JUVENILE ADVISORY
COUNCIL
(J. A. C.)
JUVENILE COURT OF COOK COUNTY
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES:
CAROLYNN CONWAY AND DALVIN WILLIAMS
DEPUTY CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER STEVEN EISEMAN
JUVENILE JUSTICE OVER THE YEARS:
GREAT VISION – LIMITED SUCCESS?
In 1899, The Juvenile Court Began Worldwide
Trend in Juvenile Justice
Founding Principles:



Rehabilitation Over Punishment
Individualized Response to Each Child
Outreach Approach To Supervision and Service
T H E C H A L L E N G E R E M A I N S:
High Rates Of Recidivism, Illiteracy And
Unemployment Among Children Have Stubbornly
Persisted
“The (Juvenile) Court Compels Us To See Ourselves In The
Delinquent Child, The Incorrigible, The Truant. To Permit The
Wastage Of Even A Single Young Life Must Finally Diminish The
Value Of Our Own.”
Julia Lathrop On The Founding Of The Juvenile Court,1899
“The Problems We Have Created For Ourselves At Our
Present Level Of Thinking
Cannot Be Solved By Continuing To Think At That Same
Level.”
Albert Einstein, 1945
WHY IS YOUTH VOICE IMPORTANT
TO JUVENILE JUSTICE?
WITHOUT YOUTH
PERSPECTIVE:
Can’t Assess Full Impact
Of Our Intervention
Programming Driven By
Assumptions of
Community/Family Needs
Status Quo Continues
Despite Changes In Client
Profile/Outlook
WITH YOUTH
PERSPECTIVE:
Gain Viewpoint Of Those
On “Receiving End”
Life Experiences/Lessons
Help Inform Planning &
Decision-Making
Opportunity For Ongoing,
Effective System Reform
WHAT AND WHY – J.A.C.?
WHAT?



Partnership Between
Court Staff and Court
Clients
Takes a Fresh Look at
Probation From a
Client’s Perspective
Concerted Effort to
Improve the Probation
Experience
WHY?

Allows Us To Consider
A Youth Viewpoint

Treats Clients As A
Resource

Keeps Probation “Close
to the Customer”
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Cook County’s Juvenile Advisory
Council is to create a forum for youth to assist the
Probation Department in:
Assessing the Effectiveness of Its Present Supervision
and Services
Better Understanding the Needs of Its Clients
Enhancing Its Programming to Meet Those Needs
Incorporating Youth Perspectives Within Programs
and Policies
JAC’S EARLY HISTORY
Began in Late 2002
Impetus: Recognition that Youth and Families
Are an Untapped Resource
Six Original Youth Representatives



All Former Wards
Considered Equal Partners on JAC
Conducted Court-Wide “Probation Focus
Group Project”
Focus Group Project Conclusions
Client Feedback Critical -- But Hard To Get
Probation Know-How Varies Client To Client
School Visits: The Problem Is Confidentiality
PO-Client Relationship: Respect/Fairness Are Key
FOCUS GROUP PROJECT
OUTCOMES
J.A.C. Probation Orientation Program
J.A.C. Exit Interview Program
PROBATION ORIENTATION
PROGRAM
What Is It?
An interactive, multiple-impact introduction to probation for
new clients (and their parents), designed and presented by
JAC Youth Reps.


Clarify Probation’s
Rules and Expectations
Explain Consequences
For Non-Compliance

Describe Services and
Opportunities

Promote Compliance
with Court-Ordered
Conditions and Reduce
Technical V.O.P.
PROBATION ORIENTATION
PROGRAM (POP)
Components
Ice Breaker Exercise
Role Play Sketch:
“The Probation Scene
– What’s It Mean?”
POP Quiz Show
(“Jeopardy” – style
game)
Q & A (at any time)
Post Test
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Ice Breaker Exercise
HOW MANY SQUARES CAN YOU SEE?
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
“THE PROBATION SCENE:
WHAT’S IT MEAN?”
New Probationers Play Roles of Judge and P.O .
Youth Reps. Ask Follow-up Questions And Lead
Discussion
Participants Gain Clearer Picture of Probation’s
Rules
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
TYPICAL SCRIPT STATEMENTS
JUDGE: I’M PLACING YOU ON ONE YEAR’S PROBATION. I
EXPECT YOU TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE CONDITIONS
MARKED ON YOUR PROBATION ORDER. FIRST AND MOST
IMPORTANT, YOU MUST OBEY ALL LAWS.
YOUTH REP. I: When the judge says, “all laws,” does that mean only
criminal laws? How many other kinds of laws are there? (A LOT!
Municipal, traffic, hunting and fishing, etc.) What about Curfew?
(By the way, what is curfew in Chicago?)
YOUTH REP. II: How about under-age drinking or smoking? (How
old do you have to be to drink? To smoke?)
REMEMBER: WHEN THE JUDGE SAYS ALL LAWS,
HE/SHE MEANS ALL LAWS
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
TYPICAL SCRIPT STATEMENTS
JUDGE: YOU MUST OBEY ALL LAWS (CONT.)
YOUTH REP. I: What if you’re not doing anything wrong.
But you’re hanging on the corner with friends who are
holding, selling or representing. If a cop rounds
everybody up, who could end up in the worst trouble?
Why?
YOUTH REP. II: REMEMBER: WHEN YOU’RE ON
PROBATION, YOU HAVE TO MAKE SMART
DECISIONS. BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO PAY
ATTENTION TO THE DECISIONS PEOPLE
AROUND YOU ARE MAKING! Any questions?
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
TYPICAL SCRIPT STATEMENTS
JUDGE: YOU MAY NOT POSSESS A FIREARM
OR ANY DANGEROUS WEAPON..
YOUTH REP. I: Is it ever okay for someone on probation
to carry a gun or a knife? What about a box cutter?
Pepper spray?
YOUTH REP. II: While you’re on probation, you should
never have ANYTHING on you that could be seen as a
weapon.
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
TYPICAL SCRIPT STATEMENTS
PROBATION OFFICER: I EXPECT YOU TO GO TO
SCHOOL EVERY DAY.
YOUTH REP. I: Will the judge and P.O. be satisfied if you
got to school every day but only attend division? How
about if you go to some classes but not others?
YOUTH REP. II: What if you attend all your classes, but
you get suspended for breaking a school rule? Could that
lead to a violation of probation?
PROBATION ORIENTATION PROGRAM (P.O.P)
SKETCH/ROLE PLAY
TYPICAL SCRIPT STATEMENTS
PROBATION OFFICER: I’M GOING TO REFER YOU
FOR COUNSELING AND SET YOU UP WITH AN
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
YOUTH REP. I: What would happen if you just refuse to go?
What if you feel you don’t need these programs? Is this something
you could discuss with your P.O.?
YOUTH REP. II: How about if your counselor tells you after three
months that you don’t have to participate any more but your P.O.
insists? What can you do if you feel your P.O. is being unfair or
unreasonable?
PROBATION ORIENTATION
PROGRAM (P.O.P)
“P.O.P. QUIZ SHOW”
Patterned After Game Show “Jeopardy”
Group Divides Into Teams:
Each Team Led By Youth Rep. Captain
Teams Take Turns Answering MultipleChoice Questions About Probation
Highest Scoring Team Wins Prizes
POP QUIZ SHOW
Tony was put on Home Confinement and was
successful. WHY? Because Tony knew he
could only leave home to go __________.
a)
b)
c)
d)
To the store
To church, school or the doctor
Sit on the front porch
To another apartment in his building
PROBATION ORIENTATION
PROGRAM (P.O.P)
“P.O.P. QUIZ SHOW”
What’s the longest that a person can be
put on juvenile probation?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 Year
1 ½ Years
2 Years
5 Years
POP QUIZ SHOW
When Tiffany got held in the
Detention Center, she
knew her P.O. was
required to visit with her
__________.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Once a day
Once a week
Twice a month
Once a month
Which of the following
does a P.O. carry?
________.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Handcuffs
Badge and/or ID Card
Gun
Breathalyzer
All of the above
PROBATION ORIENTATION
PROGRAM (P.O.P)
“P.O.P. QUIZ SHOW”
Name two programs you are eligible for even
after you finish probation.
Project Life Line
b) JUMPSTART
c) Expungement
Assistance
a)
d) Pre-Employment
Assistance
e) Juvenile Advisory
Council (J.A.C.)
f) Marx Fund
Probation Orientation Program
(P.O.P.)
FINAL SURVEY
Summarizes Key Learning Points
 Allows Youth To “Show What They Know”
 They Can Take The Answers Home!

EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
(E.I.P.)
What is it?

Forum for Outgoing
Clients to Share
Thoughts and
Experiences With
Other Youth, and
Provide Critical
Feedback for
Probation.
Components

Ice Breaker Exercise

Survey

Small Group
Discussion
Referral For Services
And Opportunities
Gift Certificates


EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
Sample Survey Questions
1
2
Strongly Agree
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
I could ask my P.O. for help.
My P.O. treated me with respect.
My P.O. took the time to try and get to know me.
My P.O. made decisions based on what he/she felt
would help me.
EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
Sample Survey Questions
How Often Did Your P.O. Usually Visit
You?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Less than once a month
Once a month
Twice a month
Three times a month
Four or more times a month
EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
Sample Survey Questions
While you were on probation, which (if any) of
these areas do you feel you improved:
(Check all that apply)
 Obeying the law
 Drug/Alcohol
 School Attendance
Problems
 Job Skills
 Dealing With Personal
Problems
 Other (Please Be
Specific)
 School Grades
 Getting Along With
Parent(s)
 Getting Along With
Friends
EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
Sample Survey Questions
I feel that being on probation has made my
life:
A. Better
B. Worse
C. No Different
EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What was the one thing that happened during
Probation that had the biggest impact on you?
If you had been your own Probation Officer, what
would you have done to “reach” you?
What is the one thing you’d like to tell all POs in
order to help them do their jobs better?
EXIT INTERVIEW PROGRAM
SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What program(s) did your P.O. refer you to that
really helped you? How did they help?
What new programs should the Probation
Department develop to help young people get the
most out of probation?
What effect, if any, did being on probation have on
your school attendance? On your school grades?
PEER JURY PROGRAM
WHICH CHILDREN DOES IT SERVE?
Referred to Juvenile Court But Diverted From
Court Action
Placed On Informal Supervision With Probation
Department
No Major Mental Health Or Substance Abuse
Issues
From Resource-Poor Neighborhoods
PEER JURY PROGRAM
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Under Staff Supervision, J.A.C. Youth Reps.:
Conduct An Interview With Minor And Parent(s)
Establish Appropriate Intervention Plan
Provide Follow-Up Supervision & Support
Document & Report Results Of Intervention
DEPARTMENTAL IMPACT
New Programming
Ongoing:
 Probation Orientation
Program
 Exit Interview Program
 Peer Jury Program
V.O.P. Filings (Preliminary):
Rate App. One-Half for
Orientation Participants (vs.
Non-Orientation Participants)
New Policy (Proposed)

Proposed:
 Pre-Employment Program
 G.E.D. Preparatory
Program

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Revised School Visitation
Policy
Qualitative Contact Standard
Protocol For Client/Parent
Feedback
Biennial Position Paper
J. A. C. : WHAT IT TAKES TO
GET STARTED
Clear Statement & Explanation of Key Principles:
The Words Are Important!

YOUTH/STAFF PARTNERSHIP:
We Need Each Other

SYSTEM OPENNESS:
Organizations Must Commit To Listening, Considering, Acting

YOUTH INVESTMENT (NOT JUST INCLUSION):
Goal Should Be To Develop Young Leaders
J.A.C.: WHAT ELSE IT TAKES TO GET
STARTED
Encouragement/Opportunity For Staff
Involvement
(At All Levels!)
Leadership From The Top!
FIRST J.A.C. MEETINGS
These May Be Staff Only
(But Include Youth ASAP)
Always Prepare Agenda & Minutes
Start With Wide Open Brainstorm Sessions
Develop Mission Statement
J.A.C. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES:
RECRUITMENT & TRAINING
Start With J.A.C. Staff Recommendations
(You can launch council with as few as three youth reps.)
Expand To Include Referrals From All Staff
Develop Orientation and Training For Youth Reps.

Topics:

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J.A.C. Mission & Overview
Departmental History, Operation and Services
Law-Related Issues
Communication & Group Skills
CONVENING THE FULL COUNCIL:
Guidelines For A Successful Launch
Start With A “Blank Blackboard” Approach
Get Comfortable With Each Other
Monthly Meetings (Keep To An Hour-And-A
Half!)
 Start Meeting With Lunch Or Dinner
 Make Time For Introductions & Social Comments

IMPORTANT EARLY DECISIONS
Finalizing Mission Statement
Developing Members’ Contract
(Rules & Expectations)
Deciding on Inaugural Project

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Goal(s)
Action Steps
Timeframe
Evaluation Plan
Begin Monthly Newsletter
CLOSING COMMENTS
WHY SHOULD WE CARE “WHAT THE
KIDS THINK?”
“If we treat children as though they are what
they could be and ought to be, they will
become what they could be and ought to be.”
Johann Goethe