The Will County Juvenile Justice Council was created by Illinois Statute to address the growing needs of communities to work together in a collaborative manner to combat juvenile delinquency and crime. The purpose of the Council is to provide a clearinghouse for persons and organizations concerned about the success and future of children in Will County and to provide those interested persons and organizations with a central structure address current issues related to juvenile delinquency and crime prevention. The long term goal of the Council is to present the County with a Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention Plan which will include relevant portions of local crime prevention, public safety, school improvement and safety plans, plans from other public or private entities concerned with dropout prevention, and gang and drug prevention.

 

The Will County Juvenile Justice Council Executive Committee is made up of State's Attorney James Glasgow (Chairperson), Chief Judge Stephen White, County Board Member Ann Dralle, Director of Probation Mike Costigan, and Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas.  Representatives of the Executive Committee, schools, business, and community and faith based organizations constitute the active members of the Council.  In 2004, the Workforce Investment Board of Will County funded a county-wide study of youth services and developed the State of the Youth Report and a web-based provider locator for youth services (www.willcountyworkforceboard.com).  The Report is utilized as a resource for for planning and grant-writing. In 2005, the Juvenile Justice Council re-structured and the following action plan was developed:

• Quarterly meetings to discuss current juvenile delinquency and crime issues, to share information and to provide networking activities

• Develop and maintain subcommittees to work on various Statute requirements including plan development, updated community assessment (State of the Youth Report), funding opportunities, written agreements, and organizational mentoring (capacity building).

• Monthly newsletters to inform members of funding opportunities, events, and relevant articles and/or juvenile delinquency and crime prevention updates

• Develop and maintain a logic model and work plan from which community partners can develop programs that are effective and sustainable

• Maintain communication with the County Board on WCJJC activities