1
An Unknown Person Has Been Messaging My Child
2
Do NOT engage with the person.
3
Talk to your child about his/her mental health and seek help if needed. Your child needs your help in this situation, leave discipline for later.
4
Save all messages, images, and videos. Do not delete any content. Saving can be done by using the screenshot function on the device or by simply not deleting the content.
5
Contact the Elgin Police Department.
6
Be prepared to provide the physical device (ie. cell phone/tablet/etc.) that the child used for a digital forensic examination.
7
Depending on the circumstances and your child's age, we may ask for a specialist to complete a forensic interview with your child. We can explain that process if necessary.
My Child Has Been Sexting
1
Take custody of your child's device.
2
Talk to your child about his/her mental health and seek help if needed. Your child needs your help in this situation, leave discipline for later.
3
Save all messages, images, and videos. Do not delete any content. Saving can be done by using the screenshot function on the device or by simply not deleting content.
4
Contact the Elgin Police Department.
5
Be prepared to provide the physical device (ie. cell phone/tablet/etc.) that the child used for a digital forensic examination.
6
If you are interested in social services, please ask about that option when police arrive.
My Child Disclosed Hands-On Abuse (Sexual or Physical)
1
Immediately make sure you and your child are in a safe and secure location away from the child's abuser.
2
Reassure your child that he/she is safe.
3
Do not ask your child leading questions about the disclosure. Merely listen to what he/she tells you and allow the child to speak.
4
Contact the Elgin Police Department.
5
If the abuser is a caregiver, we will contact DCFS and arrange for a safety plan for you and the child. This is common-practice and not something to fear. DCFS can provide resources to you.
6
We will likely request a forensic interview with a specialist at a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). A licensed specialist will interview your child following best practices.
7
Elgin Police/DCFS/CAC can provide a number of resources for both you and the child including information on Orders of Protection and other options.
I Need an Order of Protection
1
For Kane County, go to the Kane County Judicial Center and respond to Room 149 at 9:00 AM daily.
2
Tell the Judge's secretary that you need an Order of Protection. It can be helpful to bring a copy of your police report and/or report number as well as any relevant documents with you to court.
3
A clerk or other employee will assist you with the petition and getting your case in front of a judge.
4
For Cook County, go to Rolling Meadows District 3 Courthouse and respond to the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office.
5
Advise that you need an Order of Protection. Personnel can direct you to the appropriate resources within the building or you can fill it out by yourself.
6
It can be helpful to bring a copy of your police report and/or report number as well as any relevant documents with you to court. Staff will assist you with getting your case in front of a judge.
7
You can complete your own petition online and bring it with you to court if you wish. Click the links below for assistance and further information on how to obtain an Order of Protection.
Kane County Clerk
The Kane County Circuit Clerk is located within the Kane County Judicial Center at 37W777 IL-38, St. Charles, IL 60175
Cook County Clerk
Elgin areas of Cook County are within District 3 for Cook County. The courthouse is located at 2121 Euclid Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
Illinois Legal Aid Online OOP
You can complete an order of protection petition online. Print that form and bring it with you to expedite the process at your local courthouse.