge Erin Buhl added, “National Adoption Day is an exciting day full of new beginnings and I am honored to join our families, caseworkers, CASA volunteers and court personnel in celebration.”

For more information about this event, please contact Deputy Court Administrator Kimberly Ackmann at 815-319-4831 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Judge Janet R. Holmgren, Presiding Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Court is pleased to announce the program celebrated its 35th graduation ceremony on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 311 at the Winnebago County Courthouse. Seven TIP Court participants have successfully completed all of the TIP Court Program requirements, bringing the total number of Graduates to 213 since TIP Court began in 2005.

Judge Janet R. Holmgren, Presiding Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Court is pleased to announce the program celebrated its 35th graduation ceremony on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 311 at the Winnebago County Courthouse. Seven TIP Court participants have successfully completed all of the TIP Court Program requirements, bringing the total number of Graduates to 213 since TIP Court began in 2005.TIP Court is a specialized problem-solving court program that provides wrap-around therapeutic services and intensive court supervision to persons in the criminal justice system who have a serious and persistent mental illness. The program is voluntary and the average length of participation is two and a half years. The goals and purpose of TIP Court is to provide participants with the treatment and case management services they require to help them achieve stability and maintain recovery and in turn, dramatically reduce the likelihood that they will commit new offenses. A multi-disciplinary team of clinical and justice professionals closely supervise each participant’s compliance with treatment and probation supervision requirements. Participants are held accountable for complying and completing their treatment plan requirements through intensive probation supervision and frequent court appearances before Judge Holmgren.

Please contact Emily Behnke for more information about TIP Court and the 35th graduation ceremony.

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See Press Release from Illinois Supreme Court