Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Releases Operating Plan Progress Report

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) today released a six-month progress report on its 2015 Plan for Action, which was unveiled in March as a comprehensive operating plan to reduce recidivism of delinquent youth.

“Over the past six months, we have made definitive progress to foster better life outcomes for youth in departmental custody,” said IDJJ Director Candice Jones. “I am proud that our staff has gone above and beyond to implement these aggressive points of action.”

The operating plan, Improving Youth Outcomes, introduced strategies to reduce the number of youth in departmental custody and improve re-entry into Illinois communities. The efforts have been centered on five core priorities:

Right-Size – Reduce the use of secure custody for low-risk youth

Rehabilitate – Improve programs to meet the needs of high-risk youth

Reintegrate – Improve programs to ensure successful reentry

Respect – Create a safe and respectful environment for youth and staff

Report – Increase transparency and accountability

“This report highlights early successes in meeting our goal of making Illinois communities safer by fostering better life outcomes for youth in our custody,” said Director Jones. “We are thankful for the ongoing collaboration among staff, advocates, legislators and expert partners as we work to fully realize our goal.”

A copy of the 2015 Operating Plan Six-Month Update is available at www.illinois.gov/idjj.