Juvenile Probation & Detention
Juvenile Probation Services
The Probation Unit is responsible for the provision of casework services and supervision to minors who are adjudicated or placed on court supervision. Additionally, probation staff provide social investigation reports to assist the judges in the adjudication/supervision monitoring process. Other programs that the Juvenile Probation Unit oversees include the Victim Assistance Program and Restitution Program (VARP), Public Service, Adoption Services, JR’s Challenge, Community Mentoring Networks, and Specialized Caseloads.
Social Investigations
In 2008, the division completed a total of 365 investigations and 152 updated social investigations. Additionally, at least 20 “waived” socials were conducted in 2008. A waived social is a shorter version of the investigation completed during court hours on juveniles classified as minimum risk, first time offenders.
Victim Assistance and Restitution Program (VARP)
In 2008, the Victim Assistance and Restitution Program collected $44,542.13 from probation clients and $14,020.03 from diversion cases, for a grand total of $58,562.16.
Public Service
In 2008, 252 youth completed a total of 12,051 hours of Public Service. Of the youth required to complete public service hours, 92% successfully completed their hours.
Jr’s Challenge
With an emphasis on evidence based practices, the division has implemented a Program Evaluation Tool to measure outcomes for Jr’s Challenge. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group by their case number. Both groups complete a questionnaire designed to measure Self–Esteem, Social Competence, Achievement Motivation, Effective Problem-Solving, Emotional Control, Task Leadership, Intellectual Flexibility, Productive Teamwork, Healthy Risk Taking and Hardiness/Resourcefulness. Participants of the experimental group will complete the questionnaire prior to completing the low course and again after completing the high course. Participants in the control group will answer the questionnaire twice in a one month period, but prior to any contact with Jr’s Challenge. It is hoped that the study results will provide a better understanding of which areas of personality are most influenced by Jr’s Challenge in a positive way and what types of changes can be implemented to better serve clients.
Community Networking Program
In 2008, the community networking program provided intensive community-based supervision and services to truant youth and their families, with mentoring by one part-time staff and services provided by various local providers. In addition, special programming, which includes field trips to agencies and facilities in the community, has been incorporated into mentoring in an effort to expose the youth to new experiences and to explore new ways of learning.
During 2008, 35 cases were provided services. The Detention Center was not utilized as an alternative intervention for any of these cases.
Specialized Caseloads
Specialized Caseloads have been developed to address special needs of the youth and families in gender specific, sex offender, mental health, and Spanish speaking cases.
All staff have received training in Motivational Interviewing techniques. Probation officers will be trained in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods for group facilitation at a later date.
Community Programs
Community programs have also been established that include Girl Wise, Positive Community Take Over (PCTO), and Mundelein Youth Connection (MYC). Juvenile Probation continues to develop partnerships with community stakeholders to address specific needs within the community.
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Girl Wise
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit and the Lake County Juvenile Justice Council continued to partner with agencies in the community to present the Fifth Annual Girl Wise Conference, which took place at the College of Lake County on April 12, 2008.
The day kicked off with the girls having an opportunity to visit different resource booths to gather information about activities in the community. Additionally, staff from the Jr’s Challenge Course brought their portable equipment and had the girls participate in activities that promoted teamwork, self-esteem, leadership, and “thinking outside the box.” Juvenile Court Judge Sarah Lessman and Circuit Court Judge Valerie Boettle-Ceckowski introduced the activities for the day and motivated the girls for the upcoming events.
The College of Lake County provided lunch for all of the girls. Following lunch the girls watched a play performed by OMNI Youth Services Reality Troupe. The performance highlighted struggles adolescents frequently face, such as bullying and peer pressure. Finally, the day concluded with door prizes and a raffle. Every girl was a winner because they left the conference with a “goodie bag.” Overall, the conference was a success and served approximately 85 girls from all over Lake County.
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