Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Family Connection Newsletter Summer 2024

Family Connection

Helping families of justice-involved youth stay connected

Summer 2024 | Issue 5

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families to promote community safety and positive youth outcomes.

Below is some information on the history of Juneteenth and some links to Juneteenth celebrations in Illinois.

Many IDJJ youth centers and Aftercare offices celebrate Juneteenth with special events or activities. Be sure to ask your young person about how Juneteenth was marked at their youth center or Aftercare office.

History of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History

Events

Statewide from Enjoy Illinois

Chicago celebrations

Resource Connection

Independent Ombudsman

Connect to the Independent Ombudsman

The Ombudsman’s role is to ensure that the rights of youth committed to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice are fully observed, and to assist in pursuing services for committed youth and their families determined to be in need of assistance. Use the button below for details and contact information.

Juvenile Ombudsman

Youth Handbook

The youth orientation handbook is full of important information! You can access the flipbook version or download it from the Family Resources page of the IDJJ website.

View Handbook

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CBS 2 News Story

IDJJ PEACE Center @ St. Charles

Connect with other families

Connect with IDJJ staff

Connect with the IDJJ Family Advisory Council .The Family Advisory Group offers resources, information, and support for loved ones of IDJJ-involved youth! For more information, contact Zakee Shahid at 312-633-5219 x4004 or email zakee.shahid@illinois.gov. The next virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, June 20th at 5pm.

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Need help with transportation to visit your youth?

DJJ is working with Geo Reentry Services to provide transportation for parents from the following counties to visit their youth in facilities: St. Clair, Sangamon, Madison, Macon, and Peoria. The service is available on Fridays and the contact person is Tammy Hamilton-Bush. Call 618-447-0112 or email tammy.bushhamilton@geogroup.com for more information. You can also reach out to Edrena Davis-Abram, DJJ's Family Engagement Clinical Social Work Manager at:

edrena.davis-abram@illinois.gov for help.

Visitation Guidelines

Making connections with families is a high priority for IDJJ. We are working to continue improving this aspect of care for our youth. Your child's Youth & Family Specialist (YFS) is a great place to start if you are looking to connect more frequently.

June Graduation at Maya Angelou Alt. High School at IYC Warrenville

On June 13th, School District #428's Maya Angelou Alt. High School at IYC Warrenville held a graduation ceremony for 5 high schoolers and 8 eighth graders! Families, educators, and staff joined together in the library to celebrate the accomplishments of these students.

School counselor Penny Everhart was instrumental in organizing this event, and Principal Harry White was excited to participate in his first graduation as principal of Maya Angelou. Check out some of the photos from this wonderful day at IYC Warrenville. Thank you to the many family members that attended this wonderful celebration!

Community Connections

Community Partner Feature

Northern Illinois University graduate students in kinesiology lead the charge at Project FLEX, aiming to create positive change in the lives of young people through sports and physical activity. By providing mentorship and structured life skill discussions, such as conflict resolution, positive decision-making, and resilience, Project FLEX helps young people develop important life skills.

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Long-time DJJ partner, Project Flex, works with youth in three IDJJ secure facilities: IYC Warrenville, IYC Chicago, and the PEACE Center at St. Charles. Through programs such as girls boxing, pickleball, swole patrol, and college readiness exposure week, Project Flex is helping youth prepare for successful reentry into their communities. The Project Flex team of graduate students, alumni, and researchers are dedicated to using sports as a way to make a positive impact on the lives of IDJJ youth. They utilize evidence-based programming focused on physical and mental health, character development, career exploration, and higher education access. Most recently, Project Flex started a program at the PEACE Center for young adults interested in receiving certification as a personal trainer!

Check out these recent photos from IDJJ youth centers

Family day at IYC Pere Marquette

Viewing the eclipse at IYC Harrisburg

Celebrating Women's History Month at IYC Warrenville

Dog training with Safe Humane at IYC Chicago

Glow golf at the PEACE Center St. Charles for family fun day

Aftercare trip to St. Louis Zoo