Peoria – Peoria County is celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) this April. NCGM is an annual recognition month organized by the National Association of Counties and this year’s theme is “Smart Justice.” Peoria County offers opportunities throughout the month for citizens to learn more about county government. Residents of the county are encouraged to participate in one or more of the following free events. For more information on any of the month’s activities, please call the Communications Department at 672-6918.
City and County Collaboration
Thursday, April 4
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Illinois Central College North Campus, Hickory Hall Room 108
When multiple jurisdictions collaborate on service delivery they save taxpayer dollars by sharing the cost, eliminating duplicity, and improving efficiencies. The Metro Peoria Committee is a joint effort by the Peoria City Council and Peoria County Board to enhance collaboration between the two units of government. Participants will learn about current initiatives and discuss opportunities for future collaboration. Interested persons may register by calling 690-6900 or visiting www.icc.edu/acp and selecting “Know Your Community” in the workshop schedule.
Hands Around the Courthouse
Friday, April 19
Noon
Peoria County Courthouse Plaza
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Youth Services Network Panel in conjunction with Peoria County is hosting its annual “Hands Around the Courthouse” event to draw attention to the 1,009 pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County. Guest speakers will talk about the importance of child abuse prevention. Persons attending the event will join hands to show their support of local prevention efforts. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue to show their support.
Economic Development: A Regional Approach
Thursday, April 25
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Illinois Central College North Campus
Economic development is critical to the success of any community. Those interested in our economic future can learn more about the region’s growth and development strategy from Peoria County’s economic development team. Interested persons may register by calling 690-6900 or visiting www.icc.edu/acp and selecting “Know Your Community” in the workshop schedule.
Other departments promoting “Smart Justice” during the month of April include:
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office will be raising public awareness of National Crime Victims’ Rights week, April 21-27.
The 10th Judicial Circuit created a Court Services brochure that includes information about specialty courts and legal resources
The Children’s Waiting Room will begin distributing a coloring page/informational flyer to children visiting the waiting room: on the back of the coloring page is information about the Legal Self Help Center for parents and guardians.