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Child Network reports record 261 forensic interviews in 2025; ECDA updates on housing projects and CAB activity
Summary
Child Network director Brianne Heitman told the committee Child Network provided 261 forensic interviews in calendar 2025 and emphasized volunteer CASA needs; ECDA reported about 24 active projects, demolition delays on 5th Avenue, contractor pricing negotiations and upcoming public service and lead grant work.
Brianne Heitman, executive director of Child Network of Kankakee County, told the County City Council Community Development Committee on Feb. 2 that the agency provided a record 261 forensic interviews to children in calendar year 2025 and is seeking more volunteers for its CASA program.
"We saw 261 children, which was a record number," Heitman said, describing the Children's Advocacy Center’s role in coordinating forensic interviews with law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to limit trauma for victims. She said Child Network is accredited at state and national levels and serves both Kankakee and Iroquois counties.
Heitman outlined CASA (court-appointed special advocate) responsibilities: community volunteers 21 and older undergo training and background checks, are sworn in by a judge, and work alongside guardians ad litem to report on a child’s best interests during juvenile-court proceedings in the 21st Judicial District. She also noted the agency receives state and federal funding and said ongoing federal funding uncertainty complicates planning.
ECDA staff (Barbie Mayani) reported roughly 24 projects underway across the city’s programs, including seven projects in the Lehi area, seven Healthy Homes projects and five housing rehab projects funded by the Community Development Block Grant. "We have a total of, I think, 24 projects going on," Mayani said, and staff cautioned some work has been slowed by winter weather.
On the 5th Avenue demolition, ECDA said crews uncovered deeper basements than expected (10 feet rather than the 8 feet anticipated), requiring a change order for added materials and rock removal; staff said work waits on warmer weather. ECDA also described contractor recruitment and a standardized 2026 pricing list being negotiated to provide consistent unit prices for common repairs, and said the city submitted required materials for a new lead grant review with federal staff and expects negotiations to begin in March.
During discussion committee members asked about CAB (Community Advisory Board) involvement in HUD reporting and how CAB members will be introduced to council and engaged in outreach; ECDA said CAB is integral to the citizen participation plan and will be part of upcoming public hearings and outreach events.
Provenance: Child Network presentation and Q&A in SEG 081–SEG 413; ECDA departmental report and discussion in SEG 415–SEG 697.
