The Police-Based Social Worker functions as a support service to police personnel and as a proactive intervention and interaction service provider to the Park Ridge community. It is our goal to enhance the quality of life of our residents by assisting citizens in the community beyond the normal scope of police work. The social worker receives referrals from police personnel, fire personnel and other city departments that identify a resident that may need additional services that are related to many issues such as: child abuse or neglect, family problems including juvenile issues), mental health needs, older adult needs, substance misuse and crime victim services.
Comprehensive referral services: Provide assistance, advocacy and resource referral for our residents when further assistance cannot be extended from within the Police department.
Crime Victim Advocacy: Provide crisis response and assistance to any victim of a violent crime by assisting with the navigation of the criminal justice system, crime victim compensation, victim impact statements, U-Visa and protective orders. To also provide victims of crime with safety planning, referrals and emotional support.
Court advocacy: Provide education, support, advocacy and guidance to victims of violent crime. Additional assistance is available including accompanying a victim of crime to court and assisting with the paperwork necessary to petition for Orders of Protection as defined in the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
Crisis intervention: Assist in a variety of crises to provide support, assessment, crisis counselling, education and referrals either on the scene of the crime or as the result of a follow up to a crime reported to the police department.
Emergency Assistance: Assist residents experiencing a crisis with limited financial assistance provided by the Police Church Funds and also provide referrals to outside emergency funds that may be available.
If you are a resident of Park Ridge and you would like more information, please contact our social worker at 847-384-2137. Consultation and assistance is available to all residents at no cost.
Geri Silic, MA, LCSW is a police based victim advocate for the Park Ridge Police Department. She attended Saint Joseph’s College for her undergraduate degree. She received her Master’s Degree from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has twenty years experience as a police based victim advocate and social worker. She has extensive experience in domestic violence and community crisis work. She has worked for the Park Ridge Police Department since 2016.
988 24/7 CRISIS & SUPPORT
The National Suicide hotline number is changing to a simple 3 digit number, 988.
It is also converting from a suicide hotline to a mental health crisis line.
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health has launched the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline across the state of Illinois. And there is tremendous need, given:
- For people ages 10–34, suicide is a leading cause of death.
- From April 2020 through April 2021, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses.
- An overall increase in stress and uncertainty arising from worldwide conflict and tension, incidents of gun violence & mass shootings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other trauma affects Illinoisans across our state.
- In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes.
There are people, families and communities who have been impacted. Yet, in the face of these urgent realities, there is hope.
On July 16, 2022, the State of Illinois activated 988, the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health–related distress.
988 is the new three-digit number for calls, available in multiple languages. People can dial 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
If you have any questions please reach out to Police Social Worker, Geri Silic, LCSW at 847-384-2137.
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