Social Services

Rolling Meadows Police Department Dedicated to Excellence
The Social Services Outreach Program is a professionally staffed section of the Rolling Meadows Police Department. It is our goal to enhance the quality of life through empowerment, coordination of resources, and promotions of education and health among all residents of the City of Rolling Meadows 

Dr. Natalia Nieves, PhD, LCPC, AMFT is a bilingual Police Social Services Outreach Specialist. She has been with the department since 2013. Dr. Nieves works closely with the community, local social service organizations, and legal resources to help maintain a safe environment within the Rolling Meadows Community.

Educational Background
B.A., Psychology, Michigan State University
M.A., Counseling Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology Ph.D., Couple and Family Therapy, Adler University 


SW NIEVES

hope fund image Opens in new window


The Hope Fund is a new program created and administered by the Social Services Division of the Rolling Meadows Police Department. Each year, the Social Service Outreach Specialists find themselves in tough positions as they attempt to find resources to alleviate the financial hardships that come about after a crisis situation. The most prevalent cases often involve domestic violence victims ending an abusive relationship or a child disclosing having been sexually abused. These are just two examples of the many devastating and life-altering situations that our residents are frequently faced with.

Before the Hope Fund was established, our social service outreach specialists had to ask for favors of various churches and non-profits to see if anyone could help our most vulnerable crime victims, disaster survivors, and other persons in crisis. This new program allows for funds to be available so that when these emergencies arise, the social service providers can immediately assist individuals and families with their unique needs.
 
The Hope fund solely depends on charitable giving from our most compassionate community members. Funds collected mainly via gofundme.com will be disbursed by the City of Rolling Meadows Finance Department directly to the payee. Please consider donating if you are able to. Any amount is welcome and it will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who need a bit of hope towards a brighter future.
Click the image above to be taken to the Hope Fund.
  • Services Offered by the Social Services Specialist: 

Crisis Intervention: Emergency care aimed at assisting individuals in a variety of crisis situations that may occur with the City of Rolling Meadows.  

Court Advocacy: Assistance is provided to victims of crimes. The social outreach specialist is a trained advocate available to provide advocacy and support related to the court system and the prosecution process, and appraising them of their rights. 

Community Education: Weekly discussions are offered to citizens of the City of Rolling Meadows that pertain to educational and community concerns. This is especially important in the Latino community, who have voiced their concern for the improvement of the relationship between police and ethnic minority residents. 

Child Abuse and Neglect: Development and implementation of prevention for child abuse and neglect through: raising awareness among the community, partnership with outside resources who specialize in prevention and intervention amongst child abuse and neglect.  

Crime Prevention: Education based approach utilizing public awareness to reduce the crime risk within the City of Rolling Meadows. 

Crime Victim Compensation:  Making sure that eligible crime victims are connected with the compensation that the Attorney General reserves for victims of crime and their families for expenses accrued as a result of a violent crime.  

Domestic Violence: Intervention services including: Obtaining orders of protection, referral for emergency safe housing, legal advocacy, transportation to court and shelter/safe place when needed.  

Emergency Assistance: Immediate assistance is provided for families and individuals in crisis situations of varying nature. Some financial assistance is also available through outside emergency funds that Ms. Mercado is able to assist residents in applying for. 

Referrals to Supportive Services: Provide assistance, advocacy, and available information to specialized organizations.  

Short-Term Counseling: Crisis Intervention based counseling services are provided to individuals in a crisis situation.

  • Individual  Therapy
  • Couple & Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy                      

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Dr. Nieves, the Rolling Meadows Outreach Social Services Specialist directly at: (847) 870-2636
or Ms. Quintanilla at (847) 870-9077