SCY convenes youth service providers and government partners in Cook County and oversees the implementation of a care coordination model for justice-involved youth, the Juvenile Justice Collaborative (JJC) The JJC model is built on an extensive body of research regarding the most promising strategies to interrupt the trajectory of youth violence.
The mission of the Juvenile Justice Collaborative (JJC) is to minimize further involvement of arrested youth in the justice system and reduce racial disparities by facilitating and coordinating access to comprehensive support services that meet adolescents’ developmental needs. We are committed to youth and their families because youth are our community’s most valuable resource.
JJC Partners
In partnership with Cook County system partners, including the Office of the Chief Judge, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Probation and the Public Defender’s Office, the JJC engages community-based providers in delivering coordinated services for justice-involved youth.
The JJC partners currently include a centralized intake and referral home at Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC), the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) and 13 community-based youth service providers. This map illustrates the partners’ locations and services.
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Services
Youth and families in the JJC may be connected to one or more of the following services:
- Mentoring
- Substance abuse
- Academic/education support
- Victim/trauma services
- Counseling
- Financial literacy
- Family support services
- Employment/workforce/vocational services
- Behavioral health
- Life skills
- Recreational activities
- Hardship support (utilities, shelter/housing, food)
Eligibility
The JJC primarily serves youth ages 12-18. Cook County Probation and the State’s Attorney’s office refer the youth to TASC, which assesses the youth’s needs and risk level, placing the young person with the appropriate community-based provider for care coordination and other services.
Communities We Serve
The JJC serves Cook County, with a concentration on the City of Chicago. A majority of youth referred to the program reside in South Side and West Side neighborhoods. The following data table connects neighborhoods to their designated police district:
The TASC and Youth Outreach Services program were very considerate of my family’s needs. I found the workers to be compassionate. I was able to share our experiences and found the program to be very helpful in improving my relationship with my children.
– Parent of a JJC Participant
Success Stories
Nate*: A JJC youth named Nate was about to join a gang. Nate also wanted to get a job and return to school but was unsure about doing so. His care coordinator made a referral to a mentoring program, where his confidence grew. He also got a job from a connection made through the JJC and received transportation assistance to attend school. When gang activity threatened Nate’s safety, he got a laptop from his mentor to finish school remotely and avoid gang involvement. Nate remains hopeful and engaged in work and school.
Ryan*: A high school student, named Ryan was referred to the JJC due to Domestic Violence charges. Upon being matched with a TASC Care Coordinator, Ryan expressed an interest in non-traditional therapy methods. Working together with her Care Coordinator, they thoroughly discussed her preferences and needs, leading to the identification of an art therapy program that was conveniently located near her home. Recognizing a transportation challenge, the Care Coordinator went the extra mile by arranging to personally pick her up for her first session, ensuring she could access the support she needed.
Throughout the process, the Care Coordinator provided ongoing guidance and support, helping Ryan navigate the intake process for the therapy program. They also collaborated closely with the service providers and program facilitators to ensure it was a good fit for her. As Ryan engaged in art therapy, the Care Coordinator continued to check in regularly, providing encouragement and assistance as needed.
Through this personalized approach, Ryan found a healthy outlet for her emotions and learned constructive ways to manage her behavior. Ryan’s success underscores the dedication and commitment of JJC Care Coordinators to the well-being and success of each individual they serve. Looking ahead, Ryan is focused on graduating and pursuing further education, with the ongoing support of her Care Coordinator.
Keith*: Keith, received an intake and assessment at TASC for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The client was a high school senior client with his own clothing line. During Keith’s engagement period, he worked with the assigned care coordinator to identify treatment goals including resisting negative peer influences on a regular basis and developing positive social skills necessary to establish lasting personal and business relationships. Keith specifically expressed to the care coordinator that one of their goals was to obtain an LLC for his clothing line. During the family assessment, it was also revealed that Keith’s grandmother wanted him to stay on track with work and refrain from getting in trouble. The care coordinator referred Kieth to a JJC Partner for mentoring services to help the client align with their goals, identify positive peer influences, and develop time management skills to help him stay on track for graduation while working on his business.
Throughout Keith’s engagement in the program, the care coordinator was able to walk him through the process of obtaining an LLC. After Keith graduated, the care coordinator informed him of a local store within his community and organization that helps youth become business owners and entrepreneurs. Keith was excited to learn that he would be able to sell his clothing line in the store and learn more about entrepreneurship through this connection.
*Name changed for privacy*
Additional Resources
- Cabrini Green Legal
- Illinois Coalition on Youth
- Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Contact Us
Cassandra Otoo, MSW
Program Coordinator, Strengthening Chicago’s Youth (SCY)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
T 312.227.1105 | F 312.227.9523
cotoo@luriechildrens.org | luriechildrens.org | scy-chicago.org
225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 157, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2991
