The 2nd-largest prosecutor's office in the U.S., working on behalf of Cook County residents to prosecute violations of the law of the State of Illinois.
Hatty is the 1st facility dog ever in our office. She was raised & trained by
@DuoDogsInc
& spent a portion of her training in a men’s prison earlier this year. She will be in court with child victims of sexual assault, handling about 150-200 cases a year.
@DuoDogsInc
A trauma-informed approach begins with understanding the physical, social, and emotional impact of trauma on the individual. We are proud to have a resource like Hatty to provide a source of comfort for victims as they navigate this difficult process.
#ICYMI
: "The newest hire at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is a 2-year-old black Labrador trained by men's prison inmates in southwestern Illinois. The goal is to help sexual assault victims cope with the worst moments of their lives."
We have released more than 3000 pages of responsive documents under the Freedom of Information Act related to Jussie Smollett. This matter is currently under review and we look forward to the findings of the Cook County Independent Inspector General’s Office.
We are proud of the work our facility dog, Hatty, does to help comfort victims who live with mental health conditions. This is part of our trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to better serve our communities.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Today is
#NationalMissingChildrensDay
& our partners at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children work every day to bring missing children home. You can help support
@MissingKids
right now by sharing the poster of a missing child in your area.
“Tomorrow marks the end of prohibition in the state of Illinois. And we did that. But it’s just the beginning of what legalization will look like.” -
@ToiHutchinson
Today we honor the life and service of Officer Ella Grace French. We will never forget her courage and service for the City of Chicago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
We recently joined the
@UChiUrbanLabs
,
@Chicago_Police
, and
@mbmhmc
in North Lawndale for youth-led tours of their community. This program allowed Assistant State's Attorneys and CPD to learn more about neighborhood experiences through the eyes of youth who live there.
For the past year, Hatty has assisted children and mentally disabled victims of sexual assault and violence. Today, instead of a facility dog vest, Hatty wears purple for survivors.
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
Today, the Chicago Police Department suffered the tragic loss of one of its own police officers in the line of duty in Gage Park. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office stands with the Chicago Police Department and the families of those officers in their time of mourning.
Meet Hatty, the newest member of the
@cookcountysao
! Hatty is a facility dog who will be joining the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Unit and comforting child sexual assault victims as they navigate the criminal justice system.
"If you are a danger to the public, there should be no dollar amount that allows you to walk out and cause harm to our community," State's Attorney Kim Foxx on
@ChicagoTonight
Today, our Community Justice Center and
@Chicago_Police
spoke with a group of survivors as part of
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
about healthy relationships & what help is available for victims. This was followed by a painting class taught by art studio Local Color.
As prosecutors, it is vital that we acknowledge and confront racial disparities in the justice system that too often impact communities of color. Which is why we strive for our office to truly reflect the people we serve in Cook County.
Our courtroom facility dog Hatty had a great first check-up this week! We are grateful to the staff at
@Banfield
for taking such good care of Hatty and for their grant to cover her veterinary care while she’s helping crime victims at the SAO.
Announced today,
@CookCountySAO
will no longer object to waiving court-ordered fines & fees when motioned by defense attorneys on behalf of defendants with little- or no income.
Today we are building on the promise of transparency by releasing NEW felony criminal data sets, along with tools to read and better understand the data. This effort represents an important step forward for the use of open data in prosecution.
This week our Community Justice Center Central hosted a women's self-defense workshop. The course aimed to empower women with information on the critical aspects of situational awareness, de-escalation, and risk reduction strategies.
READ: "When bail reform takes effect on Jan. 1, Foxx said, if you’re charged with murder or a violent offense - there is no amount of money you can post to get out."
Today, Assistant State’s Attorneys and community liaisons from our CJC West gave an internet safety presentation to students at Sayre Elementary School about how to avoid danger while on the internet and potential threats on social media.
The
@CookCountySAO
LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group recently volunteered with the
@NightMinistry
, an organization that works to provide housing and healthcare to those struggling with poverty and/or homelessness.
Last week, our team at the Skokie Courthouse had meals delivered to the
@advocatehealth
Lutheran General Hospital's emergency department as appreciation for putting themselves on the front lines each and every day.
We’ll get through this together.
#AllinIllinois
As the pandemic continues and winter settles in, be like our facility dog Hatty: Stay warm, stay inside when possible and stay safe!
And don't forget that we have
#COVID19
-specific resources available on our website.
Happy
#NationalDogDay
to Hatty, the CCSAO’s first support dog! Hatty is a therapeutic resource to young children & victims of sex crimes. Her primary role is to provide support to these individuals when testifying in court or during interviews w/ prosecutors & other officials.
Applications are now open for the next
@HJ4_org
data workshop! Don't miss out on this free training to learn more about our unprecedented level of transparency and how to navigate the data. You can register here:
#Hacking4Justice
Our Human Trafficking Unit works to prevent, protect, and prosecute on behalf of some of the most vulnerable - and often overlooked - victims in our communities.
#NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessDay
As part of
#WomensHistoryMonth
, our Community Justice Center partnered with
@ChicagoCAPS12
for a women’s personal hygiene drive for survivors of domestic violence. They collected more than 500 products from the community that will benefit 90 women at
@DebsPlaceChi
.
"Rebuilding the community trust in our justice system requires that when we find an injustice, we work diligently to correct it. Today marks another step in that process at the Cook County State's Attorney Office." -
@SAKimFoxx
🧵1/2
Throughout
#DVAM
CCSAO staff have been joining advocates and criminal justice partners to increase awareness in the fight to end domestic violence. For resources and information on domestic violence visit:
Cuts to the
#USPS
have life-threatening consequences. In July 2020, 23% of Cook County Health’s mail-order prescriptions faced delays compared to <1% delays in March. We proudly joined 30+ local govts on briefs supporting
@NatUrbanLeague
’s suit challenging changes to the USPS.
Today, we are proud to file two amicus briefs in partnership with
@SCCGov
to support challenges to recent
#USPS
policy changes that threaten core local government functions, including election administration. 1/
We are committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to prosecution. Part of that approach is lifting up the voices of survivors of domestic violence, like Silk. Remember, you are not alone.
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
Follow along throughout February as we highlight the words and stories of our incredible staff for
#BlackHistoryMonth
.
We must look at our history, and those whose shoulders we stand on, in order to create a better future.
#BHM
Today the SAO wears jeans with purpose: to protest the myths surrounding sexual violence in all its forms and to signal support for survivors. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference:
#DenimDay2018
Six defendants were sentenced to life in prison today after being convicted of racketeering and drug conspiracy in December. Read more, including
@SAKimFoxx
's statement:
Through partnership with the
@FBI
, we successfully extradited a fugitive from Guatemala for crimes involving the sexual assault of 2 young girls. Today, he was remanded to the Illinois Department of Corrections to serve his mandatory natural life sentence.
Members of our Policy Team were at
@chicagosmayor
's
#ChiSTEPSummit
today! While we’ve made progress to decriminalize poverty in Cook County, we still have a long way to go. We’re excited to continue making Chicago a more equitable and just place to live.
It’s
#NationalCrimeVictimsRightsWeek
, & we’re proud of the work our facility dog Hatty & her handlers have done to comfort children who are victims of sexual assault as they navigate the criminal justice system.
Read more about the work of facility dogs:
In collaboration with
@ATF_Chicago
and the
@Chicago_Police
, the State's Attorney's Office has announced an indictment for the murder of a Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation employee who was killed in a 2018 shooting.
Wednesday is your last chance to apply for this month’s
@H4J_org
workshop! Every year, the SAO prosecutes tens of thousands of criminal cases and releases detailed data about our work. Don't miss out on the chance to learn how to analyze that data:
Today, Assistant State’s Attorney Renno conducted an interactive video presentation for more than 120 local youth highlighting the partnership between ER doctors, the SAO, and law enforcement officers to explain the ramifications of gun violence on youth.
As
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
comes to a close, two leaders from our team wrote about our work to support those living with, and impacted by, mental health issues in Cook County.
This week a group of our Assistant State's Attorneys helped provide school supplies to more than 200 kids in foster families and intact families at Hephzibah Children's Association as part of
@wechicago1
's community service day.
#BREAKING
: A jury just convicted six leaders and managers of the Black Souls street gang of RICO and drug conspiracies involving multiple murders. Learn more:
This
#VeteransDay
, we honor Veterans who not only served our country but continue their public service at the CCSAO. In particular, Colonel William “Bill” Kelly, who recently passed away after serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney for 27 years.
Join us this Wednesday at 2:00pm for an educational conversation on alternatives to prosecution and how the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office works to apply restorative justice in a fair and equitable way.
RSVP here:
State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx and Cook County Board President
@ToniPreckwinkle
filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cook County today, joining 23 cities, states, and municipalities in the fight against a Final Rule issued by the Trump Administration’s HHS.
Investing in community includes coming together to clean up and rebuild. Our office was happy to lend a hand at the Monticello Block Club's clean up this morning.
The Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Division is spreading joy and holiday cheer with an ugly sweater contest and games.
Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you!
This weekend our Community Justice Centers joined
@40thforward
Ald. Vasquez and
@ChicagoCAPS11
in their communities to create neighborhood displays of orange ribbons in honor of the
#WearOrange
campaign.
As we continue to live through these unprecedented times, we want to make resources for Cook County residents as accessible as possible. See below for a list of helpful links and hotlines to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy:
We're grateful for all the advocacy groups' commitment to supporting & bringing justice to survivors in Cook County.
If you feel unsafe in your home, please call 911 or contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 or text 877-863-6339.
“We must come together to support survivors during
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
& every month. Domestic violence increases in times of hardship, like
#COVID19
. Our Victim Witness Unit is available for anyone who needs help at 773-674-7200. You are not alone.” -
@SAKimFoxx
Throughout
#BlackHistoryMonth
we will be highlighting our office's diversity and lifting up voices from throughout the SAO who will share what this month means to them. Meet some of our team below! 👇🏾
Next week our Community Justice Centers and
@ChicagoCAPS12
are hosting a FREE workshop on public safety and awareness. Join us at the Jane Addams Family Center at 4:00pm on Thursday, Sept 26 for street safety and crime prevention tips!
Come by our Community Justice Center North (5333 N Western Ave) tomorrow between 11am and 2pm to pick up free disposable masks with Ald. Andre Vasquez.
Learn more here:
We're celebrating
#BlackHistoryMonth
by profiling some of our incredible staff at the CCSAO. Watch this space for more excellence all month!
Robin knows the next generation of Black attorneys is looking at her and the importance her role plays in their future.
"Every day I think of the 17 children who started me on my journey of advocating for survivors."
This
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
, our Policy Advisor Deirdre wrote about the experiences that led her to this difficult, personal work.
Today I am honored to welcome 29 new Assistant State’s Attorneys to the growing class of 2021, a group totaling 94 attorneys. I’m excited and inspired by this new class of attorneys as they are the future of this work.
Today our Community Justice Center North and
@ChicagoCAPS19
conducted a program for seniors on “street safety.” This included helpful tips on the safest way to carry your purse or wallet, how to safely navigate public transit, and more!
In collaboration with the
@NDILnews
,
@FBIChicago
, and
@Chicago_Police
, two of our assistant state's attorneys helped secure the indictments of four teenagers in connection to violent carjackings in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
We want to help you stay alert and take precautions against potential fraud during
#COVID19
. Join us tomorrow for a webinar that will focus on tips and tricks that can help prevent you from being a victim of consumer fraud.
Register here ⬇️
Last week, some of our staff volunteered at the Latin American Police Association's Thanksgiving food drive. They collected money and helped with the distribution of food for those without a place to spend the holiday.
Tomorrow is
#ElectionDay
in Chicago and early voting ends today! If you experience voter intimidation or any potential fraud at the polls, please contact us. You have the right to express your voice at the ballot box.
TONIGHT: Experts from the CCSAO and
@ResilienceChi
will address the topics of sexual assault, risk factors, victim shaming, rape culture, intimate partner violence, and resources for help. Register 👉
Our Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Division fights every day to ensure survivors are treated in a victim-center, trauma-informed way. This
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
and every month they stand, walk and work in solidarity with survivors.
Even when almost no movement was happening on cases for the first year of the pandemic, CCSAO prosecutors kept working on their cases - weighing plea deals and preparing for trials.
We were ready.
Do you want SAO staff to speak at your community event? We are committed to establishing & maintaining a culture of trust & open communication between residents & the SAO to improve public safety. Contact one of our Community Justice Centers for info👉
One of our office’s greatest strengths is its diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences. These experiences drive Assistant State's Attorneys like Erika to not only fight for justice in the courtroom, but to fight for it in her community.
#blackhistorymonth
Today is
#SaferInternetDay
, and we have some great resources for you!
But remember, being safe online is important every day, especially if there are children in the home.
Throughout the month, the Community Justice Centers collected donations for Veterans Treatment Court graduates. Today, staff dropped off bags filled with toiletries, underwear, and office supplies to Judge Hooks’ courtroom.
Today, First Assistant State's Attorney Joe Magats joined county officials, local law enforcement, and residents of Austin, North Lawndale, and Roseland for the Cook County Safety and Justice Challenge's round table discussion on criminal justice reform.
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
is a time of solidarity and support for survivors. This year, we're hosting a virtual 24-minute walk — symbolizing the 24 people per minute who are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking. Follow along as our staff explain
#WhyIWalk
:
Cook County State’s Attorney's Office, City Officials Bring Awareness to Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse During COVID-19 Quarantine
Our data team dug into some numbers from
@SAKimFoxx
's first term, follow along as we dive into the data. But first, a quick reminder of how felony charges are filed:
Today our staff
#wearteal
to show support for survivors of sexual violence around the world.
Our office strives to do our work in a victim-center, and trauma-informed way — because this
#SexualAssualtAwarenessMonth
& every month we stand in solidarity with survivors.
#SAAM2021