Juvenile Justice & Advocacy

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING

The Sheriff’s Police Department, Community Engagement Unit, and Juvenile Justice and Advocacy Unit host several after school programs that keep Cook County’s youth physically, mentally, and emotionally engaged. These include our Board Game Night at a Chicago Public Library, a youth mentoring group at the Kelly YMCA, and an athletic programming at Saint Sabina.

LIFE APPLICATION SERIES

Focuses on leadership and character building.  Includes an educational based field trip or service project during the weeks of Spring Break and Winter Break for middle school age students.

SHAPE (SHERIFF’S ACTIVELY PURSUING ENGAGEMENT)

The goal of the program is to improve police-community relations while building trust and improving community safety. Programming is tailored for all age groups including kids and teens.  Officers visit the school during lunch, gym and/or art periods, interacting with students. Activities are informal and inclusive, focusing on creating positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS

The Juvenile Justice & Advocacy Unit works with suburban school districts to provide summer camps for youth. Participants benefit from spending time with positive adult role models while participating in educational and recreational activities.

TRUANCY SERVICES

Partnerships with school districts in Ford Heights, Harvey, Robbins-Posen, Markham and Maine Township to provide truancy intervention assistance.  Trained Juvenile Justice & Advocacy Officers will meet with parents and staff to address and mitigate truancy and attendance problems.  Program assesses the need of the family unit and assists them in locating community resources. Includes home visits to speak about tardiness/absenteeism.

To ask about any of our JJAU programs, please call (708) 865-2900 or contact [email protected]