The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for visitors to IDJJ facilities has been suspended as of 1/12/23. Visitors may be required to complete a rapid COVID-19 test when they arrive at the facility.

Independent Ombudsman

Defensor del Pueblo Independiente

En Español

The Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman (OIJO) is an independent office co-aligned with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), created by Senate Bill 2352 (Public Act 98-1032) in 2014. The Ombudsman’s role is to ensure that the rights of youth committed to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice are fully observed, and to assist in pursuing services for committed youth and their families determined to be in need of assistance. (730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-1, et seq.)

The OIJO reports directly to the Governor and Members of the Illinois General Assembly.

The OIJO may be contacted:

Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
60 E. Van Buren Suite 1374
Chicago, IL 60605

312-814-1308

karima.douglas@illinois.gov