About Us

Empowering Youth. Strengthening Communities.

Your Journey to a Fulfilling Life

The Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council (SJJC) is dedicated to reducing juvenile delinquency and uplifting families in South Suburban Cook County. Through partnerships and restorative services, we’ve impacted over 50,000 lives and continue building safer communities.

About Me

My Mission is to Empower Your Life

My Mission is to Empower Your Life

Transform your life and achieve your goals with professional and personalized support.

BELIEVE IN CHANGE

Unlock Your True Potential With Life Coaching Services

The Mission of the Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council of South Suburban Cook County Illinois, is to decrease juvenile delinquency in the South Suburbs through:

  • Establishing partnerships
  • Strengthening resources
  • Implementing diversion opportunities

The Vision of the Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council of South Suburban Cook County Illinois, is an empowered & thriving Southland Community with supportive resources & an absence of juvenile delinquency.

Our Commitment to Change

Guided by our mission and vision, we focus on building a brighter future for youth and families through holistic programs and partnerships.

Our Approach

At SJJC, we believe lasting change comes from addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency. Through trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and community collaboration, we empower youth and strengthen families.

Highlights:

  • Holistic programs tailored to individual and community needs.
  • Evidence-based solutions that foster resilience and accountability.
  • Partnerships with schools, organizations, and public safety officials.

Our Impact

Since 2016, SJJC has touched the lives of over 50,000 youth and families, transforming communities through targeted programs that address violence, absenteeism, and mental health.

Key Metrics:

  • 89,000+ students served in South Cook County.
  • $2.5M invested in violence prevention.
  • 2,649 individuals trained in restorative practices.

 

The Justice Reimagined Initiative

Purpose:
To create safe spaces for addressing conflicts and harmful behaviors while promoting healing and understanding among all parties involved.

Key Elements:

  • Facilitated restorative justice circles for conflict resolution and community building.
  • Training programs for educators, law enforcement, and community leaders on restorative practices.
  • Development and implementation of restorative justice curricula in schools.
  • Empowering youth and families to use restorative tools to resolve issues constructively.

Impact:

  • Reduction in suspensions, expulsions, and juvenile arrests.
  • Strengthened relationships within schools and communities.
  • Promoted empathy, accountability, and conflict resolution skills.

Bridges to Safety and Learning

Purpose:
To foster collaboration between schools, communities, and public safety entities to create a unified approach to youth empowerment and safety.

Key Elements:

  • Partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations.
  • Workshops and trainings to align on best practices for youth intervention.
  • Shared resources to address systemic challenges like juvenile delinquency and violence.

Impact:

  • Improved relationships between public safety officials and the communities they serve.
  • Enhanced school safety and reduced youth involvement in the justice system.
  • Increased access to community-based resources and support networks.

The Attendance Advantage Program

Purpose:
To combat truancy and chronic absenteeism by addressing root causes and implementing supportive strategies for students and families.

Key Elements:

  • Development of school-based attendance teams to track and improve attendance.
  • Incentives and initiatives to re-engage students, such as grace periods and attendance rewards.
  • Collaborative approaches involving families, schools, and community partners.
  • Data-driven strategies to identify and address absenteeism trends.

Impact:

  • Significant reductions in truancy rates across partner schools.
  • Re-engagement of students in educational settings.
  • Strengthened family involvement in addressing attendance barriers.

The Career Compass Project

To equip youth with the skills and experiences needed for future employment and leadership opportunities.

Key Elements:

  • Summer Youth Employment Program offering job shadowing, mentorship, and skill-building workshops.
  • Training in areas like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
  • Leadership retreats and programs to develop communication and decision-making skills.
  • Individualized support to address barriers to employment and education.

Impact:

  • Youth gaining valuable work experience and leadership skills.
  • Increased opportunities for youth to pursue higher education or careers.
  • Strengthened confidence and self-sufficiency among participants.

The Resilience Hub

Purpose:
To provide holistic, trauma-informed care to address the mental and emotional well-being of youth and their families.

Key Elements:

  • Access to licensed therapists for individual and family counseling.
  • Mental health workshops and community-wide awareness campaigns.
  • Programs integrating peer counseling and support groups.
  • Partnerships with schools and organizations to offer on-site behavioral health services.

Impact:

  • Reduced stigma around mental health in the community.
  • Improved emotional resilience and coping skills among youth.
  • Increased access to mental health services and reduced behavioral crises.

Our Partners

Collaboration is at the heart of our mission. SJJC works with schools, community organizations, faith-based groups, and local governments to create lasting change. Together, we’re building safer communities and empowering youth to reach their full potential.