Grants totaling $2.7 million will be awarded to 17 Illinois counties to aid children who have been victims of violent crimes, according to a state criminal justice agency.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority reported that the funds would go to groups that are trained in trauma responses and provide support and emotional care to young victims.
“We know that less than 10 percent of children who are victims of violent crimes, such as rape, robbery or aggravated sexual assault, get the emotional support they need,” the authority’s executive director, John Maki, said in a prepared statement. “These awards will help us engage them more quickly, get them connected with someone who will help them navigate through the court process and pave the way to more positive outcomes.”
The grants are funded through a federal program -- fiscal year 2016 Victim of Crime Act funds -- and will go to court-appointed special advocate (CASA) agencies within the designated counties.
The largest grant, amounting to nearly $500,000, will go to the Kane County CASA. Peoria County will receive a grant of more than $494,000.
The authority works to improve criminal-justice programs in Illinois by administering grants, performing policy research and analysis, and advancing technology.
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Funding to aid child abuse victims
| Entity | Award |
| Kane County CASA | $499,270 |
| Peoria County CASA | $494,434 |
| St. Clair County CASA | $212,097 |
| McLean County CASA | $181,978 |
| Vermilion County CASA | $169,781 |
| Lake County CASA | $149,918 |
| Cook County CASA | $135,000 |
| Macon County CASA | $130,624 |
| Champaign County CASA | $129,247 |
| Adams County CASA | $117,317 |
| DeKalb County CASA | $98,951 |
| Coles County CASA | $88,783 |
| Child Abuse Council Quad Cities | $76,745 |
| McHenry County CASA | $67,663 |
| Williamson County CASA | $54,187 |
| Effingham County CASA | $50,000 |
| Franklin County CACA | $41,396 |
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