About

What is a treatment court?

Treatment Courts provide wrap around services through case management, medication, inpatient and outpatient treatment that are specialized to meet the individual's treatment needs based on clinical assessment. Nationally and locally, treatment courts have been proven to be effective for the individual and the community.

In the 17th Judicial Circuit we have 6 Problem-Solving Courts and a diversion program. To learn more about each individual program, select that program below:

Adult Probation

What do I do if I cannot make it to my appointment?

Probation appointments should be a priority in order to maintain compliance with your court order. However, if you have an emergency and must reschedule your appointment, you must contact your probation officer before the scheduled appointment and reschedule for a different date or time.

Where do I pay my fines and restitution?

If you want to pay in person, you will need a bring cash or a money order to the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk Office located on the first floor of the Winnebago County Courthouse.
If you want to pay by mail, you will send a money order to:

Winnebago County Circuit Clerk
400 W. State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101

Note: Be sure to include your name and case number.

Where do I go to get set up with Public Service Work?

The Public Service Work Officer is located at the Adult Probation Center, 526 W. State St, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Be sure to bring your court order with you; a secretary will assist you. If you need to change your appointment or have questions about your Public Service Work hours, you can call the main line at (815) 319-6250 to reach the Public Service Work Officer. View the PSW Handbook

What can I expect when I first report to the Adult Probation Department?

When you initially report from court, you will be given an appointment for the Orientation Group. This appointment will generally be during your first week of probation.
At the Orientation Group, a supervisor will inform you of important information you will need to know while under probation supervision. You will have a chance to ask questions and will also be given an Adult Probation Handbook to take with you.

At the end of the group, you will be given an Assessment/Intake appointment card with your first appointment date/time.

What do I have to do to travel out of state?

You must always have the permission of your probation officer prior to traveling out of state.
You must be in compliance with probation in order to get permission to travel out of state.
If you are not in compliance with your probation, have a history of violent offenses or are a registered sex offender, you must receive permission from the court prior to leaving the state.
When requesting permission to travel out of state, be sure to bring in all pertinent information which must include the following:
Purpose of the trip
Dates of travel
Specific destination
Where you will be staying (and with whom)
Who will be going with you

Juvenile Probation

Where do I find out how many hours of Public Service Work I have left?

Call the Juvenile Probation Department at (815) 516-2700 and ask to speak with the Public Service Work Coordinator.

Where do I pay my fines and restitution?

For Court Costs by mail, send money order to:

Winnebago County Courthouse
Attn: Circuit Clerk
400 West State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101

Note: (Be sure to include name and case number (00 JD 00)

For Court Costs in person, bring cash or money order to:

Juvenile Justice Center
Attn: Circuit Clerk
211 S. Court St
Rockford, IL 61101

Note: (Be sure to bring name and case number (00 JD 00)

For Restitution by mail, send money order to:

Winnebago County Courthouse
Attn: Circuit Clerk
400 W. State St
Rockford, IL 61101

Note: Be sure to bring include name and case number (00 JD 000)

For Restitution in person, bring cash or money order to:

Juvenile Justice Center
Attn: Circuit Clerk
211 S. Court St.
Rockford, IL 61101

Note: Be sure to bring name and case number (00 JD 000)

My child is a runaway or truant, can they go to Juvenile Court for this?

Runway and Truancy are considered status offenses. Juveniles cannot be referred to Juvenile Court exclusively for runaway. For children that are runaways, parents should contact the local police department and have the minor listed as a runaway or missing person so when police come into contact with the minor, they can pick him/her up and bring them home.
If a minor is truant from school, parents should contact the local school district for assistance or the Regional Office of Education.

How can juvenile records be expunged or erased?

Visit the Juvenile Expungement packet, which explains the process and steps to remove the arrest, incident or case from your juvenile record.

What if I miss my court date?

Contact your attorney or public defender.

Juvenile Detention

How do I contact my child?

Parents and siblings are allowed to correspond with minors via US Mail. Incoming phone calls to the minors in the facility are not allowed.

How long will my child be held in Detention?

A number of factors affect the length of time a minor will stay in the detention center. These factors include the severity of the crime with which the minor is charged; the speed at which necessary information is made available to the court; and the availability of suitable living arrangements for the minor when they are released.

How does my child attend school?

Three District 205 special education teachers and a para-professional instruct students throughout the year, including the summer months.

What if my child needs a haircut?

Arrangements can be made for a personal barber or beautician to come to the facility for haircuts. Any cost associated with this service is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

My child takes medication or has medical needs. How is that addressed?

The detention center has nursing staff on site between 8 – 10 a.m. as well as 8 – 10 p.m. daily. The nursing staff coordinates the distribution of all medication and how medical needs can best be addressed in the facility. Parents or Legal Guardians are financially responsible for providing all prescription medications as well as for any emergency or ongoing medical services which are deemed necessary by our medical provider.

Can I bring food/snacks to my child in Detention?

All food and snack items are provided by the facility. Parents may donate snack food items to the facility with the understanding that it will be used as part of the points program (token economy) and that their child will have to use points to purchase the item(s) if they are available when it is their turn to spend points.

Can I set up a tour of the detention center for my child?

Due to both security and confidentiality issues, tours of the secure portions of the facility by individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed unless they are in a recognized College Degree program and a tour has been set up by their College. The Detention Superintendent will meet with young people and their parents to discuss what the facility is like and the programming which occurs in detention. Individuals interested in a meeting such as this should call the facility at (815) 516-2980 for more information.

How do I get my child admitted into the Detention Center?

Admission to the center is based on a variety of factors which have been translated into a screening instrument. Minors presented by the police for admission are evaluated based on a number of factors and only those meeting the established criteria are lodged in the facility.

Can I have a copy of the police report?

The arresting agency has procedures as to when police reports are accessible to the public. Individuals requesting a copy of the police report need to contact the individual police department to determine their policy on the release of juvenile police reports. For an arrest by Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, call (815) 319-6100. For an arrest by the Rockford Police Department, call (815) 987-5902.

I am interested in an internship. How do I get more information?

College students who are at least 21 years old and who must complete an internship as part of their college course work should call the Superintendent of the Detention Center at (815) 516-2980 to discuss their particular situation and obtain the application information. Interns serve in an unpaid capacity but may be offered paying positions at the completion of their internship depending on available job openings and their job performance during that time.

Pretrial Services

What is a Pretrial Report?

A Pretrial Report is written on those defendants arrested and still in custody the morning of arraignment court. The report includes background information such as residence, employment, education, prior criminal history, prior mental health history and driving record if arrested for a DUI or felony traffic offense. The report is read by the Judge at arraignment court to help the Court determine conditions of release.

What is Pretrial Supervision?

Pretrial supervision is a condition of release for those defendants who are ordered by the court to report to Pretrial Services and follow specific court ordered conditions. Supervision can include reporting (in- person, by telephone or virtual) random drops, drug and alcohol evaluations, curfew checks, no contact conditions or any other condition set by the Judge prior to a defendant's release from custody.

How long will I be on Pretrial Supervision?

A defendant is on Pretrial supervision until his or her case is resolved in court or until the condition is modified by the Court.

What happens if I violate conditions of release?

The State's Attorney's Office, defense attorney, and the Judge will be notified of violations of conditions of release. Conditions of release may be modified by the Court.

What does having a curfew mean?

Curfew generally refers to restricting a defendant to their home during specific times. Curfew calls are completed to the defendant’s land-line phone to verify compliance with this condition.

Can conditions of release be modified?

Yes. The Judge is the only person who can modify, change or alter conditions of release. Usually, the defendant's attorney is the one who submits a request to the Judge asking for a change in conditions.

What if I cannot afford an attorney?

The Public Defender is court appointed by a judge when an individual cannot afford an attorney (55 ILCS 5/3-4006). The Public Defender represents individuals charged with criminal offenses in the areas of felony, misdemeanor, and traffic. Additionally the Public Defender is appointed to cases in juvenile delinquency and cases involving the abuse and neglect of minors. To inquire, contact the Public Defender’s Office at (815) 319-4900.

ADULT PROBATION

ASSESSMENT UNIT

The Assessment Unit consists of four officers. These officers complete a thorough interview called the Adult Risk Assessment (ARA) on clients within sixty days after sentencing date. All officers receive extensive ARA training. The ARA interview takes approximately 1.5 hours and asks questions related to Criminal History, Family, Education and Employment, Peer Associations, Neighborhood, and Criminal Attitudes and Behaviors. The purpose of the assessment is to determine risk level regarding recidivism, identify barriers to success and identify criminogenic needs.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT

This unit consists of seven officers. These officers cover cases primarily sentenced in the County’s Domestic Violence Court and provide specialized supervision focusing on victim safety and increased offender accountability. These officers participate in the Domestic Violence Coordinated Council, participate in committees and attend meetings focused on ending domestic violence in our community.

DRUG COURT UNIT

This unit consists of three officers. Drug court officers provide intensive supervision to defendants who meet eligibility criteria for substance use disorder. Officers work within the Drug Court team, setting that necessitates ongoing communication of progress, obstacles, goals and coordination of services through weekly staff meetings, routine court status and informal email exchanges. Team members include a dedicated problem-solving court judge, attorneys, an assessor, recovery coaches and treatment providers. The specialized focus of drug court is to assist probationers with achieving abstinence from substance abuse, establishing a recovery program and building support for recovery.

GENERAL UNIT

The General Unit consists of ten Probation Officers responsible for supervising approximately 1300 Active cases. Each officer is assigned to supervise a caseload specific to a probationer’s classified risk level, i.e. Low Risk/Low-Moderate Risk, Moderate Risk, and High Risk/Very High Risk, including an Intense Level of supervision for the most violent offenders supervised through the Focused Deterrence Initiative Project. Officer are responsible for making sure each case receives individualized supervision and case planning based on risk/needs assessment and court-ordered conditions. Officers are responsible for making referrals and connecting offenders to appropriate services. Officers are also responsible for assisting offenders through crisis intervention to assure offenders obtain the proper level of care. Probation officers assist the courts with Status Reports that provide an overview of offenders’ progress and challenges, as well as recommendations for case resolution.

INTER/INTRA-STATE UNIT

This unit consists of three officers. Officers in this unit either provide services necessary to coordinate transfer of probation supervision to or from another county or state or provide direct supervision to probationers who have transferred the supervision of their probation from another county or state to Winnebago County, Illinois. The coordinator insures that applications for transfer and relevant documents are sent or received, verifies residence for incoming out-of-state transfers and works with transfer applicants to coordinate initial reporting requirements. The direct supervision transfer officers monitor compliance with court orders from sending counties or states and maintains regular communication with the officers from the sentencing location regarding compliance and violations.

PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATION UNIT

This unit consists of two officers. These officers complete an Adult Risk Assessment (ARA) interview and a thorough investigation process on the history of a defendant to create a detailed report for the Court. The purpose of this report is to assist the Court in determining if there are extenuating circumstances that could improve the sentence or a history of criminal behavior that could increase the harshness of the sentence. Adult Probation files the report with the clerk’s office; and the sentencing judge and attorneys receives report at least three to seven days prior to sentencing date.

SEX OFFENDER UNIT

This unit consists of two officers. Any probationers who have a current sex offense or any history of sex offenses is assigned to the sex offender unit. These officers are familiar with sex offender registration requirements, sex offender supplemental order conditions and associated residence restrictions. Their cooperative effort with sex offender therapists may include their observation of sex offender therapy groups and assisting with developing individualized questions of polygraph testing. Officers also coordinate court-ordered medical testing.

SPECIALIZED SUPERVISION UNIT

This unit consists of one officer. The Specialized Supervision Unit oversees clients who are on court supervision or conditional discharge. These are non-reporting forms of supervision. The client does not attend regular scheduled office visits, but may be required to attend an orientation group. The officer of this unit facilitates the orientation group for reviewing court-ordered conditions, providing information regarding available community services and identifying what information is needed for probation to verify compliance with court-ordered conditions. This officer also monitors compliance with special court-ordered conditions (e.g. No contact, substance abuse evaluation/treatment, mental health evaluation/treatment, PAIP, parenting classes, DNA testing, Theft Awareness Program, anger management counseling).

THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION PROGRAM “TIP UNIT”

This unit consists of two officers. TIP Court officers provide intensive supervision to probationers who meet eligibility criteria for mental health illness. The specialized focus of TIP Court is to assist probationers with accessing services and support that will help them to stabilize and manage their symptoms. Officers work within a team setting that necessitates ongoing communication of progress, obstacles, symptoms, goals and coordination of therapeutic services through weekly staff meetings, routine court status and informal email exchanges. Team members include a dedicated Problem-Solving Court judge, attorneys, an assessor, support staff, a nurse and therapists. These officers also provide intensive supervision to probationers in Veterans Court. Besides being a veteran, these probationers have other issues (e.g. PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, other mental health) that warrant assistance. Team members include a dedicated Veterans Court judge and attorneys, a VA therapist and a Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator.

JUVENILE PROBATION

INTAKE UNIT

This unit is involved with minors at the pre-court/pre-adjudicatory level. There are three officers that oversee the Assessment Center, which conducts the booking and processing of arrested youth including completing detention screenings and other assessments to help connect families in crisis to community supports. Our officers conduct diversionary assessments for youth and their families in effort to divert them from Juvenile Justice attention with special emphasis on Restorative Justice Practices, such as public service work and restitution to victims. Additionally, this unit houses a dedicated officer to serve as a Court Pending/Social History Writer who works with youth as they navigate the juvenile delinquency court process prior to adjudication. When court ordered, this officer conducts as a thorough investigation on the history of a minor to create a detailed report for the Court. The purpose of this report is to assist the Court in determining if there are extenuating circumstances that could improve the sentence outcomes for the youth.

FIELD UNIT

The Field Unit consists of nine Probation Officers responsible for supervising approximately 300 Active cases. Each officer supervises a caseload specific to a probationer’s classified risk level, i.e. Low Risk, Moderate Risk, and High Risk. Officers are responsible for making sure each client receives individualized supervision and case planning based on risk/needs assessment and court-ordered conditions. Officers are responsible for making referrals and connecting offenders to appropriate services. Officers are also responsible for assisting offenders through crisis intervention to assure offenders obtain the proper level of care. Probation officers assist the courts with Status Reports that provide an overview of offenders’ progress and challenges, as well as recommendations for case resolution.

INTER/INTRA-STATE & PUBLIC SERVICE WORK UNIT

This unit consists of a dedicated officer focused on the coordination all youth ordered to complete Public Service Work and manages the complex responsibilities of transferring supervision cases both into and out of Winnebago County jurisdiction. The officer insures that applications for transfer and relevant documents are sent or received, verifies residence for incoming out-of-state transfers and works with transfer applicants to coordinate initial reporting requirements. This supervision also monitors compliance with court orders from sending counties or states and maintains regular communication with the officers from the sentencing location regarding compliance and violations. Additionally, this officer organizes, manages and facilitates the completion of public service work ordered as a condition of supervision or as a diversion from the juvenile justice system. Such work ranges from youth serving in local food pantries, community clean up events, and farming community gardens.

YOUTH RECOVERY COURT

A problem-solving court designed for youth who have a serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders that receive comprehensive and therapeutic judicial intervention. We have a dedicated officer as part of the YRC Court Team, which also includes a dedicated Juvenile Judge, Assistant State’s Attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Therapist and Case Manager. The team staff cases weekly prior to formal court and assist youth and families with wrap around services. The population they supervise is “moderate to high risk” youth, 10-17 years of age, charged with non-violent offenses who suffer from severe emotional illness with an interest in co-occurring disorders

JUVENILE REDEPLOY ILLINOIS

A special unit with two designated Officers, focused on working with Moderate to High risk youth on Probation with a felony adjudication. These Officers work closely with the minor’s Youth Services Network (YSN) caseworker providing the youth and family with wrap-around services. This program aims to assist the youth and family with issues inside the home, teach pro-social thinking skills, provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and school advocacy.

SPECIAL SERVICES UNIT

We provide a certified facilitator to host a variety of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modalities to youth on juvenile probation and for those incarcerated in our Juvenile Detention Center. This officer facilitates groups focused on the unique needs of the juvenile population, ranging from correcting thinking errors to learning positive pro-social ways to manage life in the community.

Winnebago County Courtroom Technology

Boone County Courtroom Technology