JUVENILE PROBATION AND COURT SERVICES DEPARTMENT-New Programs

JUVENILE PROBATION AND COURT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
New Programs

Art Therapy Program
This program is a therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation resource for delinquent minors and abused and neglected minors active with the Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department. The mission of the Art Therapy Program is to help minors develop constructive outlets for self-expression and to encourage self-awareness, self-esteem and personal growth. The Art Therapy Program provides a safe, non-verbal mode of expression for minors to explore feelings, develop self-control, heighten sensitivity towards victims and change attitudes and patterns of behavior to prevent future delinquent acts. Through a network of public and private community agencies, the Department conducts individual and group Art Therapy sessions at courthouses and community sites throughout Cook County. The sessions are conducted by trained probation specialists with advanced degrees in Art Therapy. These non-traditional probation specialists tailor Art Therapy sessions to address underlying issues affecting the individual, family or community. Minors are referred to the program by probation officers who receive a report on the minors' attendance and participation and on any developmental issues that require follow up. Art created by program participants is displayed at public exhibits.

Female Offender Services Program
In recognition of the different factors that lead to female minors' involvement in the juvenile justice system, the Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department created the Female Offender Services Program. This program is a case management initiative which addresses the special needs of girls active with the Department through the use of probation officers who have undergone gender-specific training. Under this unique program, one probation officer is assigned to follow a female minor throughout her entire involvement with the Department. The program uses specialized casework supervision to achieve the following objectives:

to create a safe, trusting environment to promote the development of the female minor's confidence, self-esteem and life skills.
to help the female minor identify factors that lead to anger and violent behavior.
to help the female minor develop anger management strategies.
to provide educational and employment opportunities.
to provide information on becoming a parent at the appropriate time and how to act responsibly when the time comes.
to prevent female minors from being arrested on subsequent charges or from entering the adult criminal justice system.
to assist the female minor in strengthening her family ties and breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse, neglect and delinquency.

Mentoring Network
A variety of mentoring opportunities is available for adult volunteers interested in becoming a positive influence in the lives of youths who are under court supervision. Mentors interact with minors in both structured group settings and individual experiences for either short term or long term time commitments. All volunteer programs are administered in cooperation with the Resource Section of the Circuit Court of Cook County's Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Department.

The following programs are available within the mentoring network:

One to One Mentoring: Adult volunteers become friends and role models to individual youths who are under the supervision of the Circuit Court's Juvenile Justice Division. Through weekly contacts, mentors spend quality time with youths developing supportive, trusting bonds. Volunteers unable to make weekly commitments can still serve as mentors by providing special, one-time only opportunities, such as visiting with a youth interested in the volunteer's career. Volunteers are matched with youths living in the same or nearby communities. Training and supervision are provided and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TIME: Weekly, or as determined by the specialized opportunity offered by volunteer
COMMITMENT: One year minimum
LOCATION: Varies
Site Based Mentoring: Adult volunteers work in teams with a group of children, often in partnership with community agencies. Planned events can include tutoring, recreational activities, rap sessions and group outings. On-site supervision and training are provided.

TIME: Afternoons (after school), evenings or week-ends, depending on the program
COMMITMENT: Three month minimum
LOCATION: Varies
Detention Center Friendly Visitors: Minors being held in the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center who would otherwise have no visitors can receive visits from Network mentors. Adult volunteers visit an individually assigned child weekly. Detention Center Friendly Visitors fulfill the need of these children to know that someone is available to offer them warmth and compassion.

TIME: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
COMMITMENT: Three month minimum
LOCATION: Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, 1100 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL
Children's Advocacy Room Facilitator: Adult volunteers interact with children in the Children's Advocacy Room located in the Juvenile Court building. The Children's Advocacy Room is a haven of safety where children can wait while their parents or guardians are attending court proceedings. Volunteers engage in playing or reading activities with the children.

TIME: Mornings or afternoons
COMMITMENT: One full day per week for 6 months
LOCATION: Juvenile Court Building, 1100 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL