Court Programs and Services

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

Volunteering for the Adult Probation Department can be a fulfilling and productive experience in a variety of ways. Choosing from an array of roles and duties, volunteers can help change lives, improve their knowledge of the criminal justice system, be exposed to new career options and experiences and help the Department in its effort to create safer communities.

Having a trusted positive role model that really cares can make all the difference in a probationer's life. Volunteers who choose to join the mentorship program can fulfill this role. Mentors are assigned to work one-on-one with probationers who do not have extensive records or any history of violent offenses. Mentors share experiences and wisdom, teach probationers to make good decisions and encourage prosocial thinking and behavior. Mentors can also provide alternatives to delinquent behavior by engaging probationers in productive and meaningful activities.

The Department also offers opportunities to volunteers interested in performing Department duties. In this capacity, volunteers gain hands-on work experience and learn about the criminal justice system while contributing to Department operations. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

assisting probation officers with the numerous responsibilities associated with managing a caseload of felony probationers, such as conducting interviews, verifying information and monitoring compliance with conditions through collateral contacts;
assisting probationers in the completion of applications for educational or employment programs;
helping Department support staff by working as a receptionist, data entry clerk or filing clerk; and
working with the victim assistance officer.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and be extremely sensitive to issues of confidentiality. All applicants are subject to an interview and criminal background check. If you are interested in volunteering with minors, call The Mentoring Network at (312) 433-6685 or (312) 433-6628. If you are interested in volunteering with adults, call the Adult Probation Department at (312) 603-0270.