In the News

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CARE for Victims supports National Crime Victims Rights Week and calls  for reform of qualified immunity doctrines with the creation of the Illinois Accountability Coaltion and the Illinois Accountability Act.  

1.ISU Vidette 4/30/26: CARE for Victims Hosts National Crime Victims' Rights Week

*some corrections are pending on the attached story

CARE for Victims calls on the PSCRB and Bloomington Police to provide greater transparency into complaints and to publicly discuss ways to reform the system.

1.WGLT 4/24/26: Bloomington city manager says expanded police oversight power is not possible for the PSCRB

CARE for Victims, a victims’ rights advocacy organization released an assessment report this week focused on victims’ rights and community resource information in McLean County. The effort aims to foster transparency and accountability within local justice agencies and government. 

The Public Safety and Community Relations Board  (PSCRB) unanimously agreed to create a subcommittee to review  CARE for Victims’ findings and recommendations provided to them related to their agency and discuss options to explore expanding accountability.

1. WGLT 1/29/26: Bloomington's police accountability board to review CARE for Victims report

The Massey Commission released their final report.  In it they included their Call to Action #10: Urge the Illinois General Assembly to Enact Qualified Immunity Reform to Strengthen Civil Rights Accountability based on our recommendation to them in their July commission meeting. "This Call to Action aligns Sangamon County with a national movement for justice. By advocating for reform, the County affirms that accountability protects both the public and ethical officers. Law must serve truth, not shield misconduct. "

1. Massey Commission Final Report  Health As Practice and Protection (page 19 references our presentation on victims' rights and need for qualified immunity reform, page 32 references the call to action on qualified immunity reform.)

Letter to the editor by Institute for Justice Chad Reese and partnership with CARE for Victims on presenting proposed legislation and recommendation to the Massey Commission to support ending qualified immunity.  Massey Commision included support of qualified immunity reform as their #10 Call to Action in their final recommendation report. 

1. Chicago Tribune 11/02/25 End Qualified Immunity  (read half way down on the page after housing)

Provided presentation to  City of Bloomington PSCRB with updated assessment findings and recommendations and discussed next steps to move recommendations and changes forward.  

1. WGLT Story 10/24/25 Bloomington's police advisory board admits change may be needed

Provided public comment at City of Bloomington Council Meeting thanking mayor and city leaders for changes implemented as a result of recommendations provided to them from our justice system assessment. 

1. City of Bloomington - Public Comments 

Provided public comment at Town of Normal Council Meeting asking for assistance from mayor and council to provide updates to findings and recommendations previously shared with city leadership. 

1. Town of Normal - Public Comments 

2. WGLT Story 8/5/25 New B-N group hopes to improve justice system experience for crime victims  

3. Pantagraph Story 8/5/25

Media Release:  Massey Commission Highlights Community Voices and Expert Insights in Productive Session 07/22/25

1. Springfield Herald News 7/22/25

Three part news series to show lack of assistance by law enforcement with enforcing orders of protection violations in McLean County, Illinois. 

1. Protective order violations face a high bar for consequences in McLean County 12/17/24

2. Probation and treatment put a 'lightbulb' moment within reach for domestic abusers — if they want it 12/18/24

3.Domestic abuse victims share how they advocate for themselves in an imperfect system 12/19/24