The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) is proud to announce it was awarded $5,000 from the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support activities related to Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), raising awareness of the 50th Anniversary of the federal Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act (JJDPA), and Juvenile Detention in Illinois. The JJDPA provides federal guidance and standards to ensure a minimum level of safety and equitable treatment for young people who come into contact with the legal system. 

AOIC was one of 77 organizations nationwide who received federal grant dollars to highlight the importance of the JJDPA and YJAM. As a result of this funding, AOIC presented “Illinois #Youth Are Worth It: A Learning Event for Illinois Juvenile Detention Partners” on October 9, 2024, at the Kane County Judicial Center. In addition to raising awareness, the purpose of this event was to provide a unique opportunity for collaboration among Illinois juvenile detention partners as well as a catalyst for addressing needs and improving Illinois’ juvenile detention sites. 

The learning event was attended by over 60 stakeholders from across Illinois, including Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford of the Illinois Supreme Court; several Chief Circuit Judges, Circuit Judges, and Juvenile Delinquency Judges; Directors/Chief Managing Officers (CMOs) of Probation; Juvenile Detention Center Site Superintendents; and Juvenile Detention Center Staff. 

Attendees heard from a variety of speakers including Chief Circuit Judge John Lowry of the 17th Judicial Circuit on the work being done by the Conference of Chief Judges’ Detention Workgroup; speakers from Peoria and Winnebago County Partners; and individuals with Illinois Juvenile Detention system lived experiences. 

Chief Justice Theis’ closing remarks highlighted the remarkable challenges and opportunities for Illinois Juvenile Detention staff and facilities. Chief Justice Theis also stressed the ongoing importance of the Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act as well as protecting Illinois’ vulnerable populations, including children in juvenile detention settings. 

“The learning event was a great success. It was a great opportunity for collaboration, dialogue, and learning in the pursuit of elevating Illinois detention services,” said Daniel S. Hunt, AOIC’s Director of Probation Services. “Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to building on this gathering.” 

AOIC would like to thank the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for the grant funding that made this event possible. AOIC would also like to thank 16th Circuit Chief Judge Robert K. Villa, Executive Director of Kane County Court Services Lisa Aust, and the Kane County staff for hosting and facilitating this extraordinary event.