FAMILY SERVICE CENTER

How do I receive services from the Family Service Center? 

  1. Call or text us at 217-762-2350.
  2. Walk-in during business hours at 100 E. Washington. (M-F, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
  3. E-mail andrea@willowtreemissions.org
  4. If you are not safe right now, call 911 or you can go to your police department, sheriff's department or courthouse. (during business hours) 

What does it look like to get an Order of Protection in Piatt County? 

  • Enter the courthouse and tell security you need an Emergency Order of Protection. 
  • You will be directed to the Circuit Clerk's Office on the second floor. 
  • The Circuit Clerk's Office will contact either a Willow Tree Missions advocate or the States attorney's Victim Advocate to assist you with the court process. 
  • You and your advocate will meet in a private room so you can safely share and document the reason you need help. 
  • You and your advocate will go into court together, where you will be sworn in by a member of the court staff, and asked to share with the Judge why you need an Emergency Order of Protection. 
  • Assuming the order is granted, the Judge will sign and review the terms of the Order of Protection with you answering any questions you may have. 
  • You and your advocate will return to the Circuit Clerk's Office where you can obtain copies of the signed Order of Protection. 
  • At this point you will have an active Emergency Order of Protection. 

 What happens next? 

  • The Respondent (the individual you have the order against) will now be served a copy of the order by the Sheriff's Department. 
  • This can be as quickly as the same day or can take several weeks depending on the location of the individual. 
  • The Emergency Order of Protection is only effective for up to 21 days. 
  • A new court date will be given on or before 21 days from the date it is issued where you must appear if you wish to maintain the active Order of Protection. 
  • At this assigned court date, you and your advocate will return to court together. 
  • The respondent has the right to attend this court date. 
  • The Judge will ask if you are interested in seeking a Plenary Order of Protection. 
  • This means extending the order for up to two years. 
  • Assuming you want to remain protected, another court date will be set to give you and the respondent the opportunity to seek legal counsel. 
  • From there a hearing date will be needed where you can prove a Plenary Order of Protection is needed. 

 We will help you every step of the way and are here to provide support with the legal system as well as with the day-to-day struggles that come with living with, and freeing from, domestic violence. 

How is Willow Tree Missions funded?

The main source of our funding is from donated merchandise purchased at our two Resale Shops. Funding is also derived from generous community members, local corporations, and organizations as well as grants and several fund-raising events throughout the year. To learn how you can help Willow Tree Missions visit Giving.

 

What kind of volunteers do you need? How can I volunteer?

Willow Tree Missions is always in search of dedicated volunteers as we advance in our mission of eliminating domestic violence in Piatt County. Opportunities are available for all skill levels and time commitment lengths.  For a complete list of volunteer opportunities and how to become involved, visit Time and Talents. 

 How Can I help Willow Tree Missions?

  • Volunteer at the shop or in the domestic violence program.
  • Become a domestic violence advocate.
  • Assist with fundraising.
  • Assist with administrative tasks.
  • Help with community outreach and education opportunities.
  • Shop at our resale shops.
  • For specific opportunities, see our How Can I Help? page.