About the Program
A partnership between the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s Juvenile Division and the City of North Chicago was formed in 2006 to address juvenile crime in North Chicago. The pilot program has brought a number of local leaders together to meet and discuss what can be done to handle the increasing number of juvenile delinquent problems in this community.
The program involves working together with all juveniles currently on probation in North Chicago, their parents, School District #187, North Chicago Library, churches, courts, the city and police.
The program allows youth to participate in community projects that have included cleanup of vacant properties, working at PADS and soup kitchens, assisting with “Meals on Wheels” through Catholic Charities, volunteering at the Veteran's Administration Hospital and removal of graffiti on buildings. These projects promote youth giving back to their community and enables the youth of the community to be seen in a positive light.
In addition to special projects, youth have been afforded opportunities to attend social events such as college tours at Carthage College and the College of Lake County, outings at the Shed Aquarium, White Sox game, Volo Antique Auto Museum, Chicago Bears game, and Sled Dog Show.
Group Description
The family focus group is a 10-week curriculum designed for youth and parents facilitated by probation staff, community members, schools, and police. All sessions are held within the community and rely heavily on service to the community, activities, school attendance and employment. The family-focused group consists of ten sessions plus four aftercare sessions. Parents and youth attend separate skill-building sessions each designed with it's own curriculum.