Leaders named to new Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Council

From news reports
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The newly formed Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Council will be led by Associate Judge Donna Honzel and Taryn Marko, deputy director of court services juvenile division.

Chief Judge John Lowry made that announcement Friday in a news release.

Honzel, who will serve as the council’s chairperson, presides over juvenile delinquency cases in Winnebago County. Marko will serve as vice chairperson.

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Both leaders were selected for two-year terms during a council meeting on Thursday.

“I’m humbled by the trust placed in me by the voting members of the Juvenile Justice Council,” Honzel said in a news release. “I believe suppressing the current juvenile crime situation requires a collaborative effort from every facet of the community. The council’s overarching goal is to spearhead that collaboration to benefit not only the juveniles of this area but also the community as a whole. I’m excited by the possibilities.”

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The Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Council was established on Dec. 14 as part of provisions in the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. Its mission collaborate with other community groups to prevent and reduce juvenile crime, as well as help rehabilitate and reintegrate juveniles who have been through the justice system.

“It is an honor to be a part of the Juvenile Justice Council,” Marko said. “I am looking forward to beginning this process with Judge Honzel and the council members.”