New court fee could aid Kane County abuse victims

Criminals convicted in Kane County would face an additional $30 court fee under a plan to boost funding for advocacy efforts involving abused children.

Officials say the additional revenue would help offset a decrease in available grant funds and a "significant increase" in the caseload at Kane County's Child Advocacy Center.

A state law that took effect last August allows the county to collect up to $30 for children's services from those found guilty or granted supervision in cases of felony, misdemeanor, petty or business offenses.

On Friday, the county board's finance and budget committee tentatively approved the fee. The full board is scheduled to vote on it Aug. 12.

Founded in 1994, the Child Advocacy Center aids children who are victims of sexual or severe physical abuse.