Social Services

Social Services

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. 
Services include: 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.

Social WorkerGeri 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.