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Juvenile Justice Work Group
Co-Chairs: Dr. Gene Griffin and Jennifer Jaworski
Staff: Jean Meister
History:
The Juvenile Justice Work Group is comprised of key leadership from various components of the Juvenile Justice system including probation, juvenile detention, courts, and diversion. Organizations represented include the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, Northwestern University, Metropolis 2020, Youth Outreach Services, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, the Illinois Department of Human Services divisions of Mental Health and Prevention, and the League of Women Voters (Illinois). Studies have shown that seventy percent of youths involved with the juvenile justice system have mental health needs. Over twenty five percent of those have never received any mental health services. The Work Group has as its mission improving access to mental health screening, assessment and treatment for youth impacted by the juvenile justice system.
Accomplishments:
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Conducted two colloquia on mental health screening for youth with juvenile justice involvement, which were led by national experts and included local provider panels.
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Worked with legislative leadership to draft legislation stating that information gained as part of a screening or assessment process cannot be used during adjudication, which passed in March 2010 and was signed into law.
Current Activities:
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Support for two MacArthur Foundation Models for Change projects: A juvenile justice workforce training program designed to improve the ability of JJ staff to understand and support youths with mental health needs; and publication and distribution of guides intended to educate and empower youths and families in juvenile justice.
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Support for competency to stand trial legislation.
For more information, contact Jean Meister at jmeister@voices4kids.org.
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