Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children provides residential services to women and their young children who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence. These women and children have been abused and traumatized, often by the very people who should be taking care of them and protecting them. As victims of violent crime, the tragedy is often compounded by a lack of understanding of the very criminal nature of the assault. The control and emotional abuse often suffered by these most vulnerable residents has detrimental effects which can last for years.

As a partner with the Will County State's Attorney's Office in the Victims Impact Program, we have a legal advocate who assists victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and accompanies her to court. The Advocate is officed at the State's Attorney's office and works with his staff to ensure the abusers are prosecuted and convicted.

We have domestic violence prevention classes in-house on a weekly basis. Women and children are educated on issues relating to domestic violence, such as power and control, bullying, verbal abuse, etc. Children at Lamb's Fold participate in a Violence Prevention Program funded through the City of Joliet to help break the cycle of abuse and violence. Individual domestic violence Counseling is also available, as well as focused Case Management services with particular attention to Safety Plans. Lamb's Fold staff is careful to ensure the building security protocols are not violated and residents are protected at all times. Because our staff is diligent, our building is so secure, and in close proximity to city and county police, as well as the county courthouse, no Lamb's Fold resident has ever been harmed by her abuser while in our facility.

1. My boyfriend/husband is trying to hurt me. Will I be safe there?

We do our utmost to provide a safe environment for all our residents. We will protect you and your children the very best we can: our building is especially safe, with a camera/automatic door lock security system, 24-hour staff, fenced and locked play area, and close proximity to the local police station. We offer escorts upon your request to court dates or appointments which could present a problem for you. Our program teaches you the benefits of a "safety plan" - and helps you change your routine, go to different businesses than usual, take another adult with you, etc.

2. Can my husband/boyfriend/relative take my children if I come to live there? He is telling me that I have to stay with him because I have nowhere else to go but the shelter-and he says if I come to the shelter he will take the kids! Can he?

Absolutely not! Living in a shelter is NOT a reason to lose your kids. In fact, many women have had their children returned out of DCFS custody because they DID come to Lamb's Fold. Lamb's Fold is recognized by DCFS, the State's Attorney's Office, and the Court as a well-supervised, safe, quality program helping women and children in crisis.

We have known many women who were told by DCFS that they would lose custody if they remained with their abuser, however.

Please take whatever action you can to protect yourself and your children. If we can help, please contact us as soon as possible.

3. How can I get into your program?

If you are interested in staying at Lamb's Fold, please call our Program Supervisor, Jean, at 815/723-5262. If she is not available at the time of your call, just leave her a voice mail and she will respond as soon as possible.

4. How long will it take for me to get in?

That depends on the size of your family and space availability at the time of your request. Each family here has their own area with beds and dressers, but the areas are not all the same size. If there is not immediate space available for your family size, we will put you on a waiting list and contact you as soon as there is an opening. We do our best to accommodate everyone as soon as possible, and realizing that you may have an urgent situation, sometimes we can move others around to create the proper configuration for your family with minimal delays.

5. How long can I stay?

Eighteen months. If you need more time to get on your feet, as sometimes happens, you may request a 6-month extension. Your case manager will be working with you to help you attain your goals of self-sufficiency and recovery while you are here.

6. Can I leave sooner?

Definitely. This is a voluntary program. We are here to help you. If things are not working out for you, please let us know and we will do anything we can to help you find other accommodations.

7. Can I go into your Permanent Housing Program from the shelter?

The Permanent Housing Program is HUD-funded and has government-defined eligibility criteria. If you meet those criteria, you would most likely be eligible. Your case manager can provide more information; if you are interested in this program, please consult your case manager.

8. Can you help me get an Order of Protection and a Divorce?

Our Legal Advocate will help you obtain an Order of Protection through the Court system, but we cannot directly help you get a divorce as we are not attorneys. We can refer you to the Will County Legal Assistance Program; if you meet their criteria, they will assist you in this process.