Illinois

This news article in the Chicago Tribune highlights a program in Kane County Juvenile Justice Center School that provides the opportunity for incarcerated youth to advance their studies, higher education aspiration, and career interested while in the facility. Author, Rafael Guerrero, writes that “Since the first dual credit sessions held last summer at the St. Charles juvenile facility, the program has provided more than two dozen juvenile inmates the option to take three courses that count in both earning a high school or GED diploma and earn college credit.”

Cook County, Illinois (Chicago) uses community-based programming to allow youth to remain in their home and attend their community school. Instead of removing youth from their homes, community-based reporting centers exist where the youth are required to report in the afternoon or early evenings.  The centers focus on improving social skills, and providing vocational support and educational support. The centers also make referrals to other programs. This program has allowed youth to stay in their home school and has saved the county more than $2 million a year.