Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice hosts states working toward juvenile justice reform

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice recently hosted teams from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. The teams visited to learn about child-centered policies and best practices and protocols in juvenile justice. The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice has taken an aggressive approach, choosing to reinvest in community-based programs, educational programming, and evidence-based services for at-risk youth. The teams from Georgia and Oklahoma toured IDJJ’s youth centers in Chicago and Warrenville, with tours being partially led by youth volunteers who answered questions and offered insights into their experiences in IDJJ youth centers.
IDJJ Director Heidi Mueller stated, “We were delighted to host the teams from Georgia and Oklahoma and introduce them to staff and youth at our Chicago and Warrenville youth centers.”
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice was created by statute in 2006 with the mandate of safely housing and rehabilitating youth committed to its custody. The mission of IDJJ is to promote community safety and positive youth outcomes by building youth skills and strengthening families.