Tyler's Justice Center FAQs

How are cases referred to the Tyler’s Justice Center for Children?
All cases are referred to our Center either through law enforcement or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

I know a child who may have been sexually abused. What should I do?
In Illinois, you should immediately call 9-1-1 or 800-25-ABUSE. If the incident occurred in a different state, please call Child Protective Services in that state. We are all responsible for reporting abuse to the authorities.

What are the consequences of sexual abuse for children?
The impact of sexual abuse on children can be severe. Emotionally, children may experience withdrawal, post-traumatic stress disorder, and poor school performance in addition to feelings of shame, distrust and guilt. Adults who were sexually abused as children can be at greater risk for suicide, criminality, educational problems and substance abuse. Physically, children are at risk of severe cuts or tears or sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV. In addition, older girls are at risk of unwanted pregnancy.

How can one tell if a child has been sexually abused?
Tyler’s Justice Center for Children performs a “forensic interview” for each child. A trained social worker asks the child open-ended, non-leading questions while other investigators watch from a closed-circuit television. If needed, a trained physician can give a child a medical exam using a colposcope, a magnifying device that can detect tears or scars that are not otherwise visible.

There is no one behavioral change that is a positive indicator of sexual abuse; they are very difficult to detect. Some children exhibit marked changes in behavior because of sexual abuse. They can become suddenly morose, withdrawn or non-communicative. On the other hand, other children may not display any changes in behavior and the abuse may be detected only because they disclose the abuse to a caring adult.

Where is Tyler’s Justice Center for Children located?
Our Center is located at 408 E. North Avenue, Stockton, IL 61085. Our office hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 - 4:30. We are accessible through our emergency number during non-office hours.

Is the Center a non-profit corporation?
Tyler’s Justice Center for Children is a non-profit tax-exempt 501 ©(3), incorporated in Illinois.

How is Tyler’s Justice Center for Children governed?
Our Center has a Board of Directors that is comprised of individuals from each of the three counties the center serves, Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson.

How many employees does Tyler's Justice Center for Children have?
We have 5 full-time staff, Executive Director, Case Coordinator, Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer and Development Coordinator.

How is Tyler’s Justice Center for Children funded?
Our budget is funded solely by grants and private donations. If you would like to help, please visit our Support Us page.