From McHenry County:
Circuit Clerk Announces Launch of HOPE Card Program
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – McHenry County residents with plenary orders of protection will be able starting March 31 to obtain HOPE cards, making it easier to report violation.
A HOPE card is a laminated card that includes essential information about a plenary order of protection which can be presented to law enforcement when reporting a violation of an order of protection or other related crimes without having to present the actual court documents.
“We are excited to be a part of the next phase of pilot Circuit Clerk’ Offices that will be issuing HOPE cards,” Circuit Clerk Kathy Keefe said.
“While the concept seems very simple, the purpose behind the HOPE Card is to make it easier for victims and survivors of domestic violence to move on with their lives by eliminating the necessity of carrying around a bulky stack of court paperwork, replacing it instead with a small card that can easily be carried in a wallet.”
A HOPE card lists the case number, the names of the petitioner and other people protected under the order of protection, as well as the name of the respondent and whether he or she has specific firearm restrictions under the order.
Law enforcement upon being presented with a HOPE card must verify the information through the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.
Individuals with currently valid plenary orders of protection who wish to obtain a HOPE card may do so starting Monday, March 31, in Room 353 of the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.
There is no cost for doing so.
A 2021 law empowered the Illinois Supreme Court to implement the program, which is being gradually rolled out.
Five Illinois counties – DeKalb, DuPage, Jefferson, Grundy and Madison – began issuing the cards last year, and McHenry County joins Kane, Winnebago, Marion and Coles counties in this latest expansion.
Illinois is one of nine states that have created HOPE card programs, and more state legislatures are considering doing so.
