Youth Justice Transformation in Action: A Blueprint for Youth Justice Reform

Episode: A Blueprint for Youth Justice Reform: Lessons from Juvenile Redeploy Services
Release Date: September 30, 2024
Host: RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Youth Justice Transformation in Action, hosted by the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, John Toole engages in an in-depth conversation with Mark Werner, the Director of Juvenile Redeploy Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County Juvenile Justice Division. The discussion centers around the innovative Juvenile Redeploy Illinois program, its transformative impact on the youth justice system, and the lessons learned from its implementation.

Guest Introduction: Mark Werner

John Toole warmly welcomes Mark Werner, highlighting his extensive experience and long-standing partnership with the RFK National Resource Center. Mark has been a pivotal figure in the youth justice field for over two decades, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to his current role.

Transition to Current Role

Mark Werner shares his journey, detailing his transition from administrative roles within the Circuit Court's Juvenile Probation Department to his current leadership position overseeing Juvenile Redeploy Services. He reflects on how his desire to return to direct youth programming inspired his move, stating:

“I wanted to get back to youth programming. And although administration is an important role, I wanted to focus directly on helping youth.”
[03:41]

Motivations and Background

Mark's unique path into youth justice began with a stint in police work, where he was introduced to restorative justice practices in the early '90s. His personal commitment deepened as a foster and adoptive parent, witnessing firsthand the profound effects of trauma on youth and the difference that supportive adults can make.

“I saw the effects of trauma on youth and how it manifests itself. And I also saw that caring adults and a supportive community can make a huge difference.”
[04:48]

Overview of Juvenile Redeploy Illinois Program

The Juvenile Redeploy Illinois program is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing incarceration rates within the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Operated in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services, the program emphasizes:

• Intensive, evidence-based services
• Individualized treatment for high-risk youth
• Trauma-informed public safety approaches
• Collaboration between courts and community partners

Mark emphasizes the program's flexibility, allowing each jurisdiction to tailor services to fit their community's unique needs:

“Each jurisdiction is given the freedom by the statewide oversight board to develop their own program that fits their community.”
[07:12]

Program Components: Incentive-Based Approach

A standout feature of the Juvenile Redeploy program is its incentive-based environment, a significant cultural shift from traditional consequence-based approaches. Participants earn "Redeploy Bucks" for positive behaviors, which they can redeem for various rewards, fostering behavioral change and engagement.

“We are seeing success using the incentives. We're seeing a lot of changes in behavior and we're seeing some success from our young people.”
[10:51]

Mark also addresses the balance between incentives and necessary sanctions, ensuring that rewards do not negate disciplinary measures:

“There are sanctions also in this Program, we try to balance that out.”
[11:00]

Individualized Treatment Process

The program employs the Yazzie assessment tool to evaluate each youth's strengths and needs, facilitating a wraparound approach that includes voices from families, mentors, and community members. This comprehensive assessment informs personalized success plans:

“Bringing that youth and family voice to the table right in the beginning has been our key to parent engagement and success.”
[13:07]

Budget and Flexibility in Program Development

Flexibility is integral to the program's success. Budgets are allocated for:

• Incentivized rewards
• Essential services (e.g., therapy, art therapy, psychiatry)
• Community activities and non-traditional interventions

Mark highlights the adaptive nature of budgeting, allowing funds to be reallocated as needed to meet emergent needs:

“We make sure that there's money in, and we've actually been using transfers within those line items too.”
[15:10]

Collaborators and Stakeholders

Successful implementation hinges on collaboration with various stakeholders, including:

• State's Attorney and Public Defender Offices
• Judges
• Community-Based Agencies
• Other Redeploy Agencies across Illinois

“Collaboration was the key to this. And the stakeholders were so important in our early success.”
[16:49]

Program Outcomes and Evaluation

The program's effectiveness is continually assessed through partnerships with entities like Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Current evaluation focuses on:

• Reducing incarceration rates
• Enhancing youth and family well-being
• Decreasing recidivism

Mark shares early successes from Cook County, including a notable drop in commitments to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice:

“They have been operating for almost 20 years... not only is there huge cost savings... but also a huge drop in recidivism across the board.”
[30:25]

Challenges Faced

Despite its successes, the program grapples with challenges such as:

• Staff Hiring and Retention: The demanding nature of youth justice work makes hiring and retaining dedicated staff difficult. Adjustments to salaries aim to address this issue.

“Our biggest challenge has been in staff hiring and retention.”
[19:08]

Daily Operations in Hubs

Each day in the redeploy hubs is meticulously structured to provide a safe and supportive environment. Activities include:

• Group and Individual Therapy
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Case Management
• Educational Support
• Recreational Activities (e.g., basketball, movies)
• Guest Speakers and Mentors

“They feel very safe when they're there. They're more concerned when they're back in their community.”
[22:39]

Critical Elements for Success

Mark identifies parent engagement as a pivotal element for the program's success. Engaging families from the outset fosters stronger outcomes for youth:

“We have really noticed a direct correlation between having that parent engaged with that youth and how the success of that youth goes.”
[23:35]

Success Stories and Data

Despite serving some of the most challenging youth, the program boasts impressive outcomes. Recent graduates have successfully completed the program without new arrests or probation violations, underscoring the program's effectiveness in fostering real change.

“If you could find one of those people [youth justice professionals] for every single youth, I could retire with no problem at all.”
[38:44]

Future Aspirations for the Program

Mark envisions expanding Juvenile Redeploy Illinois to cover the entirety of Cook County, striving to eliminate the need for locked institutions by providing comprehensive support within the community.

“My hope is we continue to expand. I hate the fact that we're only in half of Cook county right now.”
[32:36]

Advice for Implementing Similar Programs

For jurisdictions interested in adopting a similar model, Mark advises:

1. Be Methodical in Planning: Engage all levels of stakeholders early and thoroughly.
2. Ensure Stakeholder Buy-In: Especially from the judiciary, prosecutors, and public defenders.
3. Incorporate Implementation Science: Use evidence-based methods and remain adaptable.
4. Include Voices from All Levels: From line staff to community partners.

“Take your time. Go to every level. Make sure that everybody's voice is included in the process.”
[34:35]

Importance of Lived Experience

Incorporating individuals with lived experiences into the program enhances relatability and effectiveness. These individuals serve as mentors and role models, providing invaluable insights and support to the youth.

“We want to make sure that we're using people with lived experience.”
[35:23]

Applicability to Rural and Suburban Areas

The program's principles have been successfully adapted in rural jurisdictions across Illinois, demonstrating its versatility. Emphasis on wraparound services, transportation, and mentoring remains consistent, regardless of the setting.

“Redeploy Illinois is throughout the state of Illinois and a lot of our jurisdictions are rural jurisdictions.”
[36:40]

Final Thoughts and Vision for the Youth Justice System

Mark envisions a youth justice system where every young person has access to dedicated, caring professionals who can guide them towards positive transformation. He underscores the collective responsibility of managers and administrators to recruit, support, and retain such professionals.

“If I could find one of those people for every single youth, I could retire with no problem at all.”
[38:44]

Conclusion

Mark Werner's insights into the Juvenile Redeploy Illinois program offer a transformative blueprint for youth justice reform. By emphasizing collaboration, individualized treatment, and comprehensive support systems, the program stands as a beacon of hope for creating a more equitable and effective youth justice system. Listeners are encouraged to explore the program further through the RFK National Resource Center's resources and consider replicating its success in their own communities.

For more information and resources mentioned in this episode, visit rfknrcjj.org.