NCJ Number
160795
Journal
Juvenile and Family Justice Today Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1995-1996) Pages: 8-9
Date Published
1996
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The Administrative Presiding Judge of the Chicago Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Department's newly created Resource Section discusses ways in which juvenile court judges can advocate for services and resources for children and describes the role and activities of the Resource Section.
Abstract
Advocating for resources to ensure that services required by court orders are provided and that children receive help in complying with probation orders is not an unethical activity for judges. The newly created Resource Section in Cook County (Ill.) focuses on the Court's relationship with the community on behalf of children. The author began defining the section's mission by becoming acquainted with current internal and external efforts to provide services to children and families. She concluded that one of the ways the court could be most effective in increasing service to children would be to expand its mentoring initiatives. Thus, the Resource Section has started developing a comprehensive mentoring network for juveniles declared wards of the court due to delinquency, child abuse, or neglect. The Mentoring Network for Juvenile Court Wards takes advantage of the existing, experienced staff of the volunteer unit in the department of probation and court services. The court's leadership will expand the program by promoting site-based mentoring groups and by encouraging collaborative efforts to develop other special projects. Preliminary responses to the court's efforts on behalf of children and families are positive. Photographs