Lake County secures vital funding for children's mental health services

In a recent government meeting, the Lake County Children Advocacy Center secured significant funding to enhance its services for victims of crime, particularly children. The center received a renewal grant of $219,951 from the Victims of Crime Act, which will allow for the hiring of an additional part-time employee to address the growing demand for mental health services. The center has reported a waiting list of approximately 20 children seeking counseling, prompting the need for a partnership with Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) to provide on-site and community-based mental health support.

The funding will also continue to support the salary and benefits of the current mental health provider, ensuring that services remain accessible. Additionally, a part-time advocate will be dedicated to serving the Hispanic community, reflecting an increase in forensic interviews conducted in Spanish. This role may evolve into a full-time position as further funding becomes available.

The meeting also addressed another renewal grant from the Illinois Attorney General's office, amounting to $82,000, aimed at supporting violent crime victim assistance. This grant has been in place for over 30 years and is crucial for maintaining a full-time advocate who specializes in assisting Spanish-speaking victims and children with disabilities.

The state's attorney's office provided an annual update, emphasizing its commitment to protecting all residents of Lake County. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure funding and resources to meet the needs of vulnerable populations in the community, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing mental health and victim assistance services.