Community Leaders Join Together to Alleviate Taxpayer Burden by Creating Accountability Court

                                         Madison County Community Leaders Join Together to 
                                    Alleviate Taxpayer Burden by Creating Accountability Court


Chief Judge Dave Hylla today announced the inception of Madison County’s first Accountability Court.

The Madison County Accountability Court will assist parents who are willing to pay child support but unable to fulfill their obligation due to certain common barriers to employment and financial stability.

The Madison County Accountability Court will partner with local community colleges, Madison County Employment Services, and the Madison County States’ Attorneys’ Office, to identify common barriers and connect participants to community agencies that can provide support for these individuals and the families they support. Community partners will offer assistance with employment, job placement, and coordination for veterans, resume and interview assistance, transportation and skills development.

The Accountability Court will seek to engage local business leaders in order to pursue employment opportunities and eventual placement of participants.

“The Accountability Court will create a favorable environment for participants to receive support and encouragement to better their lives,” said Chief Judge Dave Hylla. “Barriers to success can come in many forms. Let’s help people get back to work for themselves and their families through support, job training and placement.”

“The Madison County Accountability Court will assist with job placement and skills-training to ensure every participant has the chance to fulfill their obligations and take a positive step forward,” said MCAC Chair, Ann Callis. “All too often we see dedicated parents lapse on their family obligations without assistance or understanding. We need to empower these individuals to develop the confidence and strength needed to set realistic goals for their families and fulfill their potential by getting them back to work.”

“Madison County’s Accountability Court will give participants the tools and knowledge they need to move forward and make positive changes through employment,” said Bob Plummer. “I strongly support this program and would encourage other local businesses to find a way to find a way to be supportive and involved.”

Members of the committee:
• Ann Callis, Attorney, Goldenberg Heller Antognoli, Chair
• Dave Hylla, Chief Judge Madison County
• Robert Plummer, President, R.P. Lumber
• Jennifer Mudge, First Assistant States Attorney, Madison County
• Stephanie King, Chief of Child Support Division, Madison County
• David Stoecklin, Executive Director, Madison County Employment & Training
• Clarissa Gaff, Managing Attorney, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation
• Dr. Linda Chapman, Vice-President Academic Affairs Lewis & Clark Community College
• Terry Lane, Director, Career & Veteran Services. Lewis & Clark Community College
• Janet Fontenot, Dean Business Division, Southwester Illinois Community College
• Bill Gagen, Director, Workforce Development, Southwestern Illinois Community College
• Nathaniel Carrol, Attorney, Goldenberg, Heller Antognoli
• Omar Malik, attorney, Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli

Judge Maureen Schuette and Judge Sarah Smith will preside.

For more information on the program, please contact Ann Callis at: acallis@ghalaw.com.