Illinois Senator Julie Morrison Honored for Pediatric Sexual Assault Clinic Advocacy

Event summary

  • Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison received the 2026 AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service for her role in establishing Illinois' first IDPH-certified pediatric sexual assault clinic.
  • The clinic, a partnership between Rosalind Franklin University and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center, provides specialized SANE services for children aged 1-18.
  • Sen. Morrison secured $1 million in state funding to launch the clinic in 2024, addressing a gap where only 20 of 790 forensic interviews in 2023 included SANE examinations.
  • The clinic serves 300-500 children annually in Lake County, offering trauma-informed care closer to home than previous hospital-based services.

The big picture

Sen. Morrison's award highlights the growing recognition of trauma-informed care in pediatric sexual assault cases, addressing critical gaps in specialized services. The clinic represents a strategic shift from hospital-based to community-centered care models, potentially setting a new standard for outpatient pediatric forensic services. This initiative aligns with broader trends in preventive care and legislative support for vulnerable populations.

What we're watching

Model Replication
Whether the clinic's success will prompt expansion to other regions or states with similar unmet needs.
Policy Impact
How Sen. Morrison's leadership may influence future state funding for specialized pediatric healthcare services.
Outcome Metrics
The pace at which the clinic demonstrates measurable improvements in follow-up care and survivor outcomes.

Related topics

Public Health