Both the Guidebook and project were developed through an advisory committee and pilot sites throughout Illinois who have implemented Schools Respond to Family Violence programs. In 2000, two test sites—one in Clifton at Central High School, one in Ottawa at Shepherd Middle School—offered day-long training to teachers and staff. In 2001, the IFVCC worked with the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority and distributed a Request for Proposals to public schools in Illinois to receive funding through the Safe to Learn program, recruiting three pilot sites all of which implemented a Schools Respond to Family Violence initiative in 2001 and 2002.

Based in Biggsville, North Pekin-Marquette Heights, and Serena, Illinois the pilot sites rolled out their Schools Respond to Family Violence programs over eighteen months. Highlights of the programs included:

• Schools reported a higher level of confidence and ability among teachers and staff on how to serve students impacted by family violence, including issues of mandated reporting, signs of abuse in teen dating relationships, and talking with students who are witnesses of domestic violence.
• High level of cooperation at all sites from local sexual assault agencies, domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, DCFS, and youth-serving agencies resulted in increased trust and communication among these community members.
• Significantly increased activities which educate teachers and staff, as well as students and community members on issues relating to family violence and on how to access resources.
• A belief that there was an increase in referrals to the local domestic violence and sexual assault centers since the program has been implemented.

IFVCC staff and Local Council Coordinators continue to approach new schools each year to engage in the Schools Respond to Family Violence Project.

The following schools have presented the Schools Respond to Family Violence Project to their faculty and staff:

2^nd Judicial Circuit

• Wabash County Schools (K-12)
  
• Wayne County Schools - Train the Trainer

4^th Judicial Circuit

• Altamont School District (K-12)
  
• Nokomis School District (K-12)

5^th Judicial Circuit

• Edgar County Schools Institute
  
• Cumberland County School District (K-12)

8^th Judicial Circuit

• Payson School (K-12)
  
• West Pike School (K-12)
  
• Porta School District
  
• Mendon School District (K-12)
  
• Adams County Counselors and Social Workers
  
• Cantrall School District (K-7)
  
• Greenview School District (K-12)

9^th Judicial Circuit

• Union School (K-12)
• Roseville School (K-12)
• West-Prairie Schools, North and South (K-12)

10^th Judicial Circuit

• Georgetown Middle School
• Rogers Elementary School
• Pekin Community High School
• East Peoria Community High School
• Brimfield Elementary
• Brimfield Middle School
• Illini Bluffs Elementary School
• Peoria District #150 Elementary Schools (15 schools)
• Midland High School

11^th Judicial Circuit

• Metamora High School

13^th Judicial Circuit

• Serena High School
• Serena Grade School
• Harding Grade School
• Sheridan Grade School

14^th Judicial Circuit

• Kewanee School District

16^th Judicial Circuit

• Child Care Teachers-DeKalb, Kane and Kendall Counties

19^th Judicial Circuit

• Lake County School Social Workers

Copyright © 2006 Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Councils Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Councils 528 South 5th Street, Suite 200 Springfield, IL. 62701 217/524-4962