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Aug. 2024-Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Opportunity for Juveniles Seeking Expungement- SB3463 removes barriers to expungement through creation of an automatic process. READ MORE

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Press Releases & Statements

Northern Illinois University’s Project Flex Hosts On-campus Basketball Tournament for Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Youth

DEKALB, IL – Last month, Northern Illinois University (NIU) hosted a basketball tournament for youth from each of the five Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) youth centers. The tournament was organized by Project FLEX (Fitness, Leadership, EXperience), an initiative of the NIU College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. 4.14.25

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to receive young adult transfers from Illinois Department of Corrections to provide high school educational services

On August 9, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 426, which grants the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) and Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) the ability to transfer emerging adults who qualify for high school educational services from an IDOC facility to an IDJJ facility. 8.15.24

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice responds to fire at Illinois Youth Center in Warrenville

The Illinois Youth Center at Warrenville, a secure facility of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), sustained significant fire damage to its main building yesterday afternoon. 7.16.24

Statement on fire at Illinois Youth Center at Warrenville- July 15, 2024

At around noon today, a fire occurred in the kitchen of the main building at the Warrenville Illinois Youth Center. All staff and youth were safely evacuated, though one staff person was taken to the emergency room for treatment from smoke inhalation. As of 2:00 p.m., the Warrenville Fire Department is still working to extinguish the fire. The kitchen, which is used by dietary staff to prepare and provide meals for youth, has sustained significant damage. The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is working to relocate youth to available housing units at other IDJJ youth centers. The safety of youth and staff is the highest priority of IDJJ. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to host job screenings in Lincoln

IDJJ will host job screenings July 16-18 in Lincoln for Juvenile Justice Specialist positions at the new Monarch Youth Center. 7.3.24

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to host job screenings

IDJJ will host job screenings in June & July for Juvenile Justice Specialist Intern positions. 5.31.24

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to Serve High School Graduates at Newly Repurposed Career & Education Center

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) celebrated the grand opening of a newly repurposed secure youth facility today that will specialize in vocational, career, educational, and life skills development opportunities for high school graduates ages 17-20 who are in the custody of IDJJ. 3.27.24

Gov. Pritzker Appoints Robert Vickery as Next Director of Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice

Governor Pritzker has announced Robert Vickery as the acting director of IDJJ, pending senate approval. 3.26.24

Statement regarding Director Mueller’s appointment as director of DCFS

Gov. Pritzker recently announced DJJ Director Heidi Mueller as the next director of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Read DJJ's statement below. 1.4.24

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice celebrates first youth vocational certifications with Greater West Town Project

Young adults in the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) are investing in their futures by taking advantage of vocational training and certification opportunities offered by Greater West Town Project (GWTP). 11.2.23

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice wins national award for family engagement

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) announced August 21st that the Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Pere Marquette in Grafton was awarded the 2023 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen (BAH) Award. 8.22.23

Construction Begins on Illinois Youth Center in Lincoln

Funding supports restorative facility for youth in custody of Illinois. The project will align with IDJJ’s new residential, community-integrated, restorative justice model. Funding is made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program. 3.22.23

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to host job screenings prior to start of February Intern Academy

IDJJ will host job screenings Feb. 7 and 9 for Juvenile Justice Specialist positions. The training academy will begin Feb. 14 and positions have a starting salary of $54,648.

Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators Appoints Director Mueller of Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice as Board Secretary

IDJJ Director Heidi Mueller was recently appointed to the executive board of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators 1.19.23

IDJJ hosts states working toward juvenile justice reform

IDJJ hosted teams from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs who visited to learn about IDJJ's nationally recognized policies and practices. 10.28.22

IDJJ hosts job screenings October-December 2022

IDJJ will host screenings for juvenile justice specialists in St. Charles Oct. 18, Dec. 6 & Alton Oct. 20, Dec. 8. 10.14.22

IDJJ youth art exhibited at Weinberg/Newton Gallery in Chicago

“Can you see me” will be on display until Dec. 17, and will highlight the humanity and potential of young people affected by the juvenile justice system. 10.4.22