As research and understanding of domestic violence continues to expand, advocates and policy makers continue to push at all legislative levels for increasingly informed policy for stronger survivor protections, clearer and more efficient processes, as well as wider scopes. Turning Point, Inc. is the only comprehensive domestic violence agency in McHenry County, which means it is especially important for us to stay informed on the current state of policy and how it will directly impact the people we serve—and to share that information with as many people as we can.

What Exactly Are HOPE Cards?

One exciting legislative update came this spring in the form of HOPE cards. The McHenry County Circuit Clerk officially launched HOPE cards at the end of March 2025, offering an easier path forward for survivors of domestic violence by allowing McHenry County residents with plenary orders of protections to carry wallet-sized laminated cards rather than the bulk of court paperwork they have historically been asked to carry. This launch follows the passage of House Bill 3485 in 2021, which amended the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to empower the Illinois Supreme Court to implement this program, and puts McHenry County in the second wave of Illinois’ gradual roll out.

Where Did the HOPE Cards Originate?

The roots of the HOPE card programs date back to 2004 in Montana where, in collaboration with the FBI, the Crow Tribe piloted the Purple Feather Campaign, a campaign previously developed by the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Working Group. This campaign served as an enhanced coordinated community response to survivors of domestic violence aimed to improve the recognition of protection orders between tribes and included the original HOPE cards. It was the hard work of these tribal groups that went on to inspire the first HOPE card legislation in Montana, and eventually across the country. Illinois is just one of nine states to have introduced similar programs, and more legislatures continue to consider introducing policy of their own.

What Is Included in a HOPE Card?

Per Illinois legislation, each HOPE card will include the following identifying information about the respondent of a plenary order of protection:

• a photograph
• the active dates of the order
• the case number
• any other pertinent information contained in the order

This additional pertinent information may include whether the respondent has any specific firearm restrictions under the order. What seems like a simple concept, will save survivors the responsibility of keeping a cumbersome number of court paperwork with them and allow emergency responders a quick and easy way to verify the details of any violations they are responding to.

How Do I Obtain A HOPE Card?

Any McHenry County resident with currently valid plenary orders may obtain their HOPE cards in Room 353 of the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. The first three cards will be issued to petitioners free of cost, and additional cards can be ordered for no more than $5. The program may also provide for the issuance of a temporary HOPE Card at the time of the entry of the plenary order of protection. McHenry County joins Kane, Winnebago, Marion and Coles counties as part of the newest expansion, adding to the five counties—DeKalb, DuPage, Jefferson, Grundy and Madison—who began issuing cards last year. Residents of these other counties may contact their circuit clerk to get more information on how to obtain a card.

How Turning Point Can Help You

The legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, and HOPE cards are a step in the effort to streamline and simplify the process. If you are a survivor of domestic violence in McHenry County navigating the legal system, Turning Point, Inc. provides legal advocacy free of cost to survivors, including assistance with filing emergency orders of protection, referrals to legal resources, and emotional support and guidance at the courthouse. Call 815-338-8081 for more information.

Credits:
Tiffany Hutson, Outreach and Prevention Advocate, LSW, MSW

Tiffany graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University in 2023 and 2024 respectively. She is currently working as an Outreach and Prevention Advocate at Turning Point and has a background in school social work and policy. Since graduating, she has obtained a license of social work and hopes to soon obtain her Domestic Violence Professional certification.

Editor:
Cameron Schott, Marketing & Outreach Associate