Peoria County: News

Children's Waiting Room Now Available

October 20, 2008 at 12:25PM (updated on October 20, 2008 at 3:19PM)

The Children's Waiting Room at the Peoria County Courthouse opened October 6, 2008. The waiting room operates as a drop-off center for parents with court business: children ages 2-12 may use the waiting room while parents are in court or conducting other court business. The waiting room is located on the fourth floor of the Hamilton Street wing of the courthouse, is free of charge, and is open during regular courthouse hours (closed over the noon hour). Staff trained in early childhood development from Rogy's Learning Center operate the waiting room. A case number and courtroom number must be provided when dropping off a child.

Rogy's Learning Center and Peoria County Court Administration will be hosting an open house to showcase the Children's Waiting Room on Tuesday, November 11; time TBA. Local social service agencies are invited to the open house; more information will be forthcoming.

The Young Lawyers Division of the Illinois Bar Foundation provided a $5000 grant to furnish and equip the room with activity centers, books, and games. Lots of sunlight and bright décor make the room especially cheery for its young visitors. For more information about the Children's Waiting Room, please call Sandy Tucker, Director of the Children's Waiting Room, at (309) 495-5130.